Musical Dieffenbachs (And a Kleeman, too)

Although it might not happen as often as Emmie would like, her cousins Sam and Ben are somewhat frequent visitors here at our house.

Here's a brief sample of the pianistic genius that is the Dieffenbach/Kleeman Duo, composing and performing their Duet, Opus 1.

In case you didn't know already, my job with Emery Brothers, Inc. involves spending a goodly amount of time around pipe organs. We recently finished a job at Calvary Episcopal Church in Summit, NJ, and I needed to put the organ through its paces to make sure everything was working. It's rare that I actually get a few minutes to sit down and noodle around, but here's what can happen if I do. I make no claim to be a great improvisateur, or even a great organist. However the sound of an 8' Flûte Harmonique (the first stop I use, and play with for a while) is one of my favorite sounds in the world. The microphone on a mobile device doesn't even begin to do it justice, but it's something. Hope you enjoy it.

August Days

Our week was full.  We had lip tie surgery for Lena, news of dairy and soy allergy, cardiologist visits for Momma and heart monitors, piano lessons, bubbles and chalk. We have garden produce coming in waiting to be processed and Phd deadlines to meet.  You can see my little research assistant kindly shuffling my notes below.  Lena is 11 weeks old and Emmeline 21 months. How does that happen? It happens in weeks like this, that fly by in a whirl of activities and diaper changes on the fly.  Emmie is currently thrilled with her "undipants" and shows them to any and all visitors that may come by. We may or may not have had a successful week in that department. The jury is still out. 

The beauty of ordinary days

I don't have anything exciting to say here on this blog at present.  Our days are pretty ordinary in  comparison to most people.  We are at home with occasional trips out and about. But the beauty of these ordinary days comes not in the rhythm or routine (though I hope we get there someday) but in the ever changing, ever surprising things I learn from mothering these sweet girls.  Not only do their first smiles and laughs make my day beautiful but they themselves are part of my sanctification.  Potty training makes me laugh it is so ridiculous sometimes. Four cats, two adults and two under two create an amazing amount of noise, mess and stress.  The laundry is really like a mountain that grows overnight and my once ordered house erupts into chaos in a matter of seconds.  For a person who thrives on order, routine, beauty and quiet mothering has turned my world upside down.  And it is good. It might be harder than writing my thesis, or preparing for any recital or audition.  But it is more beautiful in it's "ordinary-ness" than anything else I have ever known.  It is perhaps in the difficulty of parenting, in the I'm so tired the baby cried for 11 hours moments that the beauty is most evident. This is because it mirrors (imperfectly of course) God's Fatherly care for us. There is a liturgy to my ordinary days that comes from the lessons of life God teaches through children.  I am thankful for the beauty of these ordinary days and for the things we are learning together.

Lena and her buddy Trinity- born 4 days before her

New homemade curtains- yeah!! 

a sweet new blanket from Aunt Megan

Beautiful Days

We've been spending countless hours outside in this beautiful July weather.  The days have been lovely and evenings sometimes cool.  We've spent time with friends at the new park up the road, had Momma and Emmie tea parties on the porch and played in the pool while baby naps.  Emmie has become so interested in cooking these days and pulls up her little stool so excitedly.  She helped make pickles this week, wash dishes and make dinner more time than I can remember.  She also discovered windows and loves her box window and playground tunnel window. Lena is smiling and cooing, watching our faces intently and sleeping just a wee bit more. Praise God!

Two Months

Little Lena is officially two months old. To celebrate, we decided to go to the Elmwood Zoo.  In this trip we discovered just how long it takes a family of four with 2 under 2 to get anywhere at a reasonable time and how crazy such an event is upon arrival.  Lena celebrated by crying the entire day but Emmie had a blast and is still talking about the goats, monkeys (like George) and the sticky icecream.  

Our garden is growing and we've harvested beans, tomatoes, squash and herbs.  Its a lovely time of year except for the squash beetle.  Emmie now sits in a "big girl" chair and it seems important to record that here.  It only took a week to acclimate to it and share her other chair with baby Lena.  Emmie is cautious about most things and does not like change at all. So this is a big step for our girl, silly as it is. These newborn days are tough, especially with a teething toddler. But it is a gift to parent these girls and we rejoice in them.

Exploring the woods

 Emmeline has become an outdoors girl and her new favorite activity is to explore the woods behind our home.  Here are a few shots, along with a picture of her other favorite game "ABC's"......