yup. i promised an e.t.s.m. post …just for you, jennygirl.
yet another rainy, gray day, but nevertheless, the glass is never ever half empty. no, it’s full. in fact, there was enough rain today to fill every glass in the entire universe.
with that said, we ventured out today…
1. we enjoyed a cinnamon scone at borders while thumbing through stacks of books and magazines, playing with puppets, listening to michael buble’ croon overhead. there’s something perfectly cozy about a bookstore in a storm…the books, the lighting, the quiet people, the coffee…while just a window-width separates all that comfort from this cold, gloomy scene outside: 
2. …and borders brought us a little surprise. we’ve been searching for a stuffed bunny for lainey…one that actually sits and looks something close to the real bunnies she’s become infatuated with. while passing a post-easter clearance rack (WAY post easter, therefore WAY clearanced), i saw lainey smile at the sight of this, who we just had to adopt and take home:
and, since doing, it’s been in her arms most of the night. LOVE when something makes her this happy.
3. …so loving the way lily grace has her cute little tongue stuck out all the time. just makes me smile.
4. i found an old journal of mine yesterday and got side-tracked reading it…came upon an entry i wrote during my last year in college when i was staying in chicago for a month. i wrote about an awesome leather satchel i had bought downtown that day. …which got me thinking…where is that awesome satchel? a little closet digging last night unveiled the hidden treasure–even softer and more worn than i had remembered–perfect. so it is…my new (old) purse.
5. her impish grin.
6. the way she stands up to my knee, looking up at me with little “hold-me” eyes…simply irresistable.
7. seeing her coming-home dress hanging above her dresser every time i change her and remembering every time just how wonderful bringing home that little tiny baby in that little tiny dress was…
8. finally catching latte mid-laugh today. she laughs…she really does. 
9. saying to brett every single night when i’m putting her to sleep….”i love her room”…and him pretending to roll his eyes because he’s heard me say it a million times…but secretly smiling because, i know, he loves it too.
10. my decision to “let the photos remain” every time i contemplate the clean and simple fridge look. there’s just too many people i love up there. 
11. looking at her once again and despite the two skeeter bites on her face and a mommy-cut-her-bangs-too-short moment…thinking she’s just too absolutely beautiful and perfect to be ours.
we’ll be in illinois until sunday, and although we’ll miss our daddy horribly, we’re so excited to be with brett’s family. they always take such good care of us. pics to come.
…enjoying the small things. ~k
I love the enjoying the small things, especially your smallest “thing”. please don’t make this the last “ETSM” post. That and your “Alex” posts are your signature posts! Love reading the lists.
Great bag! I love finding old things that are like new again. The cheapest way to shop is to go into the back of your closet!
Stupid FL being so far from MI!
LOVE the rain drops on the coffee awning…the pic of lainey looking up at you…all the people you love and can’t take off your fridge…lainey’s chandelier…the satchel…it’s amazing how great life is when we go out looking for beauty.
OK, Kelle…and Carin and all premium quality moms…you would love this. Gary watches lots of the old TV shows and this morning, there was an episode of the Murphy Brown show and it was the birth of her little baby…and, not being too naturally maternal, she was so uncomfortable with this little baby in her arms…talking first with it is strange ways, like an adult talks to an adult…then, a colleague came into the hospital room with a video cam and asked Murphy to just express her feelings as a new mom, and Murphy softly sang these lyrics to her new baby…and it made me cry:
Looking out on the morning rain
I used to feel uninspired…
And when I knew I had to face another day, Lord, it made me feel so tired.
Before the day I met you, life was so unkind, But your love was the key to peace my mind…
Cause you make me feel, you make me feel, you make me feel like
A natural woman.
When my soul was in the lost-and-found, You came along to claim it. I didn’t know just what was wrong with me, Till your kiss helped me name it.
Now I’m no longer doubtful of what I’m living for, Cause if I make you happy I don’t need no more.
Cause you make me feel, you make me feel, you make me feel like
A natural woman.
It was precious…I had forgotten…I think I cried the first time too.
WOW…I had my thoughts all ready to type and then read your Dad’s comment, and WHAM.
All I feel like doing now is grabbing a microphone hairbrush, leaping on my kitchen counter, and belting those words out like Aretha!!
YOUUUU make me FEEL…
YOUUUU make me FEEL!!!
OK, I’l stop now. 🙂
I loved today in Calistoga…rocking Lily to sleep, watching Lainey wave at the cute little boy on the stool (who then told his Mom he wished he had a baby sister), listening to the raindrops fall outside, sitting by the fake fire on comfy chairs, and soaking in my Kellies.
Have a wonderful trip and be safe.
I’ll miss you!!
xoxo
jc
these are all so precious.
what a neat way to record it all…even the little tiny things that add up to so much.
i came over from cjs.
thought i’d say hello.
Your sis has it right…”it’s amazing how great life is when we go out looking for beauty.” Great thoughts on a day when many people would have moped. You have a great knack for doing that very thing. For really seeking joy in all things. I love that.
You have made such a gloomy day, bright with great memories. We haven’t seen the sun since we’ve been home and it’s getting OLD! I miss our walks outside, but Borders is a great idea. Have to venture to AC Moor for a table for AJ. We miss you and can’t wait to see you when you get back. Have a safe trip, and loads of fun!
That bunny is so cute! And I love the picture of LL on the heading/top part of your blog – it may be my favorite picture of her yet 🙂
I love your glass half full attitude……that’s how I am most of the time! Today was a good day because you made it that way!!!!
You are a GREAT mom and a GREAT person…….and most of all girl you are a GREAT GREAT photographer!!! I Love all these pictures….it looks like a great rainy day to me, through your eyes anyway!!!!
want to be with you on your trip…missing my friends.
loving all the photos, love the skeeter bites and bangs,…raindrops and coffee-perfect combo.
xoxo
Kelle, your pictures are gorgeous. You have quite the gift with how you write. Keep it up! It brightens my days to see your great pictures and read about whats going on with you, Brett, the boys and Lainey. She is growing too quickly, don’t you think? Don’t you just want to freeze time?
Another great post. Hope you are having fun. I am in enjoying the sun in England of all places. I had to come her to get away from the rain. Miss you!