Spring changes

 We're so delighted to be coming out of hibernation and have the freedom of playing anywhere outdoors in just about any way again. There is nothing better than spending all morning in the woods or around the yard on a pleasant day, coming in for lunch and a rest before returning back outside for the rest of the day.

Emma has been enthusiastic about planting and helping to water seeds and bulbs we've recently planted- here's hoping all the tending is rewarded with some sprouts soon and many colors in the summer. Oh, and bees. Emma is shouting at every flying thing she perceives as a bee, "WE PLANTED FLOWERS FOR YOU, BEE!" She wants to see them gathering pollen, to not share their flowers with hummingbirds, and for them to make us honey. She is quite fond of honey!

The change in days seems to have unfortunately brought a change in nights. Emmas waking up once each night and insisting I sit while she falls back asleep. (This is where I am now, sitting on the floor until she stops fidgeting and gets back to sleep.) It's been difficult breaking up my sleep but I'm trying to stay patient and let her phase out of it as she has before. Soon, please, Emma!

So long winter!

  A zoo trip last Thursday brought us adventure and excitement on a chilly day. The sun tried to warm us through the cold wind but we found the most relief in heated habitats like the mouse house and reptile world. One benefit to going before the pleasant days of spring is that Emma and I were among only a handful of other guests. It was a relaxing visit where we could focus on the animals, some of which were cooped up all winter and were especially active. Here are a few pictures I snapped on our trip.. The tigers were our first stop and Emma packed a toy to share with them. They weren't impressed, but we had fun!

Peacock looking for a warm place to rest at the Reptile world. Sorry buddy!

We were inches away through the glass!! 

Running up and down this tunnel a dozen times 

A little friend cleaning up crumbs at lunch time.

We were the only two riders on the Bug Carusel! Emma had her choice of bugs and no reason to rush it. And she chose the same bug as she did last time, a Mantis. She named it Greenie.

This was our first outdoors outing since winter kicked off. It was nice to get out and spend more than a few minutes outside. Back at home we are busy with all kinds of activities and mischief.

Yes mischief. Is that possibly a party hat on Catrick?

...because here is his party.

And here is Catrick!

Given a bunch of random pieces and material to build with, Emma creates new designs for "playgrounds" each day. Playground is her favorite subject to build. Using these open-ended materials really leaves it up to Emma to turn it into something. It's not what it is but what it can be. And It's always changing.

Magic.

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.