Happy March?

Oh my, seems time's slipped through my fingers once more. Here it is March already.

I'm liking all the green I'm seeing this month, even if it isn't green grass. It's been inspiring.

However, since March has started, I've been a bit of a slacker, although, I'm not sure if that is the proper term. Really. Unmade beds, not caring about getting rid of clutter, and thought the house isn't in shambles, I haven't been rushing about to clean it or anything. And you know what? I've actually been enjoying just being and not fretting about that sort of stuff. Quite freeing don't ya know.

Yesterday, though the bed didn't get made, we did do some nummy baking. Good stuff! Pook did more drawings and writing. Did I mention that on Saturday, Da hubby asked her to write her name? She did it. He had to help her with the last letter, but she wrote out the rest. Yup, my eyes were leaky for a bit.

Each day, I think I fall more in love with my sweet one.

Pook

I just had to write, before I forgot, about Pook's latest birthday party request. For those that don't know, it was Robin Hood (and I'm still pushing for that for the cool ideas). However, yesterday she tells me she wants it to be a Strawberry Shortcake Party.

Robin Hood hats and outfits I can make, but have you seen those Strawberry Shortcake ones? ACK!

At least the food would be sweet... ;)

Mornings in Bed

I wish that I could say that I've spent the last few mornings lounging in bed (flannel sheets, PJs, hot tea, the whole bit); however, though I've been in bed and I'm still in the PJs I've been working.

It's been nice, and when Pook wakes up, I get cuddles too!

But, unlike yesterday, today we've got to go out. Hmmm... suppose I'd better change out of the Pjs then, eh?

Early morning

I was up today before the rise of the sun, listening to the singing birds. And now, with the rise of the sun, and the Pook, I'm listening to her singing to her own little song and rhythm.

She misses her Daddy, and is snuggled into the flannel sheets awaiting Mommy snuggles.

What will we do today? It matters not.

Right now, I'm completely present, aware of the softness of the flannel, aware of the sunlight through the curtains, aware of the warm cuddle-bug on my lap, her head on my shoulder as I type.

So, do you like British humor?

I absolutely LOVE British humor, with thanks to BBC and Phil for introducing me to Black Adder (LOVE IT!), the hubby for Red Dwarf (oh Lister!), and oh other goodies! And don't even get me started on the delightful discovery of the series of Hercule Poirot, starring David Suchet as Poirot. I can't even see anyone else playing him now. He's so perfect!!! (And for you Monk fans out there - you will SO see who he is based off of!)

But, I've digressed. I'm here to rave about the movie Keeping Mum with Maggie Smith, Rowan and Kristin. If you like dark comedies, British humor, Maggie Smith (Oh Maggie!), you will SO LOVE this movie! And Rowan! I knew he was brilliant in Black Adder... but he just floors me in this movie. Really, he was amazing as a vicar (yes, a vicar) who's disconnected from his wife and how he rediscovers himself and, well, don't want to ruin it for anyone, but really - this movie is SO good!

And um, yeah, I've already watched it 3, maybe 4 times since we got it Friday from Netflix and ended up buying it. I can't help it, each time we watch it, you notice something else. A look here, a simple inflection there... I have an awesome appreciation for these actors. Mind you though - the Amercian character will discuss you, and there is some nudity. And, oh yeah, murder (that you never actually see... and arent' gory).

And so now you know. I love and adore British humor. And yes, you'll occasionally hear my spouting off about putting the kettle on for tea, watching the tele, etc. ... comes from all those bloody good shows doncha know.

Sledding, Celebrations, and Stomach Virus

This weekend we zipped down for a quick weekend visit to MD. It was so weird seeing the fields of icy, glimmering with the touch of the sun. We weren't sure if we were going to go - the weather, and the fact that POOK wasn't her usually self. Well, I listened to what others said - she didn't have a fever, it was probably just her off her routine, etc. etc., because I thought that since I wasn't sure if I wanted to go or not, that I should just stay home.

Oh, when will I learn!

Friday night, and Saturday evening, I'd had a headache. I thought it was because I was watching all those home improvement shows on the tele. Sunday evening, I thought the food wasn't agreeing with me, as my stomach cramped up and any movement invoked naseousness. I had eaten a lot. Monday, my stomach was crampy, but I thought it was due to the female cycle kicking in.

But then, this morning, da hub wakes up with the same symptoms, AND we remembe he had headaches the last few nights.

What does this all mean? Pook had the same thing, but was unable to clearly tell us. She had glossy eyes, and complained of a sore head - but no fever. She also spent a day snuggled up to me saying she was cold (this was when she got the chill part). And then, she wasn't eating, but her tummy was rumbling - a lot, and she said it was sore.

I knew she wasn't feeling well, but didn't listen for various reasons. Next time, you can bet I'll listen.

We did, however, manage to get some sledding in (yes, already know that it was dangerous, but we did check it out carefully before trying it) and celebrate the Chinese New Year.

And now, we're home. YAY! And getting back into the groove.

And then,

Celebrating with Pook

When I was younger, my father would always bring my mother a dozen red roses and a big heart box of chocolate. Apparently, some times she got funky undergarments too, but thankfully, I didn't see and don't remember that. I think she got my dad a card.

As I got older, my dad would bring me a single red rose and a small heart box of chocolates. Then, Mom made him bring my brother some too, as he was feeling left out.

When I was a teenager, after my parents divorced, I would sulk over this day. I hated it. I wanted that someone special to bring me chocolates and flowers as it was "supposed" to be.

The older I got, the more I had issues with this day. After college, I started the tradition of Anti-Valentine's day, where we'd all get together and bring a gift for under $5, have a potluck, draw numbers, hang out... but that never took hold.

As I mentioned in my previous post, hubby and I just don't celebrate this day. But, with the birth of Pook, I wanted to do something, but I didn't want her growing up with expectations of chocolate, jewelery, flowers, and the like, and depending on someone else to do so.

Thus, hubby and I decided that the best gifts are the ones from the heart and homeade. And so, we've cut out paper hearts and hung them about, and she made a super secret Valentine's Day card for Daddy (don't worry, he already knows about it, Pook isn't good at keeping secrets!). Tonight, we'll dine on Papa John's, and maybe watch a romantic comedy - as a family.

And for her little KM friends, I crocheted some simple red bracelets, and we made red envelopes (for Chinese New Year on the 18th), included a printed paper with shapes to make a pigs faces, printed out a little note explaining it all, and stamped and stickered them.

And so, I hope that I can instill and inspire in my daughter a sense of love and togetherness on this day, as opposed to what you are "supposed" to get from someone else. And when she gets older, we shall send her homeade Valentines and scrumptious homeade goodies, and let her know that she is loved.