Happy Birthday my sweet Chicadee-dee-dee!

Today, you are 7, and you are so excited that you are 7. In the last year I've caught glimpses of you transitioning from child to little lady. You are both, and now and then there are sweet glimpses of each.

I can still remember the day that you were born. It was sunny and warm. We had the check up with the midwife, and I was good to go. I remember the strength of our midwife, the serene peace that she radiated, and her quiet strength and encouragement. I remember Daddy sitting behind me in the tub, supporting me as I pushed you out. I remember seeing you for the first time, holding you to my chest, and singing "Sat nam" to you, and the quietness that followed in the room.

Last night, as I stayed up late decorating the house with streamers (because I knew that you loved them), writing your card, and putting together your birthday books, I held you in my heart.

You have been such an incredible light in my life. Every day you amaze me with your stories, your thoughts, your presence, your essence. Your smile is a light in the darkness. Your hugs and your touch the greatest treasure.

My hear overflows with gratitude for you my now sweet 7YO. I adore you. I love you. I treasure you. You are such an amazing blessing in my life. Happy, happy birthday my love!

Pook is 5 today

Today, my sweet angel turns 5. Five years ago at this time, I was in the hospital with my contractions having been going for about an hour. Two hours from now, I was in a tub, hubby behind me, holding our sweet babe in my arms and singing to "Sat nam" to her in a room so serene that one could hear a pin drop.

Five years later, I find myself five months along with my next babe in my growing belly. (Did I mention that 5 is also the numerology for my name and birthday? Hmmm...)

It's a surreal moment. My little baby is growing, asking questions, learning, reading, writing, getting a ton of phone calls, making her own decisions.

This amazing being is a little person now. My heart overflows with love and gratitude. A little more than four months, we shall be celebrating the birthday of another little babe.

Life is amazing.

A Quiet Friday

I am coming to love the quiet of Fridays. It's the day of the week when we don't have to run out to go to school or activities (unless we're off to the farm and, well, that's just fun!).


Today, it's a gray and rainy day. It's perfect for napping and resting. Although, we've opted to do computer work (me) and school work (Pook).


It's also a great day for reflecting. Pook is four and a half. In the last year, she's come so far. Each day she is learning and absorbing new things. It is incredible. Each age brings such amazing discoveries for her (and me).
She's no longer a baby, no longer a toddler. She's a bonified kid, a little person.

Every day, she gains more independence. Every day, she grows more. She is amazing.

Autumnal Bliss

The scent of soup on the stove wafts through our home. It's lentil soup, and today, it's a very special soup. You see, it's because Pook helped to cut the veggies, add the veggies and stir. A dear friend of mine gave me a knife that is not sharp that kiddos can use to cut things. Although, she doesn't quite have the strength yet. So, she sat on my lap and helped push my hand down.

It was one of those sacred moments. It's been one of those sacred days.

She woke up from a bad dream, so I brought her from bed, and kept her in my arms while working. She dozed off and on, then looked up at me, put her hand on my face, and told me I was wonderful. Then, she told me how much she loved me. My heart blossomed.

There were many things I'd wanted to do today, but I put them aside to plan a picnic to the park. She helped to pack up the foods. When it was time, we drove to the big park. We sat on a rock and ate our hardboiled eggs, then we played for a bit on the swings, and sat on the slide to drink and eat a bit more.

We climbed ladders. We explored the sound of crunching leaves, and wondered about which birds sang for us. We slid down the slide together. We laughed. We hugged. We had to rest on a bench on the way back to the car. She told me that when she gets bigger, and can use the stove, that she will cook soup and dinner for me.

I asked her if she'd move away when she got older, or if she'd stay nearby. She informed me that she would live nearby. I sighed, and told her that if at that time she wanted to live far away, it would be okay. In my heart, I hope she'll stay close. But, that's a long time away. For now, I only know that she thinks I am wonderful. That she loves me. That right now, she needs me, and that she is so very precious to me.

I am so eternally grateful for this day.

