I miss you already...

Grammy and Great Grandpa with the lil' one
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner

I hate to be a downer, especially when I know there is going be so much spooky fun and celebration later today, but I have to admit I'm sad. My grandpa passed away yesterday and the few people I've had the chance to tell have been so supportive and loving. I believe I've shared this picture of my grandpa (my dad's dad), my mom, and Aislin before as well as a few others. I love this shot. The summer sun, that sweet, sweet, baby (who my grandpa just loved and was so proud of...just like he was about all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren), and his perfect smile.

Leah is very sad, but has been ever the almost 4 year old and started asking me questions about Grandpa's health (and every other illness, death and dying issue under the sun!!) about a week ago. As a result, she's been able to deal with the news pretty well and I'm touched and comforted by how insightful and sensitive she can be about such grown-up things...even if I do try and keep discussions at a developmentally appropriate level.

One post could not contain all the incredible memories and stories I have about Grandpa. All of my grandparents were incredible inspirations to me but for some reason, I think I have more memories of him than I do of my other grandparents. Perhaps because he lived the longest or maybe because he was a highly unique personality (I'm going with #2). Those of you who've had the pleasure of knowing him know what I'm talking about. Either way...from the IBM company-sponsored bus trip to Florida we went on when I was a child to the midday lunches with spaghetti and meatballs and a glass of red wine he would make for me as an adult, I am so blessed to have had a Grandfather that would sing to me, cheer me on, and love me for who I am. We miss you Grandpa, or as Leah and Aislin (and Owen, Linnea, Clare and Megan) would say "We miss you Grandpa Joe."

PS HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my family's own little pumpkin', Kathleen! I love you K.

Sugar Dimples

Sunday night Leah requested I put her hair in foam rollers, so I obliged. These bedtime curlers are a fond memory from my own childhood, even if they are slightly uncomfortable to sleep in. Leah was quite the trooper. That is, until I had to take every roller out as she called for me wincing and crying at 4:11 AM. I tried to explain, "No pain, No beauty gain" but she could care less ( a fact I'm actually happy about, as we all know it's what's on the inside that counts). Nevertheless, she came out with a completely different hairstyle for her school day and she had fun showing off her new look to teachers and classmates yesterday morning.

We joked that she looked like a character from one of her favorite Madeline videos "Madeline Goes to Hollywood." In this episode Madeline gets "discovered" and offered a role in a Shirley Temple-esque movie starring a spoiled, child starlet named Sugar Dimples. While Sugar Dimples does have adorable hair, she isn't the nicest of characters, so instead here is Leah with her newly cioffed hair posing as "mini-me." The girl LOVES to be on the computer...just like Mom I guess.

Under Pressure (sung like the David Bowie song)

Pettin the dog and Got your nose!
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner

Or just think of the sample from the same and go with "Ice Ice, baby." It certainly is feeling cold enough here in CNY these days! As Pete mentioned in his most recent comment on my last post, part of the reason posts have fallen off is my frustration with my camera. I was hesitant to get a new one, as my hope was to save up and get an SLR, but two weeks ago my little point and shoot finally fell-apart and I was faced with a decision. Economic times being what they are, I had to get another point and shoot yesterday. I am a little sad that my SLR dreams seem in the past, but I do want to chronicle my children's growth and in some respect there has been a bit of clamor for me to get back posting again. So new pictures and even some entertaining old ones are on the way. That is, if you guys are still interested?

That being said, another reason I've posted less is because I've been giving more time to my design blog. It's no secret that bloggers thrive on comments, and that blog allows me so much more interaction with readers because they comment frequently and non-anonymously (probably not a word, but I'm going with it anyway). I do track stats on both blogs, but comments are an easy and satisfying way to know who my readers are and if readers are interested in what I post. Eventually, I will need to decide what I want to do with sugar hiccups, but in the meantime I've given it some thought and I've decided it's not dead yet.

Time is the last excuse, and then I'll stop here and let you enjoy the adorable picture of Aisy grabbing the LEGO lady's nose and Leah petting the LEGO dog. Leah's naps grow shorter each passing day, so my writing time (and alone time for anything else for that matter) is shrinking. Still, ever the optimist I've got some ideas about how to make both blogs work (scheduled posts on various days perhaps?) . I'm also thinking guest bloggers might be fun on both blogs. Wouldn't it be fun to hear some Leah and Aisy stories in another voice every once in a while.

So while I might feel a little pressure, I was always taught in art school that a little uncomfortableness is good for you. It keeps it real and your creativity cutting edge. So never fear. I have a date with my camera later. Tune in to see the results.