I woke up early to thunder this morning, the room still dark, everyone asleep and the pleasant realization that I not only had a couple more hours to sleep, but a soundtrack of falling rain to accompany it. I can’t think of a better way to wake up in the middle of the night–except maybe snow on Christmas Eve. It’s our rainy season right now, and storms roll in just about every day, usually in the afternoon but sometimes perfectly timed for magic–like weekend mornings when prolonged dark skies whisper “Slow down, make pancakes, light candles.”
Dash, usually my best sleeper and the easiest to go down at night, woke up during a storm earlier last week, terrified by the thunder. I could feel his heart racing against my chest and the urgency in his voice. “Boom-boom, ‘cared,” he cried as he pointed to the window and gripped me a little tighter. He wanted far away from his crib, away from the possibility that I might put him back in there, and so we walked away while I patted his back and assured him that everything was okay, that I wasn’t going to leave. He eventually fell back asleep and the thunder subsided, but he’s cried about Boom-booms every night and nap since, pointing to the window even in the sunniest of skies insisting he’s “‘cared.” And we are putty in his hands. We are being milked for every ounce of sentimentality we have, and we have SO MUCH to give. Moral of the story: we’re screwed. Farewell, quiet layer-downer, precious go-to-sleeper.
Between storms, we enjoyed lots of small things this weekend.
Early morning beachcombing.
Post tooth-brushing snuggles.
New jellyfish finds.
A quiet day at Isle of Capri.
Florida dandelion (sea oats) blowing.
Just a little Sunday mornin’ paper reading.
Colorful fruit stands.
Colorful dominoes.
Aiming high.
Watching a mama duck work so hard to keep her ducklings safe and close, trying to maintain the perfect balance between “push them” and “coddle them.” I tossed her a scrap of bread and was all “I feel ya, sister.” And she had 8 to keep in line!
Hope your long Labor Day weekend was cozy. We’re breaking all the rules and wearing white from here on out because we’re rebellious like that.
Love to read about the kids. Beautiful pictures capture so much about them!!!
Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful family 🙂 beautiful weekend 🙂
Who made up that rule for White Pants….I agree with you 100% …
Oh, Kelle… that photo of Nella mid-kiss… it’s breathtaking. So perfect. You’ve captured the end-of-summer memories so perfectly (as always); I also love the picture of Dash walking and reading the paper. He looks like a little old man! 🙂
I wore my white shorts today, because it’s HOT here! Hot weather = summer. I do remember that rule well and scrambling around on Sunday morning after Labor Day trying to find something besides white shoes as a teenager!
That newborn in your profile pic is KILLING me. So precious!
Thanks Kelle. That’s Ava Pearl. She’s our second granddaughter and is now 3! We have a grandson who is 8 months old. I need to update my photo, but I love this one.
The picture of Lainey flipping her wet hair is amazing! I LOVE your blog.
Long time reader first time commenter.
just thought id let u know Kelle like the meny others out there that ur writing is verg uplifting I always look forward to reading once my kiddies are tucked up tight for nap time.ur weather looks some what the same as what we get here on the goldcoast in Australia. Afternoon storms and surprise night time sleeping soundtracks to doze to.
I absolutely love your photographic journaling. Even without your captions, the photos speak their story.
Where do you get Nella and Dash’s sandals? They are so comfortable looking. My grandson hates shoes and with winter coming on, I’m a little desperate to find good shoes that fit his high-arched, wide feet. Any suggestions are welcome.
Grandson is 19mos, btw, so toddler sizes are what I am looking for. 🙂
Look up Saltwater Sandals. We buy them in every size–so durable and wear-with-everything!
So many great captures.. Nella and her doll:) The swoosh of hair..reading the paper..lol too cute all of them.
You have such a great eye.
Delightful words. Delightful photography. Delightful.
This post made me feel so warm and cozy, even in the continuing heat here in Maryland! Definitely a sign that, despite all the humidity, fall is approaching soon.
Seriously do you ever have weather that requires long sleeved tops? Are you in the land of the forever sun?? Beautiful post as usual, just what I needed.
Ha–December-February, we get some chilly days. And I wait all year from them! Can’t wait to break out a sweater, even if it’s only one day a year.
OMG… the photos of Dash reading the paper and Nella walking with him…. too cute!! The pic of Lainey flipping her hair too!! 🙂
From your blog, I gain an aspect on a state that I try to spend as little time in as possible (no offense). My conclusion: Florida is good for one season – summer. And I just don’t know how I’d make it through the 24/7/365 without my other three seasons.
Kelle, I always love your posts! I’ve been reading them for years now and they always cheer up my day.
I do want to let you know though that bread can hurt ducks! It swells in their bellies and can make them very sick. 🙁 I know you mean well, always. Just thought you would appreciate the heads up!
Warmly, Jessica
Your photography is always so beautiful – your children are going to grow up not only with the most wonderful memories, but also with stunning photos that perfectly preserve those memories for them, like snailshells compressed by fathoms over centuries into perfectly detailed permanence. They are lucky ducks, indeed. And you are so blessed to be their mother, and I love how it’s so clear in your posts that you never forget that. I always love coming to your blog – it’s a golden moment in the day for me, a little pocket of sweetness and calm. I never come away without feeling a little bit lighter, a little bit lifted. Your words and your photos are beautiful, but I think your heart must be even more so. Much love from England. Cheryl xxx