this moment

While trying to get everyone ready for bed one night Sydney was having one of her fits of exhaustion.She was so ready for a bottle and bed, but Dad and Mom were busy. I dressed Bella and handed Sydney to her and asked her to hold her and most times she declines but I didn't give her much of a choice. As Sydney wailed Bella started to rub her little head and whisper to her and eventually I heard Sydney calming and Bella's quite tune. It wasn't much of a song just a quiet hum with some tired mumbles mixed in. But for these two little sisters it was a welcome moment of sweet nurturing love. I peeked every now and then to see Bella, kiss her, sing and "shh" her; it was heart melting. When I came back ready to feed and rock Sydney I found them staring at each other, Sydney lingering on Bella's rhythmic hum. That look in Sydney's eyes of complete adoration of her big sister is stilled in my memory, I hope it lasts forever.

My Bella

Dear Bella,

Our lives are especially crazy lately, and if anyone needs a routine it is you. With so much going on and no real schedules you've had the hardest time adjusting. But as long as your given lots of attention then a smile fills your face.

Lately you've been really into singing songs, whether it is "itsy bitsy spider" or made up songs "rainbow" and "car-a-wat", I love hearing your voice as you sing high and low and dance in the spotlight. Daddy likes to joke that you are my shopper and I must admit he is right, I love going shopping with you and hearing your "I like this" to everything that sparkles. Fortunately, you don't get too heart broken when we can't buy your "I want's", well unless it is a baby doll then we hear your broken heart loud and clear. 

You need snuggles to fall asleep and your thumb is your very bestest friend. I have to remind myself that cuddles with you are often forgotten after cries and bottles for your sister are attended to, but often that is when you need them the most. I've caught you on a couple occasions whispering to your sister "She's my mommy too." I know going from the youngest to the middle child can't be easy or much fun, but although you sure show your dramatics more often, you never direct anything but love to your baby sister. I notice your frustration as you step onto the verge of independence, and it must seem in some respects as if you were pushed there. You, it seems, would have happily played hand in hand with Mommy all your life and sometimes you still do. Wanting to be the closest to Mommy and getting pouty lips when little Sydney has beaten you to it. Life is hard and being 2 is all the harder as you figure out the whys and struggle with the nos.

Before long you will be three and I am already amazed at our little smarty. You love books, and letters (and know most of them), you like to count and pick out colors. Your love for learning is evident, as you gaze with wide eyes when your being taught something new. I hope you continue on that path and the world will be yours to explore. What a wonderful world we have and how blessed we are that we get to help you as you discover it. I am so proud of you Bella your soft nature of loving all those around you still lingers as you gain confidence and assurance of your capabilities. Sometimes I wish I could hold you tight and stop time, I know the little things that drive me crazy now, I will miss years from now and I wish for nothing more then the patience to remember that you are little and will be for such a short time. Stay little, little Bell.

Love,

Mommy

Pumpkin Patch

On a windy fall day in October we took a trip to the Pumpkin Patch with the Martins.
We missed Daddy, he was sick at home, but had a great time picking our pumpkins!

Sydney was questioning what all the fuss was about.

But once Connor and Bella saw the hay ride they were over the moon with excitement. 

And Connor was enamored with the stick that his Uncle Joe discovered.

Bella was a typical 2 year old and started off our pumpkin picking with tantrums.

Connor picked out a pumpkin just for Mommy. He was so excited and heartbroken when I didn't get it.

Bella was very picky as she searched for the perfect pumpkin.

"Too hard." "Too dirty." "Too green." "Too orange." 

-Bella

Connor on the other hand,

"This one.. No this one. I like both of these. Oh wow I need a big one. Ahh a scary one I want that one too. A big and scary one!"

Sydney didn't mind the wind and just slept on Nana's snuggly shoulder.

Finally the wind picked up and gave us a hint that it was time to say goodbye. So we gathered our pumpkins and waited to ride back.

We love hay rides.

 It was a sweet and perfect little day out.

Daddy loved the pumpkins Connor and Bella picked and we all can't wait to carve them!

A Beach Daycation

At the start of October we escaped away for a day at the beach. Taking in the ocean waves, wet sand, and walks on the boardwalk.

This is actually an annual tradition for my family. We always went off season growing up; and loved mini golfing, beach exploring, and local dining. Fortunately the Martins invited us along for a beach day and we loved every minute.

Even the drive over the bay bridge was nostalgic.

Before we set out on the beach we grabbed a bite to eat. But it was hard to concentrate on food. We were SO excited.

Feeling Festive

The kids had their very first beach greeting and it couldn't have been sweeter. Or wetter.

Can you tell he is happy?

Even Syd found the beach waves calming and enjoyed a long nap with my Mom on the beach, while we all got to play.

Daddy and Bella went on a little walk looking for seashells, they only found a little baby seashell though. I'll have to teach them the true art of seashell searching next time.

Wave surfing or dipping was our favorite thing (it was hard to keep these two still while enjoying the waves).

Obviously Connor was all about beach exploring.

Amberlee and I couldn't resist a sister shot. Wind blown, sea salted hair; but we Martin girls love the beach!

Bella loved spying and chasing the birds.

She is focusing on the birds here,
until the waves surprise her and crash into her.

After awhile Bella got the chills with the wind blowing and water cooling down. Fortunately, Amberlee was there to rescue her.

This was Shea's first trip to the Atlantic Ocean and it was a chilly but beautiful day to enjoy it. I loved seeing this Idaho boy ("I'm not really a beach fan.") sucked into the beach experience. How could you not LOVE the beach?

Joseph and I did a little sand crab hunt

Don't mind the Hulk Slammer
 photo bombing the picture. 

Can you spy him?

Shea was very into sandcastle building; and my brother Joseph, Connor and myself even joined in for a little bit.

Sandcastle #1 after the waves deemed it finished ...

My favorite thing is just taking it all in ...

And well the sticks are pretty awesome too.

And then Bella gave us a clue that we were done.

After clothing changes (YAY for being over-prepared!) we were off to the BOARDWALK.

I remember on our annual trips as a kid we would take a ride in this Haunted House every time. It was closed for the season but it sure was fun seeing it exactly the same as it always has been.

Syndey woke up to all the bright lights and noise and kinda loved it.

One of our favorite stops since forever has always been to the Ocean Gallery. We loved looking through all the paintings and thanks to Mom I even got a little something to hang up at home.

After our sand castling today it was fun to see the sand creations displayed by the boardwalk. Dang he's good.

Then we were off to mini golf pirate style. It was nice taking a break from the cold weather that was dipping pretty fast now that the sun was down.

The kids love golfing and exhausted as we all were we couldn't leave without a trip to a local favorite BJ's On the Water. It was delish! But loud with the band playing, despite the high volume of the restaurant though Connor couldn't help but zonk out. And that left Bella with all the spaghetti. What a lucky girl. And I even made Shea was jealous of my crab cakes that were fresh and scrumptious, I only wish there was more. 

We said our goodbyes and with some caffeine in tow we made the late and long trip home. Which poor Shea had to do with a sleeping wife. When we did get home Shea was adamant that everyone clean off before bed because he wanted no sand in our beds. So baths were had and then we all snuggled up together for a well earned sleep.

*If only kids didn't wake at 7 AM despite exhaustion.