Wednesday, May 20, 2009

happiness...busyness

A windchime I had been coveting for awhile, my Mother's Day gift from Ivan

No one needs to tell mothers how crazy life can be. I've found myself in a state of near constant motion these past few weeks. Sick kids, business travel for Ivan, family visits and celebrations- it's mostly good stuff, but can also be trying times with three small children. Sadly, I haven't had much time to be online. At the end of the day- time at the computer vs. kicking back with Ivan on the couch and a bowl full of chocolate pudding with whipped cream... well you get the idea what wins out. So apologies to all if you've waited to hear back from me on email or I haven't been able to visit/comment on your blogs- I love and cherish all of my online friends and hope to catch up very soon.

Here are some things that have been making me smile these days...

Unexpected Pleasures...Look at these adorable booties! Lovingly handmade by my wonderful friend Nicole, Luca Bean now has the proper footwear to show off his crazy dancing feet! Thank you, dear friend!

Matteo at the Steinhardt Aquarium
Crazy Outing Days... One day a week, I take the three boys on a "big" outing that involves loading the kids and assorted paraphernalia into the minivan and driving somewhere kid related- the train museum in Old Sacramento, Bay Area Discovery Museum, Academy of Sciences, Oakland Zoo. The big boys have broken their addiction to riding in a stroller everywhere so it's been kind of nice to wear Luca in the Ergo and have Matteo and Nico walk along holding my hands. They've been great at not running in separate directions (mostly) and I've been better at just going with the flow. It's crazy packing up everything for a day out. Honestly, I feel like I do these trips just to prove that I can.

Playing with the camera... I have been loving the camera that Ivan got for the family for Christmas! I am looking forward to having more time to learn about the settings and how to do different things with it. Since Luca is a constant companion on me, the poor little guy has found himself hanging in odd positions as I try to manuever myself into funny angles just trying to get that "perfect" shot. In the picture above, he wanted to play too :).

The lilies from Mother's Day... Ivan brought me lilies on our very first date, so they've always been such a special flower to me.

My guys Ivan, Matteo, Nico and Luca...
Thank you for making me smile every day.
I love you all.

11 comments:

Andrea said...

this is so sweet. i loved bumping into you today and then coming home to see this. your boys are so beautiful and i am impressed with your motivation to take all 3 of them out on such exciting outings. we LOVE going to all of those same places but i've only got 2 and no baby. you are a giving mama indeed! they are lucky to have you!

Ivan said...

All those boys are smiling at you sweetie. It's been busy and you have been so great.

FrontierDreams said...

yay marina!! i've missed you!!!!
wha ta beautiful and refreshing post!
it sounds like things have indeed been hectic but i'm sure i can say for everyone, we all understand!!! <3 <3

i'm so glad the booties fit!! i wish i had more time to knit even more for you and you're guys <3

im still afraid to go out with just my 2 girls!! you are so inspiring! im about to have 2 months alone with them and im scared to death!!

what beautiful mother's day gifts! the windchimes,the flowers (lilies are my favs too!) and those beautiful boys!

i hope you're having a great week!! i'm so glad to 'see' you on line. back i go to knitting. sending lots of love your way!
xoxo

FrontierDreams said...

oh and i forgot..
i've been having butterscotch pudding with whipped cream lately!! how funny!!!

Tan Family said...

What a beautiful family you have! I love the flower pic. Gorgeous!

Jen said...

Happy Mother's Day, Marina! You look like you've all been having a wonderful time.

xoxo,
jen

Unknown said...

i love the picture of your men! so handsome and obviously madly in-love with mama!! :)

lots of love my friend!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful job on the photos, Marina! I'm in love with the self-portrait and hope you get a giant enlargement of the Steinhardt shot - it's breathtaking!

Good for you for getting the boys out so regularly like that. I totally understand the challenge involved and while it can be frustrating at times, it's also quite uplifting.

Tahara said...

Cute guys :-)

Miri said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that wind chime, is it kid made? would you mind sharing some datails? it looks fantastic!!
& your boys? so sweet!!!
much love!

RunninL8 said...

Who can pass up their cute hubby and a bowl-o-puddin'?!?!?!?!
I find myself in the same cyber-spot as you. Too much sunshine seducing me...just can't be inside looking at a box!
However, today it rains!
And....WHERE DID YOU GET THE AWESOME CHIMES?!?!?!?!?!?!?