cleaning the kitchen

Normally, I try to clean the kitchen in the evening, once the little ones are in bed and the house is quiet.

I listen to Dave Ramsey, think of our emergency fund, and scrub.

Last night, I watched Rachel Zoe instead. I die.

This morning, Ruby helped me clean the dishes.

And Emery played with his new bucket of trucks over toast.

He used to carry around loads of cars and trucks and things with wheels in anything he could find-- a shoe box, an old basket, or any number of random buckets from Costco leftovers. He loves buckets and baskets and anything that helps him cart his important things around. It's easier than using his "third hand", which is the family reference to his mouth. Because yes, he carries anything he can't hold in his hands or with his arms in his mouth.

At Target a bit ago, I found this cute green bucket that was just his size. He hasn't parted ways with it since. It goes EVERYWHERE with us. To the grocery store, to nonna's house, to the restaurant, not to mention in every room of the house.

This morning was no exception.

I love my little boy.

vacuuming

This afternoon, Emery followed Nate outside.

It was time to "vacuum" the grass.

Emery is both excited and scared every time Nate does it.

He ran towards the patio when the lawnmower started.

And stopped when he felt he was at a good distance.

And then did a little jig in the tall grass.

He came and told me all about his adventure.

All the while, Miss Ruby was in the kitchen bouncing away.

She quite enjoys her new jumper.

Ruby's new trick

I put Ruby on the floor, on her back, and left for a second to check on Emery in the other room.

When I came back, she was on her belly!

Emery was a proud older brother.

Until I wouldn't let him hold the camera.

He has a mean mommy.

And then Ruby was crying on Emery's behalf.

And what was a happy occasion morphed into a sad one.

It's a never ending circle, these two.

little sister

growing, growing, gone

Ruby's growing so quickly, I'm selling things off left and right.

This is on its' way out, via craigslist.

And it seems we will have to give Livie back her bumbo in the next little while,

as Miss Ruby's turn with it is coming to an end.

She arches her back and can almost pop herself out.

She's not too interested in it anymore, unless she has her favorite elephant within biting distance.

On a side note, I found our Baby Signing Times DVD recently and Emery was watching it in the car this morning. I thought he was just sitting so cute, so I snapped a picture. Turns out he was signing along with the video. Smart cookie!