This was Emma's idea!
So busy this past week, what a whirlwind it has been! We got together with friends nearly every day since Wednesday.
We had three mother/child pairs over on Wednesday (one was a mother-child-child actually!) for play inside then in the yard with the pool to cool off. We're really taking advantage of the hot summer weather that has snuck up on us as the season is nearing its end. This little pool which we found for free has been used nearly every day by Emma, and her friends when they are over.
Thursday was Emma's 2 year Pediatrician visit, which was very difficult for Emma. We have a kind and gentle pediatrician but Emma still has anxiety, likely anticipating the shot at the end of the visit. We are told it is not uncommon for children to have doctor anxiety at two years and the third year should be better. I'm glad we won't have to have another well visit until next year! After the appointment we did go to our new favorite ice cream shop, the blue pig which is just around the corner from her Drs office. This place is a gem. They use local dairy and pick and prepare all their ingredients and have a huge variety of flavors that changes daily. On this day Emma got Pig M&M icecream, and a scoop of peanut butter chocolate swirl for mama. So tasty!
Friday was a wonderful play at our friends Tricia's with her daughter Shea and a few other girls. At one point Emma declared she is helping Millie, then the two girls pushed a doll stroller together. When Emma stopped this game she said "Millie's turn!" And released the stroller to her. She has really been practicing sharing lately. Later in the yard Emma took it upon herself to bring the girls cups of water that were placed on a table. She makes my heart melt every time she says "He go!" (Here you go!) She also collected tennis balls and piled them in front of the family's dog Rio and would move the pile two balls at a time when Rio moved to a new place in the yard. My little caregiver!
After play we were invited to go for MORE ice cream and is saying no to icecream something people do? We cannot, not if it's at the Blue Pig(which it was!) on a hot summer day(which it was!)!(!!) So Emma and Millie got to enjoy their treat and play while the moms chatted. I brought home a pint to have around for Daddyman who has been unable to join us on our ice cream excursions.
Saturday we had grown-up friends over, a couple from Brooklyn. It was a nice get together, they got to see our new home and how much Emma has grown. It had been a long time since we saw these friends so Emma's has changed quite a bit but she is as sweet and patient as she has always been. This is confirmed to me when they complimented her well behavior, her independence and merry manner. It goes without saying I'm Emma's #1 fan and I see all these wonderful things about her every day but when another person observes her and vocalizes to me what they see... Well I appreciate it very much!
Sunday was an easy morning at home starting with our tradition of homemade pancakes --and home made syrup to compliment them. Emma's Pop Pop (Patrick's dad) taps maple trees and boils down the sap himself. This is a time consuming process and a good amount of work from start to finish so we're thankful to have a little bit of the fruit of Pop Pops labor! So sweet and lovely, pancakes are not the same without real maple syrup. Later Sunday we went to a friends whose little girl is a year and a half. Emma and Orla played so well together, jumping and rolling on beds, sharing snacks, hugging and making each other laugh. Everyone enjoyed themselves!
We were pretty worn out by Monday morning but being Labor Day we had plans to go to a BBQ in the afternoon. It was a restful day up until then. This BBQ had a couple familiar toddlers for Emma to play with, and some new little boys as well. We hardly ever see boys! Emma concluded our visit there by getting a dance party going in the kitchen. These girls have moves! Emma and Esme exuberantly stoping their feet and jumping around was so entertaining to the audience they had attracted. It was a perfect ending.
Phew. So now it's Tuesday and I'm catching my breath as Emma naps. She has been skipping them a lot lately and this mama needed a break. Though we have no social plans today we did start the day with running around the dog park, groceries (at an unfamiliar store, that always makes it tricky!) and a pop in to the book store to return a book. We saw heavy equipment working in the parking lot on the way out and it was as good as icecream for Emma! She was so interested in this "tractor" scooping and leveling, and the sound of continuous tread on the pavement as the machine seemed to be heading toward us sent Emma running behind me. A thrilling experience! We worked up our appetites so back home I made seared tuna steaks for lunch which were incredibly tasty and quick to prepare and Emma cleared her plate so I'll be making it again in the future.
Okay. No more typing, I will pluck away with my thumb and post the past weeks pictures as I enjoy my ice coffee, before returning to my domestic duties. Thanks for reading, all!
With love.
Rubbed with lemon and cooked on a preheated pan over med/high heat for 1-2 minutes each side, then covered with a sauce of soy sauce and grated ginger. Scrumptious!
