Florida fun in February

Such an amazing trip we have had in Florida! Though it hasn't been warm and sunny every day, no moment has been wasted. Emma has been having a wonderful time getting to visit with both sets of grandparents over the past five days. She shouts their names, claps, and squeals with excitement when we see them even if only a few hours have gone by. Other highlights of the trip:

 Beach! As I said, it hasn't been great weather for it, but Emma still got her share of splashing and beach games in. We could spend an entire day at the beach and she wouldn't run out of ideas for play. Building, squishing, digging, toting, spilling, "feeding", creating. We love to see her at work in this natural environment, with the simplest of materials transforming into absolutely anything she needs. This girl's imagination has no limits!

A trip to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. We were able to sit through an animal demonstration without Emma finding it too loud- we saw a lion, tiger, liger, chimp and special little pup perform tricks or just sit and look pretty. Outside the arena there are enclosures with exotic animals who find their home at the sanctuary after outgrowing or outliving their former homes and owners, or who have been abandoned altogether. The petting zoo stole the show, with every baby goat needing a hug and gentle pets from Emma. 

Much more has gone on here at parks, home, and around town and we've still got a couple days to fill up before making the long drive back to cold, cold New York. We're definitely making the most of each day ☺️

02-08-14

Today my little girl was big. She was brave. She did with ease what always took me everything I could muster up, and she went up before an audience.  She declared to everyone she was Big! And sat with the big kids for the children's message in today's service. She walked down the long aisle without me, having only been prompted that the children were going to sit up front. She said her name clearly into the microphone like she's interviewed regularly. She sat and smiled, and answered the tall unfamiliar man's questions. And kicked her feet, being the easy, breezy, casual Emma she always is.

And seeing her do this on her own was Delightful. 

Mama's in the Kitchen with Emma

Dinner comes together one of a few different ways each night. Some evenings I have the kitchen to myself and I work while listening to the music Emma makes as she plays in the other rooms. Other times I am bombarded by requests to be held which isn't possible when I am opening and closing the oven or sautéing vegetables. In the case of a demanding toddler at my feet the easiest way to get the job done is to let Emma share in the preparation. I've mentioned before that Emma is interested in helping in the kitchen. She is sturdy and strong enough to complete many tasks. Or practice. Pretend. 

Peeling: check. 

Ready to mix! (So ready, let's do this!)

Above: Emma was stirring as I added ingredients for our salmon's lemon butter sauce. She's so careful at the stove. One day she is going to shout in my face "Mom, I KNOW!" when I have said for the billionth time that the pan/lid/fire/handle/steam is or could be hot. Because I will remind her until that day comes! 

Worth a little risk I think. There is so much that working in the kitchen can teach a child, beyond safety, and anything can turn into a lesson. (Boiled water turns into steam. 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water yields 3 cups of cooked rice. Vocabulary: incorporate; roux.) not to mention all the gross and fine motor skills we use when we measure, whisk, pour, and decorate. 

It slows the process. 30 minutes of prep can easily become an hour or more but it is so worth it in all that is gained. When Emma comes to me wanting to help because playing with her toys just ain't cutting it, I try to see it as just another opportunity to learn presenting itself. 

"It is about the journey, not the destination." Enjoy it. Be present. Laugh, learn, embrace now. Respect the process. And try so hard to never, ever forget these special little moments. 

2.5

I'm Emma is officially two and a half today, not almost or just about.

Here's to a memorable half way mark day :-)

Emma's room at 2 1/2

This post is to document how we have Emma's room set up and what she has in it.

And I'll have to come back with photos of the fourth corner (whoops!) containing a potty and some books, basket for stuffies and a digital clock on the wall.

2015 we are (getting) ready for you!

Christmas time has gone too fast. Even with weeks of talking it, singing it, decorating it, picking it out and wrapping it, and celebrating it.. We will miss it. Emma was my helper with wrapping, picking out the gift labels and even addressing a few. Christmas morning was magical and we also had Patrick's side over the following weekend for dinner so we really did have a complete Christmas. 

Getting back into routine here now that holiday craze is behind us. More time indoors and no naps are adjustments for us and I'm realizing that I need to get into gear here and organize our week. Having some predictable markers throughout the day and week will help both Emma and I. I want to have a nursery rhyme and spoken story time each day; I'd love to try yoga together and to have that or similar activity the same day each week; I want to have a day with the focus on art activities especially now that Emma's interest in it is growing. It would be nice to set an afternoon aside for my own activities or chores I need to complete (sewing, crafts) while Emma has a special project along side me. These are just some things I'm considering as we form and fall into our winter rhythm. 

Need to keep up.

Need to stay ahead.

Emma with her Mimi and Poppop

Milking her horse!