Milk wagon.

Today I was reading about 4-month milestones for baby and other interesting tidbits when I came across some tips for how to help  your baby transition from breast to bottle if you want to make that switch.  By the way, I am not planning to make the switch because I am too lazy.  But, I came across this sentence which totally blew my mind.  I have never heard this, and I don't know how they know it is true, but here it is...

"Your baby can smell your milk from at least 20 feet away, so it may be best to remove the temptation, even by leaving the house."


WHAT?!  My baby can smell my milk from at least 20 feet away?  That is insane.  I feel more like a dairy than ever now.  And the wording that I am a temptation for my baby is so funny to me.  Such a temptress!

Wisdom.

I have loved reading comments from my last post about bows.  I love you friends, not just for making me feel like I am not a completely lame mom, but also for giving me new perspectives into mothering.  I feel like all your responses could and should be published for the world to read.

Seriously.  

I love it. 

I'm feeling more confident already.  So don't be surprised if you see Harper wearing some pretty fancy finery in the future.  Also, don't be surprised if you don't see her wearing some pretty fancy finery, because I'm pretty lazy.  But I will know that y'all have my back either way.  For that, I love you all.  And right now I might break into song:  "That's What Friends are For!" 

My life is a music video.

Do you ever hear a song and think it is the perfect soundtrack for your day?  Yep, me too.  My playlist is going to tell you how I'm feeling lately.  What I want to say to my kids, what I feel secretly in my heart, or what I want to sing out loud while driving at high speeds.

Who knew Dave Grohl would sing my motherhood anthem?

A word about bows.

Note:  I am leaving the children's faces out of these images to protect their identity.  

Alright.  Anyone who knows me well also knows that I have never liked big bows on little babies.  They have been known to be called them "brain squishers" amongst my sisters, close friends, and myself.  Of course I continued to refer to them as such while I had 4 little boys.  Then suddenly, a girl is born in the Lambert household, and I am now so conflicted!  

Confession:  Sometimes I like them.  

Now let me elaborate.  I think as with everything, there is such thing as over the top.  BUT, last week I had Harper wear a plain headband with a simple little daisy attached to it.  It was darling.  Let me relay my Relief Society neighbor's comments to you.  (The carseat where Harper was sleeping was facing away from her when I first sat down.)

Sister so-and-so:  "Oh, she's getting so big!  You don't have her wearing one of those brain-squishers do you?"

Me, turning Harper around sheepishly:  "Yes, we get all dressed up on Sunday, right?"

Sister so-and-so:  "Oh my gosh!  I HATE those things!  I think they are just horrible!"

Okay.  Thank you for that.

Next experience.  Last night we traveled to Ogden to celebrate my awesome mama's birthday.  It was Sunday, and Harper was wearing a plain white headband.  May I note that it was NOT TIGHT, nor was it gaudy.

Aunt so-and-so:  "Oh no!  Have  you got her wearing one of those brain squishers?!  I just can't stand those things!  When (her granddaughter, who shall remain unnamed) brings her daughter over with those things on her head, we pull them off as soon as she leaves!"

At this point, Harper, who has been sleeping, begins to stir.

Aunt so-and-so:  "Ohhhhh, poor baby!  Is that thing squishing your brain?"

Okay.  Not sure how to respond.  I did remove the headband, but now I'm wishing I would have gone and gotten some massive flower to attach to it at that point.

So what is the moral of this story?  I don't really know yet.  I'm still sorting out so many girl-baby issues right now.  I will say that as with any preconceived notion any of us has in life, it is bound to be challenged at some point, and we may even have to admit that we are wrong.  

As for big bows, I don't know what it is about them that gets people's danders up, but it's kind of funny.  Kind of, now that it's me they are accusing of child abuse by using them in my first and only daughter's hair!  Step off, people!  I don't know what I'm doing here! And I didn't know so many people would share their opinion with me!

Another summer come and gone...

Looking back over the summer is maybe more fun than actually living it.  Isn't that sad?  I have recently felt myself rising from the haze that encompasses post-partum days, grateful for cooler temps and a baby who sleeps all night.  In short, I'm starting to feel like myself again.  Phew.

Here is a sampling of our summer adventures:

In June, the Olsen family took a trip to the Oregon Coast.  We basically reenacted our childhood trips there minus the tent-trailer, (beach house instead)!  Digging in the sand, jumping in the ocean totally clothed, Mo's, Aunt Belinda's, kites, tidepools, and Andy making us laugh.  It was the best time.

I was able to teach some art this summer, which makes me crazy but happy.

The fourth of July was festive.

Jason ran the Logan Peak race- a 28 mile ultra trail marathon. I passed a kidney stone the same day, so I think we had about the same amount of fun.  ;)

Lots of neighborhood friend time.  Karaoke in the front yard, lemonade stands, and hanging out.

We camped overnight with Kate and Andy at Bear Lake.  It was a quick trip, but so fun.  The kids were in heaven with all the dirt, water, sun, and junk food.

Our annual trip to Bellingham was absolutely gorgeous.  We had weather in the 70's the whole time, perfect for relaxing at the lake, which we did every day for about a week straight.  We also had the luxury of traveling to and from the reunion in the PROBAR RV, which is totally sweet.  Thanks to Jules and Sara for letting us tag along!

Harper met lots of new family members in Washington!  She liked them all.

We came home in time to welcome little Hudson Blue, my sister Jaime's new baby.  He is so absolutely precious.  I am so happy for her!

Leslie and Zee made their annual pilgrimage to Utah, which was a complete blast.  I love Leslie, Zee and family.  They are the easiest people in the world to get along with, and we had such a great time at Bear Lake, the pool, and just hanging out.  

Back to school?!  I'm not sure where the summer went until I look back over these photos!  We sure crammed a lot into a couple of short months.  No wonder I'm so tired.

The most awesome thing happened in June.  My college roomies Becca, Jenni and Rose came for lunch one day.  Words cannot express how much I needed this visit.  It was so good to see these girls and attempt to catch up and reminisce all in one afternoon.  There is never enough time, and we vowed to do it again, but it is harder now with 12 kids between the 4 of us.  (Okay, most of those are mine.)

I don't know how much I thought about it at the time that I took these photos, but as I was editing, I realized how beautiful they are.  My best girlfriends' daughters holding my new little daughter.  I wish for each of them that they may find friends in life like I have.  My friends are my estate.