More Cuteness

Dear Lord, WHY can she not smell my dirty diaper?

 

Now, THAT'S a smile!

Is that a baby in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?

At Brigid's Request

Many of you who read here also read Brigid's blog, Home on the Range. If you don't, you have my sincerest condolences for missing out on some seriously good writing, drool worthy recipes and a host of other goodness including some great photography. If you do, you know that her brother is battling cancer and is facing a bone marrow transplant.

Brigid made a simple request a few weeks ago now that we spread the word regarding blood donation. With M&M's adoption followed by the craziness of the week that followed with illness o' plenty, I am just now getting around to fulfilling her request.

If you are not pathologically afraid of needles as I am (thanks to a bad experience at age 6 or so), please consider donating blood. I've given blood exactly two times as an adult and once in high school. Someone needs to pick up the slack for me.

Daddy Hawk's Advice For M&M

I seem to recall that the gentleman that wrote Life's Little Instruction Book did so for his son as a way of recording his accumulated wisdom so that his son could refer to it when he needed it most. That seems like a really good idea to me, and I think I will just have to shamelessly flatter his work by imitating it. Some of the wisdom I will be sharing here will be familiar to you since there really is nothing new under the sun. I will try to credit sources where known. Feel free to note sources for unattributed wisdom in the comments. This will probably become an ongoing feature. Or it might not. We shall see.

1. Every rule has an exception except the rule that there is an exception to every rule for which there is no exception.

Corollary to 1. An amazing number of people try to justify their own bad decisions or behavior by claiming that they are an exception to the rule.

A Happy Queen and Her Princess on a Beautiful Day

 2. Despite what your momma told you, violence does solve problems. (Company motto - Craft International).

Did I Mention That I Know Where to Get M&M Her First Rifle?

Corollary to 2. The judicious and moderated application of time and bourbon makes most problems seem less important.

OOOhhhhh....aaaaHHHHH!!! What Problems? I have no idea what you are talking about.

3. Immature young people use foul language to come across more like an adult.

Corollary to 3. Adults avoid using foul language so they don't come across as an immature young person.

Get Your Mind Out of the Gutter

4. It is better to be judged by 12 than to be carried by 6.

Corollary to 4. Juries are not known for their intelligence or wisdom...they couldn't even get out of jury duty.

This Court has a Rather Broad Interpretation of a Jury of One's Peers.

5. Keep your eyes on the road, but check the rear view mirror once in a while. You never know what you might see.

Fear Not...Mimi Was Holding The Wheel

6. Life is a long journey. It helps to have a friend or two along for the ride.

M&M With a New Friend (courtesy of Mimi)

7. Never pass up an opportunity to take a nap. You never know when you might need the rest.

M&M...A Year (or so) In Pictures, Part 5

No, really dad, Mommy dared me to shoot whipped cream out my nose.

Gazing up in wide wonder...at daddy sitting on the toilet. They warn you about the lack of privacy as a parent, but it never really sinks in until it's gone forever.

Oh, is it time for my close up Mr. Demille?

M&M showing off her new hat courtesy of Auntie My Sister...The Devil. Look familiar? It should. It matches the blanket Auntie MS...TD made for her previously.

That's all the photos fit to share for the moment. There are more locked away on my phone which will be doled out as I sync my phone with the computer. And, it's not like we've stopped taking photos or anything. Rest assured, you all will be able to follow the progress of M&M as she grows from this point forward.

M&M...A Year (or so) In Pictures, Part 4

Mommy Queen and M&M sharing a hug.

When can I drive a real car Daddy?

No, I'm not posing. What makes you think that?

Spanky uses his laser eyes when cornered.

You can use a carry tray as a stroller seat when necessary.

M&M can sleep anywhere, anytime, in any position.

A happy Queen and her princess.

M&M singing in the rain.

Another faceplant. This is her preferred sleeping position.

Now, if I can just reach the pedals, this baby is gone!

M&M...A Year (or so) In Pictures, Part 3

M&M with pucker lips on The Queen's chest.

So, what can I do for you?

Sleeping in the sun with a rose in her "hair".

Snoozing on the quilt made special for her by great, great auntie Kay.

Are you lookin' at me?

M&M snuggled against The Queen wrapped in the blanket made special for her by Auntie My Sister...The Devil.

M&M has lunch with Daddy Hawk. I love the look on her face.

Asleep in My Sister...The Devil's arms.

Faceplant.

Om nom nom nom...blanket taste good.

M&M...A Year (or so) In Pictures, Part 2

Before I proceed with the picture sharing, I thought I'd take a moment to let everyone know that Mini Me and The Banshee have moved on to another foster home. It was not exactly the outcome we wanted; but, unfortunately, it was the outcome that became necessary.

As I mentioned in the omnibus M&M post, I came down with a viral infection a couple of days before adoption day. Well, M&M and The Queen must have thought that was great fun because they both followed suit with viral infections of their own leaving Daddy Hawk to attempt to care for a household of two sick people, two infants, a five year old, himself and a job. Let's just say that one or more of those responsibilities began to suffer.

SOS' to Mimi and Grandpaw were sent out and some help was received. Unfortunately, they both have commitments that prevented their full time help. The Queen and I had already decided that we would be getting out of the foster parenting business after we adopted M&M. These turn of events just hastened the decision to transition Mini Me and The Banshee to another home. We had hoped to see them through their return to their parents. Unfortunately, the parents had dragged their feet too long and there was still no end in sight for their situation.

Mini Me took the move well. I think he understood even if he didn't particularly agree with it. The Banshee will probably not remember in the long run, but she gave me a haunting look of desperation when I put her in her new foster mom's car. It was as if she was pleading with me not to abandon her. Nothing could be further from the truth, but it was not a pleasant memory to end on.

We will be seeing them again as we have promised some furniture to the parents when they get a place.

Without further adieu, we now return to our scheduled programming...

One of my favorite ways to nap now. M&M's too apparently.

Spanky continuing his efforts to investigate this creature that consumes his humans' time.

The Queen snuggling with M&M.

The Queen, Spank and M&M enjoying some quality snuggle time.

This is one of my favorite photos of M&M. It was the cover photo on my iPad for many months until replaced by another.

M&M attempts to use the force. These are not the droids you are looking for.

M&M sacks out on The Queen during church.

Another favorite of mine. I love the lighting in this picture.

Fresh from bath time.

Oma and M&M.