Lyda

Shoot!  this is terrible.  but cute...
 - when the little lady flew down stairs bare-bottom grasping for the pink balloon daddy carried through the door, i prayed for just one clear shot.

 Hello world!  here's two!

   bobo says "precocious ( = bold, advanced, bright, cheeky, nervy, sassy)." - it fits.
you are indeed precocious.
   you are also vibrant, animated, funny, happy, & sometimes the reverse.  expressive - yes.  with precise delivery you leave little to the imagination.  we know your moods, and answer "how high?" when you say, "jump!".
   your cuteness demands our attention, and i'm certain you too will radiate your brother, or "dude's," charm.
   i love hearing you talk. "I of you," is a current favorite.  others are ("sis sis, duuu/ewar ( = dude/ edward), momma are you?, snaaa (snack), pooty poo, no)
   you laugh!  and, you love to hear yourself laugh.  we love to hear you laugh.  it's infectious.
   you're stubborn and fiercely independent.  this morning we were 45 minutes late to school because you were determined you would poo poo on the potty sans child potty seat.  it didn't happen, as i aborted this milestone, but i've little doubt you will accomplish this goal soon.
   it's all about mimicking sis sis and edward.  you see yourself as their equal.  adorable, though cause for anxiety when you enter the teenage years.  in the moment, however, it's a favorite passage of time - so much fun to watch.

   a perfect pairing  

lyda, we adore you.
keep illuminating our lives with that precious smile and your unique self.
i should have just titled this 'lyda,' and left it at that.  no words - just photos and the title, "lyda."
your name - it's all the traits mentioned above compacted in a name.
"lyda."  it just fits...
Happy Birthday You!

Florida in June

Edward's actual birthday

 He's five!!!

no way to know how the story will unfold, but currently these two are a mess!
an entertaining mess

five years

Finally. A Proper Party

The first birthday - i admire all who do this - but the thought of slightly, socially awkward me mobilizing a party for my one year old who has no friends is a little contradictory.
Year two - thoughts similar here, but we were day two into our Boston year, so tough to make happen anyway
Year three - day two into year back in Memphis
Year four - i vowed i'd make it work - though i failed, and we were in nantucket - so a party wasn't all that feasible.  plus, my sweet boston friend threw him an intimate gathering of a party.  it was great.  perfect for any guy turning four.

which brings us to now...

Year 5

a complete success!  mind you, this is by my definition of success.  I don't set the bar all that high when it comes to party planning.  Though i was really happy in how it all turned out, and my dude was all smiles during and the days following.  

chaos and madness -  this seemed to be the token of success.  fortunately i have a talent in producing both.

"ninja"  

we're not sure where this theme originated - but it is what he wanted, so this is what we did

and to add to the madness...

the piñata 

the loot

the party car

every kids' birthday needs one

 my poor mom has been close to crippled for what's going on 10 weeks now.  a torn meniscus possibly, or something a little more serious?  she had an MRI friday, which hopefully will explain the cause of some pretty debilitating pain in her knee.  anyway.  with her two crazy friends, all were able to enjoy the flurry of fun in the front yard.

those he loves

we love you buddy!

happiest of birthdays...