Lila Simpson Snow

Thad & Lila Snow
Frances & Emily

My Nana was interviewed by a professor at Southeast Missouri State University in 1999 for a book that was being published about my great-grandfather, Thad Snow. My mom recently found a copy of the interview and I just loved these excerpts about my own daughter's namesake.

Q: Can you tell me about your mother?

A: She was a native of this town, born in the town [Charleston, MO]. Her maiden name was Simpson. Born on a farm over on Big Lake. Lila Simpson Snow. For a woman at that time she was quite scholarly. She went to a little college around Independence [MO]. She had college work.

Q: Did she read a lot?

A: Yes, yes. She and Dad [Thad Snow] spent their time with their noses in books when he wasn't farming. In fact they met over a copy of Elizabeth Barrett Browning. She had a copy, and he heard about it, and he went and asked if he could borrow it. That's how they met.

Milestone Zoo Visit

Before Lila was born, we speculated when her first zoo visit would be. We had to wait 2 months to get a day that was over 40 and sunny, so we seized the moment when the credentials were met on Saturday. You would have thought it was a summer day with all the people there. Great minds think alike. Or at least the ones that live in STL where it has been cold, snowing, or both since December.

Some of the animals actually like this weather better. And this leopard cub was so sweet!

The hippos graced us with their presence at the "special spot" viewing area.

Here's to many more zoo visits as a family of 4! Isn't spring right around the corner??

Happy 2 Months Lila!

Lila is 2 months old!! Wow. Has it already been 2 months? Has it really only been 2 months? My perspective changes daily. I chose this photo in honor of your 2nd month because it has been soooooooo cold in STL.

So that my little girl will know what she was up to at 2 months, here are a few things about sweet Lila Lou.

• Lila is a great eater and is already up to 6 oz bottles. I think we will probably have to increase the formula again soon.


• Lila probably weighs 13 pounds and is 22 or 23 inches long - we go to the doctor on Friday. She seems like she has grown overnight here lately.


• Lila continues to wow us with her sleeping skills. She has even slept through the night this week. With Nate, this milestone was months down the road, so we try not to talk about it too much for fear she will want to be like her brother.


• Lila took her first trip this month to another state. Georgia.


• Lila went to the babysitter for the first time today. We are excited about our new routine, although I'm sure it will take some getting used to.


• Lila smiles all the time and can even stick out her tongue if you stick yours out first.


• Lila still has lots of nicknames - Sister Lou, Sister Girl, Lila Lula Bell, Lulu


• Lila is starting to cackle a little bit, not a full blown laugh yet, but a sweet giggle.


• Lila loves her brother so much and Nate is starting to be a little more "rough" with her. That's what happens when you don't look fragile anymore, Lila.


• Lila still likes to be swaddled at night.

We cannot imagine our life without Lila. She is truly the sweetest baby around and we continue to feel extremely thankful that we have been blessed with her. Our children bring us so much joy and I am so flattered that I get to be their mom.

Happy 2 months Lila!

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

We successfully completed our first planes, trains and automobiles trip as a family of 4 without getting blacklisted on any form of transporation. As I told some people this week, we needed a drink by the time we made it to the gate at the airport, but we pretty much need a drink after anything that requires us to get mobilized these days! We had a great time visiting the Boyles & Odoms and Lila delivered well on her debut.

Uncle David had not met Lila yet and he was smitten...

Mimi and her oldest grandchild, who looks more grown-up and handsome every day...

Scott & his Aunt Bonnie. We were so happy to see the Cliffords!

Mimi's best friend, Mrs. Libby, came to visit Lila too.

Nate & cousin Gavin - the boys had so much fun playing together!

Scott's cousin's daughter holding Lila. She was so sweet and Lila even fell asleep on her shoulder...can she come to my house!?

Trying to get a picture of all 4 grandchildren. Everyone did pretty good until Lila started crying and the dog came over to give her a kiss.

Sweet, sweet girl...

Scott & I met up with our dear, dear friend Richard. It was so great to see him and Lila stayed awake for most of the time we were there. I love this picture!

A final project with Mimi - making Valentine's Day cookies. I love these boys!

