Click on all photos for larger version. The latter half are more Matt Blinn photos.





our Magnolia is becoming more than we know what to do with. But we absolutely love it. I have to be intentional about it, but I have begun to allow her to draw out my energetic, adventurous, extraverted side - and just dance. That's what she does - when she is not eating, or reading a book with Kelsie - she dances. She also loves to run and jump with Canaan, and plays well by herself, with her dolls and stuffed animals - but only for a minute, before she wants someone to share in her playtime. She pushes her boundaries as far as she can, many times - but I have learned to try and redirect that energy, and participate in it - rather than punish her in an authoritarian kind of way. Although, sometimes she gets her "time-out", in which I have to stand guard, because she would never just sit and be unhappy - she would rather throw herself on the floor in misery and scream for her blanky or her mommy. She is a riot.

She also has a very nurturing side - which has really come out since the birth of Francis. She helps Kelsie change his diaper, put him to sleep, and other things. she then endlessly imitates this with all her baby dolls. I love to watch her love and care for others. She even loves Mona, Heather's dog, maybe more than Heather does.

last, but not least - she loves herself - a lot. she loves to be vain - to see herself dance - to see her hair, after kelsie styles it. but mostly, when she is performing - she demands an audience. she considers herself the center of attention. we just smile and shake our heads, and usually our hips too.

kelsie and I often try to figure out who she takes after - and we kinda think she takes after her Nana - which they share the same middle name - so it would only be right, I guess.