Bath Time Visitor

Now that Hudson is fully mobile, you never know where or when he might show up next. Naturally, I couldn't help capturing this snapshot of his impromptu bath visit with Ava. Too cute!

Through the Eyes of a Child

Recently, Ava has shown quite an interest in my digital camera, and since I'll soon have a new one (just as soon as this snow stops and I can make a trip to E'ville!), I decided to teach her how to use my old camera. Being a naturally quick learner, she soon mastered basic photography skills. Not only was this a fun activity for a snow day, but it also provided a unique glimpse at daily life through a child's perspective.

Take a look at some of her work:

Ah, brotherly love, up close and personal!

I swear the playroom didn't look this messy to me!

A day without Barbies is no day at all!

So glad her bookshelf warranted a shot!

Capturing some Mommy-Hudson love!

Valentine's Insight

On Valentine's Day, I am happy to report, Erik was extra sweet to the ladies of the house. Particularly Ava. You know, playing dolls with her. Fetching her tasty chocolate milk. And addressing her with adorable terms of endearment like tootie-fruitie, silly-billy, and turd-furgler. Stuff like that. Of course, Ava took offense to these endearments.

Ava: Daddy, why do you call me silly names like that?

Erik: Because that's how I show you that I love you. Those names mean I love you.

Ava: No, Daddy, I love you means I love you.

Wow, what a deep thought from our three-year-old Valentine! Hope everyone's special day was filled with such insight as well. Happy Valentine's Day!

Snow Days Are....

Watching too much TV

Helping with the laundry

Dressing like a princess

Wearing silly hats

Oh, yeah, and playing in the snow!

Eight Months

These past eight months have flown by, and I can't believe how big my little Hudson has grown. He crawls! He babbles! He eats table food! He stands and cruises! My little baby has truly transformed into a little man.

Yes, I've fallen in love with another man. Somehow I don't think ESmith will mind. :)

Trivia Night

Two weeks ago (wow, has it really been that long?), Erik and I had the good fortune to be part of a triva team for the Huntingburg Foundation's Trivia Night, an annual fund-raising event. Thanks to my wonderful Aunt Sandy, who organized our team, we joined around 33 other teams to vie for the coveted title and also raise money for some highly worthy causes.

Although sadly I cannot boast about any major butt-kicking, I am proud to say that we easily finished in the top 10. Of course, with 6 teachers on our team of 8, we certainly had a strong pool of knowledge working for us. It was a fun night for all, and a rare adults-only activity for the Smith parents.

Next year....top 5!

Story Time

An entertaining Ava story from dinner last week:

Hey, Mommy. Daddy. Mom and Dad. You guys, listen! Listen to me! Today at preschool I was washing my hands. You know, before snack? So I washed my hands and I was pretty late. So I hurried to my chair! Real fast! You know what?

(Dramatic pause)

I slid off my chair! Onto the floor! Under the table! You hear me? I FELL OFF MY CHAIR!

(High-pitched laughter)

Yeah, everybody laughed at me. Even Miss Nichole laughed! It was pretty funny. No, I didn't laugh, but I didn't cry either. It was really funny!

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my daughter? Yeah, THAT MUCH.