Grammy Time!

Here's another of D's shots. I love how everyone's moods and personalities are captured here! Leah, still hasn't quite mastered "cheese" yet. But I do love it that in addition to a magic wand she's holding a toy spatula as well. I love a fairy who cooks! Actually if there is such a thing as a cooking fairy, please...show up at my house tomorrow at 6:55 AM. All you will have to make is raisin toast, waffles, turkey sausage and coffee. Actually if it's not to hard to whip up some sippy cups with milk (throw in a dash of miralax for Aislin!) that would be AWESOME.

Leah's sister and cousin have definitely mastered "cheese!" In fact with those two it should probably more like "CHEEEEZZZZZ!" Aren't Clare's perfect blonde curls and palpable enthusiasm adorable? I love that girl! And what about Aisy and her wings (and her winged out hair!). She is the "dress-up" queen!!! I never met a child so young who loves dress-up this much. In fact a few weeks ago I took her to pick up Leah with fairy wings on, and to the doctor outfitted in a tutu over her clothes. As the Nurse Practitioner said, "You can leave it on. Let's not enrage her." True that.

As for Grammy, she's just happy to be surrounded by her girls. They're all very different, but she loves them each for their own special qualities. And Grammy, they certainly love you too!

Aisy in the City

On our recent trip to New York, Auntie D requested a day with her God-Daughter Aislin. Apparently Aisy really took Manhattan! While Me, Kathleen and the "big" girls sat in our cushy seats over at Madison Square Garden, Devon and Aislin hoofed it over to Central Park for some fun and quality time. They actually covered a lot of ground and Aisy was downright exhausted that night (so was D for that matter!). Dev got lots of comments on her "beautiful daughter" and she took some amazing pictures, like this one. I love the reflection of the skyscrapers in the water. Aisy was such a tough and fussy, colicky and sensitive baby. She could barely stand to let me out of her sight or hysteria would ensue. It made me so happy to see Aislin cheerfully roll off in her stroller with my sister. And the smile on her face when Devon returned her to me said it all. She had so much fun. Aislin is growing into a wonderful and unique personality. I can't wait to see what her future holds. Thanks Devon for the excellent pictures. You're guest photographer on the blog this week!

I read a lot of blogs and found this on one of my favorites. One look at this picture and the hilarious sentiment that goes with it and it's quite easy to understand why Giada is Leah's favorite TV chef. I love it when she stands in her play kitchen and says "Look, I'm Giada!!" Needless to say, both Leah and Giada are quite exuberant. So exuberant that some of my favorite people can't stand the latter (I'm guessing it's probably OK to be perenially "at a 10" when you are 3. Not so much when you are 30). Nic for example has a big problem with Giada's extra large head. She's more of an Ina Garten type foodie. My sister Kathleen always says "I hate the way she always closes her eyes and goes a little too far with savoring her food!" Mmmmm...creamy, crunchy, seasonings bursting in my mouth, perfecto!!! Kathleen does have a point. I honestly could watch almost any show on the food network (although I'm quite partial to Jamie Oliver and Tyler Florence), but yes Giada does sometimes get on my nerves. I must say she does have an AWESOME recipe for Orecchiette with Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe though. Orecchiette can be tough to find, so I substitute Campanelle (little trumpet shaped pastas). I sometimes use pork sausage for this as well (less healthy, more yummy) and after reserving the kids portions I totally dump in the red pepper flakes (spicy!). If anyone out there tries this recipe let me know. And if the taste brings about that scary Giada smile then we need to talk. I mean it's good, but it's still got broccoli rabe in it.

PS Cyn, I will TOTALLY take you up on your charger (I've got a Canon S400, that is until I can afford a DSLR Camera) if you are indeed up for it and promise to post more. Yippeee!

The fat lady has not yet sung!

Strawberry Girl
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner

Ok...so lots of people (including my husband!) have asked "So is Sugar Hiccups over?" Understandable based on the tone of my last post. The answer is no. I was freaked by that post but really I am just swamped at the moment between preschool being over (Ack!), no Fran for the month of June (*insert Erin's sad face here*), bridal season being in full swing, and trying to keep up with all the paperwork and extras that go along with the business, mommyhood, life etc.

The little things do really add up after a while! Anywho...we're back from NYC, where Pete and I got to see Swervedriver (Awesome!) and Backyardigans Live (Awesome for Leah and Clare). I'll post on that soon, but in the meantime if you need more Erin in your life head on over to my other blog Design is Everywhere. You guys are all here for the cute Leah and Aisy pics I know, but if you like design, music, style, pop (and alternative I guess)-culture, then you might find something of interest there too.

Another reason I haven't posted is because I can't find my camera charger!!!! A total bummer. I put up this picture because I got the feeling it was time to go strawberry picking again. This shot was taken a year ago Thursday. We've got rain in the forecast for the next two days, but Friday I might have to head out to Caz for some picking. At least that will give me time to go find the charger.

So what are you all doing this summer??? I must know, so comment. And I need ideas for things to do with these two crazies!