Be Mine

Try as I might, I cannot find anything wrong with a day dedicated to celebrating love.  How could that possibly be wrong?  So, Hallmark holiday or not, on February 14th we are decked out in red & pink like the rest of the world.  

"Hold up the love banner."  It was a daunting request, apparently.

The day before Valentines Day, we had such a failed attempt at a love-themed photo shoot that it was laughable.  Seriously.  Sydney's hair was soaking wet from swimming with Ashley after school.  You weren't wearing a hint of red, but your shirt and skirt are covered in hearts...so it counts, right?  You weren't cooperating.  And Sydney was mad.  She just wanted to jump on the trampoline.  It made me wonder if I'd someday regret putting you girls through these things from time to time.  But looking back on these, I doubt it.  Angry face, wet hair, back of your head...it doesn't matter.  It's all beautiful to me.

Some actual, unprompted, love.

There's an entire section where homemade props are broken and lying on the ground.  Sydney is pouting.  And you are taking it all in.  I love the way you watched her every move, taking her cue on how to behave in this situation.  

This wasn't what I was going for.  But it's real and honest.

More like it. 

Valentines Day also marked your first lollipop tasting.  You didn't know what to make of the sticky thing.  You didn't seem to be crazy about the flavor, chewed on the handle a bit, and handed it back to me.  I can't say I'm heartbroken to see that you don't love candy.  I'm actually quite proud.  Now your love for chocolate?  You come by that honestly.

On actual Valentines Day, I remembered I had a vintage, handmade dress that was perfect for the occasion.  I just wasn't sure it would fit.  It was perfection!  Short and swingy.  You couldn't stop lifting it and twirling in it and swishing the skirt around.  I now want to dress you in short, vintage dresses every day of your life!  

Dress perfection.  I only wish I had taken some better photos that day.  Oh well.  It's better than none.

I was so busted.  You knew I had a clip in your hair and you were not going to stand for it!

Swinging and twirling.

Tiny hearts...wonder if it will fit next year?

Heart-shaped, red velvet whoopie pies, in the making.

Sydney's bubble Valentines this year.

What do you mean I can't eat chocolate in this dress?

Every year, Valentines Day gives us an opportunity to spoil you girls just a bit.  It's never much, but a little chocolate and some trinkets go a long way toward reminding you that you hold our hearts.  I love setting up a little display of tiny goodies and waiting for your sisters to come home.  Like your mama, you girls love chocolate!  Your dad always does his own thing for you girls.  In the past he has sent flowers and chocolates, and even bought jewelry.  This year he had cookies shipped to his favorite girls and some chocolate covered strawberries for me.  I think we will keep him. 

Goody set-up, just waiting for your sisters to come home.

Sydney, diving into her treats before we had to rush off to dance class.

You liked your cars, but as expected, you loved the bus!

Red velvet and snow peas.  It's all about balance. 

And as if all of those sweets weren't enough, Valentines dinner is always followed by chocolate fondue in our house.  However, this year's Valentines dinner was yet another disaster/disappointment.  I thought we'd go all-out with the fondue and actually cook our dinner, fondue-style, at the table.  I couldn't get the burner hot enough.  I ended up scrapping the idea and turning it into a stir fry.  Oh well.  We put off the chocolate fondue until the next day.  We were all so stuffed and a bit burnt out on chocolate (hard to believe, but true).  We even let you have a little chocolate-dipped fruit.  Again, you weren't sure.  I think you're a purist at heart.

Your first order of business?  Smear some chocolate on your chest, of course.

Kylee thinks if she shoves food in her mouth that I won't post the picture.  She's wrong.

Making sure she selects the perfect piece.  Syd decided she loves blueberries again after this dessert. 

Now that February is more than halfway over, I am reminded once again of how quickly time is passing.  Today you woke up looking more like a kid and less like a baby than ever.  I am looking for ways to fill these days with you as best as I can, while making sure the house doesn't collapse in on itself from neglect.  The weather is finally nice.  Soon it will be sweltering.  Gas prices are going through the roof, but we will seek out fun.  You are understanding so much of the world around you now.  I want to show you everything and watch you absorb it all.  Yesterday was a park-hopping day.  Today will be similar.  I'm happy to say that when your (very unintentional) Florida tan returns, it will be interrupted by untouched baby skin inside of those arm creases once again.  I am positive that this will be the last summer I can say that.  Forgive me if I obsess over them a bit.  Now onto spring-ish days (not that we've had any winter days to speak of).  And if Hallmark wants to throw in any other lovey-dovey holidays, we will take those, too!