Category Archives: motherhood

three and a half

twins-baby-shoes

 

It’s so cliché and so true–time passes by at warp speed when you have children. The days are long, but the years are short, as the saying goes. It seems like yesterday that Marie + Henry were wearing these shoes, and now they are encased in glass. I look at them every day in disbelief – were their feet really that small?! Three has proven to be a trying age (the terrible threes is a thing)…but despite the tantrums and sibling squabbles, they are happy and well-behaved little people. They’re currently very arts-oriented, with painting, crafts, music and dance being their favorite activities. Most days are spent giggling, which is something I wish we could all hold onto. Happy half birthday my babies. Let’s not rush four, ok?

three!

henryetmariethree

 

Three. Our babies are three. As you can imagine, I’m feeling very emotional about it…they are growing up way too fast. With our lives still very much a beautiful chaos, it was important for me to make time to capture this milestone on camera. Before the cake, before the birthday festivities (next weekend)…just some time together, along with my lens.

 

marieatthree

henrysmiling

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trois

typography-tattoo

 

This is not a traditional Mother’s Day post. This is the story behind my most recent tattoo. A tattoo that represents many things to me, including my identity, my love story and…my children. The number three (trois, in French) has always been significant in my life, but only became evident to me when I met my husband. Suddenly, it was like the pieces of my own personal puzzle were finally coming together. Fast forward (three) years, and I was pregnant with twins. My body became a sanctuary for two human beings to grow and thrive in. Three of us, as one. While we no longer share my body, my beautiful children, Henry et Marie, will always be a part of me, until the day I die. I still have a hard time comprehending the concept, the reality, the gift–three years later. Yes…as luck? would have it, this happens to be my third Mother’s Day.

happy mother’s day

calligraphy by neither snow | inked by mike ski | photography by ashley ludaescher

bon weekend

traveling-with-kids

 

Our passports are ready + waiting, our (airbnb) apartment is booked, and our suitcases will soon be emerging from the attic. We’re counting down the days until we leave for France, and what will be Henry + Marie’s first flight! Nothing like an 8-hour flight to break them in, eh?! Not nervous at all, nope (insert nervous teeth emoji here). Even though I’ve been researching and planning for this event since they were born, it is still very daunting, especially with twin toddlers. However – many of my favorite articles + posts prove that not only can it be done, but it can actually be enjoyable. I’m on a personal mission to prove that point. Until I do, and can share my own experience + advice, I thought I would share a few of my favorite resources from around the web. Have you flown with your kids? Tips + tricks are welcome!

BON WEEKEND!

traveling with kids

tips for flying with kids

traveling with kids: air

20 tips for flying with kids

flying with a baby or toddler

the toddler bed transition

toddler-bed-assembly

 

Last weekend we said goodbye to cribs and hello to toddler beds. I’m not gonna lie – it was an emotional event for me. They were ready, but I was never going to be. We had actually purchased the beds last year, wanting to have them ready and waiting for when the time came. With only one climbing out incident (by the wild child Marie), we waited as long as possible, not wanting to disturb their amazing napping/sleeping patterns. But lifting almost 30 lbs. of kids (times two) in and out of cribs 3+ times a day was taking a toll on our backs, and considering some upcoming travel plans that require sleeping in bigger beds, we felt it was time. We talked about it for a few months, read books, and showed them pictures of their new beds….they were excited and looking forward to freedom. Needless to say, mommy + daddy were a bit scared.

 

marieandbed

 

The decision of toddler vs. twin beds was a laborious (and very personal) one. After intense consideration, we realized toddler beds made the most sense for us (if you’re a parent, you know how hotly debated this issue is). It mostly comes down to space for us, as Henry + Marie share a room, and we want it to look/feel spacious for as long as possible. Also, in my opinion, going from a crib to a twin bed is a bit scary for a child, even with bed rails protecting them from falling. When you try to imagine the world from their perspective you realize how giant things can seem. Cost is a big reason many skip the toddler bed and opt for a twin, but we felt it was worth it for a smoother transition, more space, and the same (costly) mattresses. Our hope is that they can be in these for at least 2-3 years, before making the jump to twins.

 

henryinbed

 

Their immediate reactions were joyous, and they wasted no time taking them for a test drive. Since the beds we chose have some enclosure, they felt cozy enough without all the bars to surround them. The first attempt at nap time was a joke – they were just way too excited about their new freedom. However, the first night was a total success, whew…they didn’t fall out or get scared, and even stayed in bed until we came to get them in the morning! By the third day they were settled into their new routine, and normal naps resumed (insert collective parental sigh here). Overall, the transition was pretty smooth + seamless! I’d love to hear your stories…when did you make the switch, or are you considering it now?

p.s. – clothing c/o burts bees baby (in case you’re curious)

p.p.s. – stay tuned for the full reveal of their toddler room makeover!