Love is...

Damon and I had one goal for Valentine's Day: to spend it as a family. I am happy to say we were able to accomplish this goal and we had a "practically perfect" day. (That's Mary Poppins, for those of you out of the loop on your kiddie musicals) When our Valentine woke us up a little after 5, we all snuggled in bed together and exchanged cards and gifts. Then we had a delightful breakfast at the Hole with friends. Well, at least Damon had a delightful breakfast; Stella and I feasted on conversation and gazed longingly at the milk-laden donuts. After the Hole, we went back home for more togetherness. Damon's parents and grandparents came to visit, and Stella had a great time being the center of attention for six adults instead of her usual two. That evening, Grandpa and Grandmere played with Stella while Damon and I went for a little Valentine run. It ended up raining on us before we were finished, but we both had the best time and agreed that we enjoyed our run together much more than we could have enjoyed a gourmet meal. One of Stella's books says, "Love is splish-splashing through puddles, and love's getting soaked in the rain," (I've read it a couple of times) and I totally agree. Love is also the warm fuzzy feeling you get inside when you find a tiny sock in the clothes you are folding. Love is also the thrill you get from seeing a sweet little girl experience something for the first time. Don't you wish we could just bottle this joie de vive?

We promised to post these pictures about a week ago, and we're finally getting around to it. This is a sneak peek of the photos we will be using for Stella's birthday party invitations, coming soon to a mailbox near you. I love the way she propped her arm up on the windowsill, like she rides the streetcar everyday.

This painted streetcar (really named Desire) is in front of the Prytania Theater. We thought it would be the perfect perch for our little Stella.

Stella and Daddy by the streetcar.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Feed the Birds...Tuppence a bag...

Stella spent Saturday enjoying two of her favorite pastimes: feeding the waterfowl in the backyard and spending time with Grand-mere and Grandpa. We LOVE ducks! Apparently, word has made it to the coast that the Pourciau backyard is the place to go for a free lunch. Now we even have seagulls joining the feeding frenzy.

The backyard bird watching club's charter members.

The birds may be leaving, but the smiles continue.

A little later that afternoon, Stella hit the streets in her jogging stroller. Her future is so bright that...well, you know the rest...

On Sunday morning she was all dressed up for church and showing off one of her best accessories: those long, pretty eyelashes.

We took pictures on the streetcar today, so check back soon for that treat!

Stella's CO

I once saw an interview with some actress known for her skimpy clothing and she spoke about going to church and having several "CO's," or what she called her "church outfits." Stella took a long nap after church today, but when she woke up she looked so sweet in her CO that I had to take a few pictures. Isn't she gorgeous?

Trust us, your living room would be much more fun if it looked like this.Have a great week!