Growing Together

The giggling started before daylight this morning. The soft squeal of a baby fully awake and ready to explore the quiet house. I illuminate my phone, 5:30. Around the screen glow, I see small one peeking around the corner of the bed, blanket pressed to cheek, smiling around her finger.

She giggles again and throws arms wide, run walking to arms she knows are waiting. I scoop her up, pressing foreheads close.

Not yet, Sissy Bug. Back to bed. Oh, I don't want to. Let's sneak downstairs while Daddy and big one sleep on. Cuddle under a lofty blanket. Pretend she's staying newborn and snuggly and I'm her favorite forever.

Tough parenting is putting your grinning toddler back in bed and shutting the door. She's still comprehending this rail-less bed, freedom and responsibility. Must stay the course.

Sarah's Senior Thesis

Whew - I came home just in time. Gwenny woke up with a low grade fever and a bloody nose?? Random combination.

Afton and I spent the weekend in Knoxville visiting my sister for her final art exhibit. In three weeks, she's officially a professional ceramist, no longer a student. My parents are almost done with us. Almost.

I couldn't mention my trip before because we were trying to surprise Sarah. Granted she only reads the blog about twice a year, but Murphey's Law dictates that she would read the blog as soon as I hinted the trip. None of that even matters because the surprise didn't work. She just assumed I'd come. She told everyone at the craft center I was coming even though all evidence pointed to the contrary. She knew I couldn't skip her big day.

The show was fantastic! Want to see?

Covered Bakers with Lionfish Detail

"Xray Plates" - Each animal has a raised section showing an Xray image.
My fav - The chicken has an egg.

Every piece of fabric in this quilt was hand dyed. Super cool.

The softer side of Sarah - her linens, again all hand dyed

Bug Mugs - each mug has a different bug inlayed on the porcelain.
I brought one home for Tim.

Set of measuring cups - 1 cup, 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup. This would induce anyone to bake.

Finally, my apron. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. Afterall, I looked at that pattern for months in microscopic anatomy. It's skin, microscopic skin. I love it. It satisfies my nerdy science side and my crafty side at one time. Also, I've wanted a Sarah apron for about 4 years now. She made one for my other sister, and I've been waiting around for mine to appear. It's finally here.

Visiting the craft center wasn't the inspirational moment you might expect. I mostly felt defeated, at least I did while wandering around the gallery. Now that I'm home and more removed from the unattainable artistry, I'm feeling somewhat more inspired. Hopefully, some interesting posts will come out of the beautiful work I saw this weekend.

Sisters!!!

Verdict is in... We're having a girl! YAY!! Let the dress making and nursery decorating begin.

I so badly wanted this baby to be a girl. You might think me selfish, but I was really considering G. My sisters are delights in my life. I have two - both younger, and life would not be complete without them. We grew up giggling late at night playing mancala, riding double on our shared pony, stealing each other's clothes, and overwhelming anyone who dared hang out with all three of us at the same time. I want that experience for G and now for new baby, too.

My sisters and I in New York

Five years ago, my sister and I were in a bombing halfway across the world. I don't know how either of us would have survived if not for each other's support. We were in a hospital in a foreign country an ocean away from the rest of our family, but we had each other. That's what siblings are for. They're your whole life support - the only people around for your entire existence.

I'm so grateful for my sisters, and now, my girls will have each other.