The Best Age

Not biting or pinching each other, so it looks like a good day!

Despite the fact that one of my daughters handed me a poopy diaper that she had covertly removed (sadly, we've entered the diaper self-removal stage), I just realized that my girls are at a very cute age. They're talking a lot, just like little parrots, and they really let me know what they want (and they want a lot).

Things they love:

• their BFF Maya (and her little brother Tino)
• Mummy
• Daddy
• Grandmummy & Abuelito
• 'beats (this is Sophie & Sienna-speak for the Fresh Beat Band on Nick Jr.)
• the hose
• dancing (They have a clear preference for Latin music.)
• maracas (Sienna) & drums (Sophie)
• pops (orange juice popsicles)
• swings
• climbing into the car themselves
• Grandma Bruna's meatballs

Things they don't like:

• anyone's dirty shoes
• band aids (= boo boos)
• riding in the cart part of a shopping cart
• the baby pool
• waking up from naps
• most food other than hot dogs, pops, or grandma Bruna's meatballs
• mowers (they shout "no mow")

This morning: waffles & art.

The clinginess has decreased and now I actually can prepare a meal without a child attached to my leg. I took a shower AND blow dried my hair STRAIGHT today (although there was a diaper removal incident during the blow drying).

Are these the faces of angels or what?

My mommy obsessed girls are becoming more and more independent (sassy) and I have to admit that I get a bit of a kick out of it. It takes a lot not to laugh when Sophie doesn't just tell me "no" but instead says "no way." A friend's son of the same age says "never" which I think is hilarious.

Don't drop the drumsticks!

I love that they're quite willing to share with other children, and when one twin is upset, the other can usually be counted on to bring her a pacifier or toy to cheer her up.

Loving (kind of)

To top it off it looks like they also adore the beach, so it looks like it might be a great summer.

The Power of Advertising: Shoes

I was contemplating a new pair of shoes. Actually they are sandals. So I went to Cole Haan's website to give them another look, but this time there were "other images" to click on. As soon as a I saw the picture of the chick playing her guitar in her closet while wearing the sandals, I knew they would be mine. I'm such a sucker.

They are the most comfortable sandal, and I can run around after my girls all day, not wishing that I was wearing sneakers or my usual flip flops.

Air Whitney Gladiator, colehaan.com

Swimming Pool Dreaming

Hot days deserve a swimming pool. Note, I didn't say that I deserve a swimming pool. Additionally, my yard deserves a swimming pool. If you took a picture of my back yard there would be a post-it note centrally placed that reads: insert pool here.

I've assembled a bunch of pools that I love from Apartment Therapy and various other locations (thanks!). Here they are:

Like a lake....I think this could be Sixx Design's home in Great Barrington.

For this one you'd need a pool boy.

Here's Maria & Larry just lounging on a Friday afternoon. I wish!

The pool at Chateau Marmont. I like that it's oval.

Simple pool, simple chairs, and a hedge of bamboo for privacy.

Babe Paley, the queen of Palm Beach cool.

The circular pool, like the house, seems to work with its environment, although it doesn't look like it should.

Realistically, I shouldn't even be pool-dreaming until my little angels are a lot older, or can at least swim. I just need to keep reminding myself, and when it's time I'll be ready with my idea folder. In the meantime you can find me cooling off in their baby pool.