Thanks to everyone who made our trip so enjoyable! Love you lots!

Working Mom

Very soon, I will be going back to my regular schedule at work. Truth be told, I've already "gone back" working some hours here and there. Although I get sad to think about not hanging out with Lila all day every day, I am so ready. Sometimes I think I'm a weird mom or not a "real mom" because I enjoy going to work. This doesn't mean that I enjoy leaving my children. That couldn't be further from the truth. I just enjoy how my job makes me feel too.

Of course I have mom guilt. Doesn't every mother? But children adjust to their schedules and routines and need them to feel comfortable. Recently Nate asked me when I was going to Nashville again? I asked him if he wanted me to go and he said "Yes! Then Dad and I will take care of Lila all by oursevles." Although it made me sad that my traveling is second nature to him, it made me happy that since I've been doing it since he was very young, it is not odd or traumatic for him.


I have the utmost admiration for stay at home moms. I just could never be one. And after I had Nate, I had to resolve that this doesn't mean that I'm a bad mom. I quickly realized that I could be a better mother to him if I was working. I'm not sure how to explain it, but I need my job because of the structure that it brings, the adult interaction it affords me, and the opportunity to solve problems that don't involve my children. In other words, it is a release.

Of course there are days that I wish I could stay home with my children. And thankfully, my job allows me to be off on Fridays and spend an extra day with the kids. But this too will come to an end when Nate goes off to kindergarten in August. And then we will be on a 5 day a week schedule again. I'm sad about this "end of an era" but excited for Nate to start real school.


My outside the home job is not always easy, but neither is my inside the home job either. I must like both because this is the life I've created for myself. The grass is always greener, but thankfully I'm happy and content in the patch I'm in right now.

A Glimpse of Things to Come

I thought Lila might just be ready for the Bebe Pod. She did sit in it for a short period of time and didn't really know what to think. I do find myself wishing that she could sit up, but I absolutely don't want to rush time. I just remember Nate being much happier when he could sit up and look around. Not that she's not happy. But you know what I mean.

And she looks so chunky in this picture! I don't really think she is that chunky - the camera does add 10 pounds after all!

Smiling So Much It Hurts

I just HAD to get a picture of this sweet outfit that Sarah & Hamil got Lila for Christmas. Fact of the matter is we have to get some wear out of it this week or it will be passing her by...she does love to eat!

But the photo session was cut short. Heck, it got cut short before it ever started, but I perservered. And this is the result.

Cute, cute outfit. Cute, cute little girl. Oh so painful smile.

Nate: Overheard

Nate: Mom, it's a good thing Lila has an extra brother.
Me: Oh? Who would that be?
Nate: Dad of course.
Me: Well, Dad is...well...her Dad.
Nate: Well, he's her extra brother too.
Me: Good to know.

Nate: Mom, do you want me and Dad to take Lila with us to the store?
Me: No, that's okay, you don't have to.
Nate: Mom, why does Dad always tell me to come ask you things. Is he not in charge of the baby?
Me: (laughing hysterically) No, I guess he's not.

(Kids in one room, me in another...Lila crying)
Me: Nate, can you please put Lila's pacifier back in her mouth?
Nate: Um. It's in her mouth.
Me: (big sigh) Awesome.

Me: How was your day at school?
Nate: Well, it was good. Except for one bad thing.
Me: What happened?
Nate: Well, we have this new friend. His name is D. He told me that I didn't know everything and I told him I did.
Me: You do know about many things, but even Mom & Dad don't know everything.
Nate: Well I do.
Me: That's why we go to school. To learn. But it would be impossible to know everything.
Nate: (getting frustrated) I DO know everything. Me & Wayne do!
Me: You got me there.

Friday Fun Times

Another great Friday...I wish I could freeze time on Fridays...

I got these shirts before Lila was born and this is the first time they've worn them together. I figured I better get on the ball before Lila outgrew hers. And since she has most certainly done her 6-week growth spurt this week, I had to hurry. She was very sleepy and cranky so I didn't bother to take the pacifier out. In a baby that sleeps a little more than her brother did, the growth spurt was much more noticeable. Thankfully it is on its way out. Between her being sick and then this, we are ready for her to get back to normal...an oxymoron when it comes to babies!

