Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Stupid phone is dead.

And I am pretty much cut off from the outside world. Will resume communication hopefully tomorrow. . .

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Monkeys

The weather's been grand here, so we've been taking a lot of walks. Samaire got a great little hat and sweater from Cathyfor Christmas, so she's got the perfect cold-busters for our current winter happenings. . . (I also got a new hat!) P.S. She's much happier than she looks here about being outside. She just refuses to be our monkey. Will. Not. Smile. On. Command.


So, we took Samaire to Borders yesterday. As we perused the children's books, Sam spotted a stuffed Curious George. Knowing how I loved the great CG as a kid, he held it up for me to see.

Samaire went CRA-ZEE. Every time Sam held George up, she absolutely shook with excitement.

Needless to say, we went home with a new stuffed monkey. The first toy she ever picked out for herself. She held him all the way home, eventually falling asleep, still grasping his ears in her tiny fists as she dreamt away in the bjorn.


And, in case you are wondering, our girl is committed. She loved him still today. After gazing adoringly at him, she eventually fell asleep like this:



I'm afraid Kieran and Hagan might have some serious competition .... :)

Friday, December 26, 2008

Little Family, Big City

I hope you and your families are all healthy and happy. Safe and warm. Loved.

us on our first christmas day together

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

I know where the sun comes from


I'm two weeks late. This month has been a doozy. I feel like you've bloomed. You talk now and your ever so expressive face now has an equal amount of sounds to match. Your smiles have gotten bigger ... and oh, your laugh. It comes from your toes and I swear it brightens the absolute whole world.

I've been having an especially hard tiem this month. I'm getting ready to go back to work and, well, all those little steps I need to be taking have got me thinking about how these days of you and me are about to become even more precious and far apart. And, there's no other way to put it - my heart is breaking over it. I was always a sort of sensitive soul - crying whenever the "star spangled banner" is played at the baseball games, and at intermission at the musicals your dad take me to. But this, this is different. I honestly feel my heart shatter whenever I think about the day I take that train away from you. Even if it is just for a couple hours. It's a constant ache in my chest now, I'm learning to live with it - but I don't' think it will ever hurt less.

So I've been holding these moments you and I have extra close. And holding you extra close, too. I wake up at night, often, just to watch you. I feel so blessed to have you - I love you so much. And I think you can tell. Sometimes, when you look at me, I think I can see you know it. I hope so.

You said "mama" this weekend. Clear as day. A few times. And seemingly in reference to me. The most obvious time was on Solstice, and i think now it may be my favorite holiday ever. That was the abso-best gift. Of course, each milestone feels that way - your first smile, your first laugh.

But this, I needed this one. And I think you knew that. You're a magical creature, my Sweetums. You know how to put my heart back together.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Samaire welcomes Harper

Samaire welcomes Harper Ophelia Schuster to her ever expanding network of kick-ass friends. She's always wanted to go to Germany.

Congrats to Brandi and Bjorn on their beautiful new baby girl. Much love guys.

S&M&S

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Hairdo





I think she likes it .... :)

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Her (my) new hat

She looks adorable in it, my little babushka. The sides flap down as well - and it looks even cuter. Not to worry, I fear you shall see tons of pics of her in this hat the next few months. In this picture we're walking to the Meat Packing District to my company party. (I wasn't quite ready for a sitter, so they let me bring her. My company ROCKS - more on that later too.) It probably wasn't cold enough for that hat, exactly. But, um, it's ADORABLE.

I also love this photo as it seems we're making the same face. I don't really feel related to her, that she's "of" me, really. I feel like she's this little magical creature I've been given to keep safe. I still wake up in the morning sometimes and check to make sure she's still here ...

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Thursday, December 04, 2008

nothin' to say ... too tired

Photos from our week-long Kansas adventure soon, alas, right now both babe and mama are sick with wicked congestion. We are coughing and sniffling together, and shall live. But moments as this one are rare and fleeting, as I'm now on full cuddle-mode with the puppy.

In news of the good, however, it's Christmas in the city. My favorite time of year. (The plan is to leave the apartment this weekend (at last!) and see some of it. Wish for clear noses so we can do just that.

And, until the latest post-apocalyptic sinus infection/crazy awful cold - the babe could sit up all on her own! I have a feeling she still can, but haven't seen evidence between the whimpers and cries.

Lastly - caring for a sick bay is at once heartbreaking and endearing. I have never seen her be so sad so consistently, and it breaks my heart. But, true to form - she still tries so hard to be happy - cooing and laughing for her daddy when he comes home. And the snuggling. Oh, the snuggling! *sigh* I just wish it were under better circumstances.

Love you all! Miss you already - the Sniffling Stiers Girls