Picture Day

Yesterday was Mer's picture day at school. The past two years, the pictures have been so hilariously bad that I almost bought them just so we could share the humor. Almost. Anyway, this year we decided to take a few on our own, just in case. And of course, we might as well take one of Madeline, cause it is refreshingly easy to take a picture of a practically immobile infant.

Madeline Jane Lareau

So, Kate is sitting next to me.  Resting peacefully.  Holding her new daughter. Madeline Jane Lareau.  Get it.  Kind of similar to Meredith Jubilee Lareau. Only Madeline isn't going to have her own blog.  She'll share Meredith's.  Kate probably has a different take, but from my perspective it was a fairly easy labor, at least as compared to the fourteen hour debacle that was Meredith Jubilee.  In the hospital at ten a.m.  Baby at 1:36.  Three pushes and there she was.  Seven pounds; twelve ounces; ten fingers; ten toes; many inches long by few inches wide; good bit of dark hair.  I think that will about cover things until your regularly scheduled poster returns.  The only other thing you need to know is that Madeline justed edged out Matilda and Pippi Azalea.  Alright Kate was never considering Pippi Azela, but some of us were.  The photos:

Moments into reality.

Showing her true colors at about one hour into life.  Gunner til I die.

Few quiet moments.

Meeting big sister.

Meredith's mouth and nose.

Mom, there's the hair picture you wanted. 

First Joke

Mer: I know the funniest joke.
Chris: Really? Tell me.
Mer: Why did the chicken cross the slide?
Chris: I don't know. Why?
Mer: I don't know EITHER! (Hysterical laughter).
Mer: (Hysterical laughter continues) That knocks me out! (More laughter).

We laughed so hard at this that we've probably hopelessly stunted her sense of comedy and comedic timing.

How do I love thee MJ? Let me count the ways…

Random in Arkansas

Meredith has been with her grandparents in Arkansas for the 2nd half of this week, and there's no telling what fun has occurred. But we were all there for a few days, and got to witness some of the fun first hand. She and I went for a walk on Sunday, and picked the world's tiniest bouquet. Peaceful fun.

In other fun, Chris' mom Karen (and Mer's marme) went with us and he taught her to fly fish. Look at that beautiful trout. It was so fun to have her there with us and we're pretty sure she came to appreciate exactly how relaxing Calico Rock can be.


Not to be outdone by his mom's photo op, Chris created one of his own. When Meredith sadly proclaimed that despite donning her new princess dress, she did not have a prince, Chris stepped into the role. Well, he stepped into the role after stepping into one of the vast closets in my mom and dad's house that contain all manner of random items. Isn't he, um, a handsome prince? Meredith, confronted with the genetic source of her penchant for drama and costume, really didn't know what to think.

We Love Snow -- and Nora

This time we got real snow. I could complain about how the REAL snow always seems to hit Memphis when you're well and truly ready for spring, but I won't. Anyhoo, this was thick, fluffy inches of snow and it fell for hours. It started Saturday, and we drove through it to Nora's third birthday. It continued through the night, and we had plenty to play in by the time we ventured out into the cold.

Nora prepares to make a wish.

Nora and Mer jumping. Or something. Who knows.

We squint when we smile.

The Mulherin boys eat snow. Don't worry, boys, I have pictures where you look awesome, too.

Midtown snowman.

Marshall catches air.
Fly boy Parker.

Mer braves the sled. It took some convincing to get her to try it...and then again to get her to stop. The world's most cautious child conquers fear yet again.

Snow Monsters and Recycling Nightmares

First, for your viewing pleasure, is a picture of Meredith and her Papa, dressed up in all manner of cold weather paraphernalia. And this is well before the recent snow hit Memphis. It was just for fun.

Second, I'll share the subject matter of last night's nightmare. I heard Meredith crying and ran to her room. She was writhing about, tortured and tragic. "Mommy, you recycled the top of my pretend egg container." [I did not.] Good heavens. What have a wrought?

See you soon, with lots of pics.