happy retro mother's day

This vid is not from Mother's Day. It's from August or September of 1978. There is a very cute baby in it, and a very happy mama. The baby is me. The mama is my mama—Lil's Granmary. And I'm pretty sure this is one of the only time my mom and I appear on film together. So this post is less for sharing and more for posterity.

california calling, pt. 2

This next installment takes us south to San Diego for the second leg of our journey. We spent a few sunny days on the beach, and spent an overcast Saturday at Legoland California. I was hoping we would be able to take Lil to the San Diego Zoo or Sea World, but she was battling pink eye for a few days, so we stayed close to our home base. Mostly we just lounged on the terrace, basked in the sun, and enjoyed the oceanfront view.

insane cuteness

super insane cuteness

post-nap yogurt, beachside

beautiful Beco baby at Legoland

aboard the Legoland tour boat

and one more of Baby Sista. Just cuz.

california calling, pt. 1.

We took our first trip as a family of four last month, and despite a weary plane ride, it was a joy. I don't know if it's just being out of Brooklyn, or if California really is a golden land of happiness and sunshine, but we all enjoyed ourselves. No one more than Lil, of course. Our first stop was Santa Cruz, where we surprised Uncle Jeremy, Josie and Liam (Aunt Sarah knew we were coming). Daddy has footage of how we completely shocked Josie, and I hope to swipe in from him soon enough. In the mean time, I have some amazing photos that I didn't take (Dada had camera duty this trip), all ready to share. I honestly cannot share them all at once because they are so beautiful I might just slap someone. So we'll do little bites.

Lil became a sand worshiper

queuing up for Lil's first amusement park ride, Bulgy the Whale

with cousin Josie on the flying dragons

riding again with Mama

happy dance for sprinkle time

girls gleefully getting sprinkled upon in the garden

the wet look

I just caaaaaann't with this girl.

(And thank you to Eban for capturing Lil's loveliness... and you even got one or two decent shots of her mama too, which we know can be a challenge!)

weary wee flipperling

Lil got these duck slippers for her first birthday, and although they're a novelty item, I can't convince her to take them off. Or put anything else on. I doubt that has much to do with the ducky slippers though...

motions

I'm not exactly sure how, but the little one managed to roll over then move herself from 3 o'clock to about 9 o'clock. And she did all that before getting dressed and putting on makeup.

roll call

So for the time being I've kind of moved over to instagram to keep track of pics, since I barely have time to pick up a non-phone camera, let alone edit and upload any shots. So here's my instangram "roll" that's all saved to my phone (in no particular order). I did pick up a real camera today, so here's hoping I can get a chance to upload some beautiful shots of these lovely little ladies soon.

hugs with pats

let me in!

PSYOP bebe

PSYOP sisters

Easter artwork, printmaking and drizzles

Dino bones with dada, at AMNH

Playdoh Snake

flash baby

wiggle your big toe

ponytail

first bump, courtesy of Lil

waiting for sleep

pigtails, circa 16 months old

mornings

braid, circa 2 years + 2 months

ducky girl

comforting Piggy

"this goes on your head"

late day play

smoosh

January

handmedowns from Leo

Maileg mousie takes Calico Critters for a hayride on the Little People tractor