We went to the Butterfly House at Faust Park. We had never been and it was very neat. Nate especially liked the cocoons that they let you view - there were hundreds of them at all different stages. This was the Owl Butterfly and they were huge!

This was one of my favorites - the Paper Kite Butterfly.

Lila slept through the Butterfly House, but was happy for a little bit when we got home. She looks huge to me in this picture! It's like she grew overnight, which she did. I can attest to the fact that she was doing something as she woke up at least 20 times on Wednesday night (it probably wasn't 20, but for the first time in her life, she was waking when she didn't want to eat.) Needless to say, we were exhausted on Thursday. And we are very thankful that she is returning to her old sleep habits.

Do They Like Each Other?

I think they like each other...for now...

The Mom Brain

I've always thought the description "Mom Brain" was a cop-out way to describe one's absentmindedness. I mean everyone has lots to think about. Not just mothers. But if there was such a thing as "Mom Brain," then certainly I was above it. After all, I pride myself on being very organized and present in every situation. Ya know, one of those people that sends a thank you card the minute a gift arrives.

Well. Then I had my second child. And this silly descriptor suddenly described me. Just when I thought we were making our way out of the baby tunnel, I did a u-turn.

I didn't get my baby and Christmas thank you cards out for over a week. And Nate's thank you's took two weeks. It ate at me like a pirahna. But I just had to tell myself that everything would get done in due time. But it didn't help.

And then just today, Lila & I were at Target. We checked out. I paid. And then I walked away from the checkout station without retrieving a single bag. When I heard the checker say "Ma'am," I didn't even have to see if she was talking to me. She was.

And to top it all off, I purchased a 12-pack of Coke and left it on the bottom of my cart in the parking lot.

I know you are probably thinking these things are not a big deal. And they maybe even happen to you from time to time. Well they just don't happen to me. Ever. Well, at least until now.

So I'm a little defeated by this "Mom Brain" stuff. But rest assured, when I do finally make it out of this baby tunnel and up the mountain, I'll be back to my annoyingly organized self. :)

Boyle Central Update

All is well at Boyle Central. More snow today, but not too bad, only 2-3 inches. Totally doable. From the looks of the weather though, it is probably going to hang around awhile. Music to my ears...not so much.

But at least I have these cute kiddos to brighten up the days! Sweet Sister Lou sleeping...she looks so much like Nate here in her face and hands. He would do the exact same pose. And yes, her hair is still blond and wild.

Can you say melt my heart?? Nate reading a book to Lila. I love how her head is turned listening intently to him. They were in there for quite some time entertaining each other and Lila only started fussing when Nate left the room. We are at the point where Nate can keep her attention for a few minutes at a time, which is really helpful when I have something that just has to be done. He is happy to help! At least for now...

Nate Vader...when I brought these boots home, Nate exclaimed, "Mom, you got Darth Vader boots!" Last night he asked if he could wear them and I caved. I think he gets cuter everyday, but then again, I'm biased!

One of a Kind

A special friend passed away on Wednesday. Far too early. Bill Bullard fought a courageous battle with glioblastoma that started just a short time ago. Describing Bill in words is hard for me because he was such a one of kind person. Funny, caring, strong and committed are a few words that come to mind.

I remember the first time I met Bill when I was in high school. He and his wife had recently moved to Charleston and since Bill was an avid runner, it didn't take him long to meet my Dad and Bob Whitehead. They had all just been on a run, probably their first of many together, and ended at my parents house. He called his wife to come get him and when Mrs. Vicki arrived, Dad & Bob put on quite a show. If you know my Dad and Bob, you know what I mean. I don't think Bill thought he was going to get to hang with Wayne and Bob again, but Mrs. Vicki eventually came around to love them...or at least tolerate them.


Bill always took the time to catch up on my life and he and Scott bonded over running and Georgia/Auburn football. And he let my sister Emily dump him in the water a few times on the Sam A. Baker trip. Certainly one of a kind.

