Cinderella Slippers and Do you Like My 'Do?

Anika has decided that she must, must, absolutely MUST sleep with her dress-up shoes. These made-in-China marvels are pink and purple and ick all over (I mean, one-inch plastic heels for kids? Really? As if two-year-olds don't fall down enough on their own). She absolutely adores these shoes. So much so that they are now a part of our bedtime routine. Abby? Check. Ernie? Check. Princess doll? Check. Sippy cup? Check. And, lately -- "shoes! shoes! shoes!" Snuggling this motley crew is quite cute to watch, especially since she has to make room for snuggling my forearm, which she pinches as she's trying to fall asleep, and since she is constantly spinning and turning like a rotisserie chicken trying to find the most comfortable spot.

Ah, bedtime. I'm sure one day soon I will miss this. Here she is telling me to be quiet this morning (shhhh!)

Then there is the lovely Reni, who has entered a new phase of Sleep? Not me, I say, not me indeed, as well as a major case of separation anxiety which means trying to put him down anywhere to get anything done is met with loud protests. And honestly, he has the most pitiful, puppy-dog-sad little cry you've ever heard, and makes you just ache to pick him up. Although you know your arms will ache from carrying around his nearly 20-pound self. Mostly, though sleep-deprived, he is the sweetest, funniest, most laid-back guy. Here he is this morning with his suddenly sprout-like hairdo. Is this something I should trim, risking the corn-husk look as soon as it grows a bit more? Should I slick it down James Dean style? Or just embrace it, Flintstone's style, and put a big bow up there?

He doesn't really pose for the camera, but he likes it way more than Anika did at this age. Or, he just wants to eat it. Whatever.

We also put the kids in the pool for the first time yesterday, as it was in the 60s and the new heater keeps the water at a mighty fine 85 degrees. Both kids were a bit unsure at first, but by the end of the summer I'm sure they will be little fishes in the water.