Sweet Baby D You Will Always Be

My baby will be two.  How can that be?  I feel like I can remember the morning you were ready to come see us, come into this world.  It was July 4, 2010.  I thought I had a stomach ache from the cookout the night before.  It was labor.  I slept through it, although not very fitfully.  Your aunts Jo and Sharon came to take care of Simon before Grandma Kathy came from Boulder to watch after him while I managed cramps and labor as best I could waiting for you to arrive.  They called an hour after we called to say it was time, asking it we wanted anything from McDonalds.  We almost laughed.  No no no.  Just get here.  This guy is coming and soon.  As soon as they arrived we kissed and hugged Simon with all that was left of an only child love.  My water broke at eleven and you arrived at two thirty or so.  My epidural was so strong the nurses and midwife had to tell me when to push.  It felt like three pushes (I'm sure it was more) and you were out.  A beautiful 9 pound 4 ounce baby boy.  Long long fingers.  Hair.  Your brother was so excited to see you and hold you and meet you and you've been thick as thieves ever since.  You lost a pound before we went home.  Then the kidney, or lack thereof.  You're a thriving, beautiful, amazing, smart, hilarious, little guy.  Nobody would ever know the stress of your first year but us.  So what, one kidney.  Look at you!  You're an amazing kid.  You're growing and you're changing and you're on in 365 billion.  I love you to the moon and back little Duncan Ainsley.  You continue to amaze me every day.  I will always love you like I did the first moment I laid eyes on you.

-Momma

Big Things

My littlest is turning two on Wednesday and I can't even believe it.  I miss that totally dependent baby stage more than I thought I could and yet I am so totally in love with Duncan as a two year old (almost) and Simon as a 4 year old.  They are good boys; they play well, mostly, and help out when they can.  They laugh a lot and are happy. What isn't to love.  Still trying to find a reasonable preschool for Simon...I contacted one here that was $8000 a year.  People pay that for preschool?  Seriously, that's more than a year of college.

June started so slowly and then now, July in an hour.  Our move to Portland has been postponed, at least a year.  We had a yard sale and Simon had a lemonade stand.  Now my focus has been on this birthday party and listening to as much streaming Phish as I can (much to Greg's chagrin!)  Maybe I'll get to see them again on fall tour.  It is just so hard with the boys and only one car and shows alone just aren't as much fun.  Just have to make it though this next week and I can relax!

Thinking of making this salted caramel cheesecake for Greg's birthday the 8th...just when to make it...http://pinterest.com/pin/87820261453496379/

A few pretties for your viewing pleasure :-)  Happy rest of your weekend.

Potato, oh Potato

I've been on a no potato diet for 6 weeks and was seriously craving some starchy lovely creamy goodness like only a potato can provide.  I threw some ingredients from the garden together and made this.  Try and see if you love it as much as we did!

Parmesan Herb Red Potatoes

2 tbsp olive oil
12-14 small red potatoes, cubed and boiled
10 basil leaves, chopped
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (I was informed this was a little too much garlic.  I disagree!)
Small handful fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp. parmesan
salt and pepper to taste
bacon bits, if desired

Cook potatoes.  Meanwhile combine all ingredients in a large bowl.  Mix it up.  Enjoy!

The Many Ways to Sleep

 Duncan is the master of sleeping when and wherever he is.  Evidence....

Mother's Day 2012

 Mother's Day again, with two boys who love me so.  I couldn't have asked for more in my life.  They are my loves, my all.  My wild things.  My bad day hugs.  My gray hairs and my laugh lines.  Love you so Duncan and Simon.

Things I Grow

lupine

purple columbine

allium

sunflower

jacob's ladder

echinacea

hosta

strawberry

hydrangea

chives

columbine

hibiscus

delphinium