Cheers, Bill, we will miss you.

Illustration of Motherhood

Time: 6:00 PM. Fixing dinner. Kid #1 watching TV in the living room. Holding Kid #2 while she cries from being tired, sick and uncomfortable. Stop to take a drink of water. Choke on water. Coughing, coughing, coughing. Hold Kid #2 close to keep from losing my grip as I struggle to catch my breath. Kid #2 screaming bloody murder at the sound of her mother choking. Wonder if Kid #1 will check on me since I sound like I'm dying in kitchen. "Mom??" Oh yes! He does care! "May I have some more juice please?"

And Lila Smiles...

Lila has been perfecting her smile the last few days. She is almost there!

Sorta thinkin' about it here...

Then thought she would just look cute...

And finally we have what resembles a smile...when I removed the bow because she started crying between the last shot and this one...

Lila is doing great - growing like a weed. She weighed 10 lbs last week and had grown an inch. She is sleeping one long stretch at night before eating and will go right back down and sleep until close to our wake-up time. Not all the way there yet, but close. We feel like we are getting pretty good sleep most nights. Or maybe it's just an hallucination!

She has her first cold right now and of course it is so sad to watch! Hopefully she will be on the mend soon. It was only a matter of time!

Nate continues to be great with her - always wants to kiss and love on her...hence the cold!

Lila does not really like riding in the car. On a trip home from school this week, she was crying. Nate leaned over and said,"Sister Lou. There just isn't anything Mom can do about it right now!" Think he's heard that before??

Clean Slate

A new year...a clean slate...A new year...a clean slate I chant to myself on January 1, 2011. What will I do differently this year? Do better? Well I told my dentist on Thursday that I would wear my mouth guard more in 2011. He looked happy, sort of. You see, being the obsessive, compulsive, control freak that I am (did I just admit that...again?), I grit my teeth at night. So much so that I ground down a tooth so far a few years ago that I now have a fake tooth. I'm sure you needed to know all that, but I tell you to illustrate that no resolution is too small. They are about making yourself better and at this time of year, the sky's the limit. Resolutions - do you make resolutions? I tend not to think of them as resolutions but as goals for the year. That way if I don't exactly meet them, I just carry them over. Accountability is a wonderful thing :)

I am excited about this year - it will hold some special, yet some bittersweet memories for us. Nate will go to Kindergarten. Lila will turn 1. Scott will be one year closer to finishing his post-doc, which could possibly end our time in St. Louis. And Scott & I will celebrate our 10 year anniversary, which also means I've been with my current employer for 10 years and Scott has been seeking his career in science for that long too.

Definitely an exciting year, full of firsts for all of us, but especially for Nate & Lila. As I reflect on how important 2010 was for our family, I get a little weepy knowing that we will not have a 5 year old and a 1 month old for long. Each day goes by so fast, even though at the end of the day I'm exhausted because the day was long. But on the bright side, long days mean that I had something to fill it up. My precious munchkins, my awesome husband, and of course don't leave out my sweet Kitty P.

Cheers to 2011!

In Between Week

I love the week in between Christmas and New Years. There is still a holiday spirit and the pace of life seems much slower. This year, Scott's parents joined us in STL to celebrate the "in between week." I didn't take lots of pictures because despite the pace being slower, seems I still had things to do!

Before the Georgia game on Friday...pre hair-combing.

Lila did change to her Georgia outfit, this was her pre-outfit...girls have more than one per day ya know.

Even though we cheered hard, the Dawgs could not pull out a win :(

Nate discovered the iPhone. Enamored.

Clearly more enamored than Paka...

We also celebrated Christmas with Mimi & Paka...

Nate enjoyed opening up Lila's gifts as well - love the Cabbage Patch!

Building a car with his new tools from Lowe's - Nate & Scott have been going to the Build & Grow sessions and now Nate has his very own tools!

Resting on New Year's Day - love the sunshine in the background!

I hope everyone had a great holiday season. Now off to enjoy 2011 and all it brings - I have a feeling it is going to bring us lots of busy, but apparently we wouldn't have it any other way since I don't remember a time that we weren't busy! Happy New Year!