Dears in the headlights

This being both a fake-out working mom AND fake-out SAHM thing is seriously going to run my ass into the ground soon. Yikes! Anyhoo, before I pass out for the night, I have to post the kiddos' school photos. Each one is equally darling and hilarious in its own way.

The smile is not genuine, but his cute stance is!

It's hard to express the glory of kindergarten life into a genuine, light-up-your-face smile when some dude hopped up on 5-Hour Energy shots is acting like he's your BFF. I totally get it, Sweet Paddy. This is not his real smile, but it's adorably awkward and understandable. He is trying so hard to do what he's told—such a good kid. But what really gets me is the adorable way he's standing with his hands so casually in the pockets of his zip-off-at-the-knee adventure pants! (ATTN: Moms! Every little boy should own a pair of these awesome pants.)

Lucy's first professional photo: Toddler roadkill

The preschool's photographer went with a Lightning McQueen theme this time. This is after an Elmo/Big Bird theme last spring. *sigh* Why must there be a theme? WHY?! Anyway, there were Cars props available, which I declined (because I'm a jerk like that), but the background was not optional, which explains why it looks like Lucy is standing in the middle of the highway. And that look on her face makes her look like a literal "deer in the headlights". It's just too perfect/awful. Though I must say that this photo captures her current mega-cautious personality nicely. Babycakes is a little wary of strangers right now, as in, she'll bury her head into my shoulder and pretend you're not there. After 10 minutes of you annoying her with your presence, maaaaaaybe she'll cast a suspicious sideways glance your way while you're not looking, but I wouldn't count on it.

Also, another little Lu update for you: She is trying so very hard to talk! Our sweet 17-month-old has the basics down: Mama, Dada, Patrick, Gaga, Papa, Grandma, Nana, baby, puppy, apple, ball and . . . wait for it . . . shoes. Oh yes, this girl is definitely my offspring, regardless of the people who say, "Wow! I mean, she just doesn't look a think like you! Are you sure she's yours?" on a near-daily basis. If she is loving the footwear, then I can claim her, right?