Smiles, sparkly red shoes, and the first week of many

This had been a wonderfully full week. I started the week off with one of those lovely fuzz-headed colds, and, mind you, it was the first week that Pook started Montessori and Kindermusik. Add to that my delightful influx of new students (more hours means more money!), the homeschool activities (phonics, numbers, etc.), weekly (bi-weekly at least) adventures to the library, - it means that this is going to be one fun fall.

I refuse to see it any other way.

I get to recoordinate my schedule. I get to see the joy on my child's face as she spends time with other kidos, and builds confidence in herself. We are beginning to explore the library (once she gets past the stuffed horse... ), the seasons (she knows fall is coming, and can make the connections about the leaves now - it's so cool), the calendar, the weather, and then, there are those moments when she hears a word, then tells me what it starts with. "Mommy, lion start with L! La la la la la la la!" :)

It's an amazing time for her and for me as her parent. And, having these activities is forcing me to really make the most of my time. (I am SO glad we rearranged the house this summer!) It's all good. And, yes, I know it's only week one - but if I made it through in a good mood (for the most part) while being sick, I think that's pretty darn good.

I have realized, that I really need to figure in more things for myself throughout the week though. Which, will be fun figuring out what I can do for me, how I can fit it in with the time I have, and make the most of it. And, I think I'll need to take relaxing a little more seriously too. :)

Today, I'm up for the challenge.

Tomorrow, I've got to take the car for repairs they've got to seek out, with Pook.

This should be fun. :)

Snow in April

There's nothing quite like starting your morning out by reading four research papers. Unless you count the snow squalls throughout the day yesterday. No real accumulation, but funky none the less. Monday and Tuesday we were eating outdoors. Caught me a bit off guard, but, I'm back into the swing of things. The ILs are due in at lunch, and I'm hoping that since this is a holiday weekend, students won't be posting as much today.

This weekend starts the first of three weekends of Pook's birthday celebrations. She'll get to hunt for Easter eggs, an Easter basket, and a handmade kitchen set (which I'll post a pic of later), made by her grandfather. Next weekend is her official birthday and party with a few of her friends, and the weekend after my mom comes up to visit and celebrate. Is she lucky or what?

I am realizing though, that I think I'm going to need to put limits on a few things before Christmas, as I think she might be getting TOO much for this birthday. We shall see.

Happy Easter too all!

A sweet week

It's been a good week this week. It's been one of those mind-blowingly creative, inspiringly productive, let's-get-up-and-dance-when-the-music-plays -a-good-beat type of weeks. OH what fun!

Pook has been really into her alphabet computer game, and doing these practice writing worksheets. This has actually given me time to *gasp!* read and do other crafty projects. She's been really enjoying drawing, we've been reading her Lady Bug magazines together, and I've even had the opportunity to start looking into homschool programs. Who knew there were SO many?

We did get snow on Wednesday; however, it's melting fast, and the signs of spring and longer days are definitely here. Especially in my dining room, and around the house. Slowly, I've been removing the winter decorations, and replacing them with more floral things. I was so inspired, that I decided to sew new place mats, and to create table runners, and Pook was helping me and ready to learn how to sew, and... then my sewing machine broke.

So, I made do with a few stiches to hold things in place until I can get a sewing machine, or borrow one. I was not to be deterred from the yummy yellow fabric I wanted to see on my table! :)

And with that, I wish you all a Happy Friday, and a weekend with spring goodness admist the winter!

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... ;)

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.

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.

Quiet night

Last night, our sweet angel fought and cried.

"I don't want to sleep in Pook's bed. I want to sleep in Mommy and Daddy's bed."

She tossed, turned, and flailed in her father's frustrated arms. Finally, she wanted to read Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess.

With quiet reverence, I asked her, how about we read it in your new bed?

She looked at me, questioning, then said, "Okay."

As Daddy usually read to her, I proceeded to lock up, until she kept calling for me. By this time, Daddy was frustrated. He'd been looking forward to sleeping in our bed, sans Pook, for quite a while. He was determined that she would be sleeping in her own bed, at least part of the night.

And so, with quiet reverence, and lots of love, I curled up and snuggled into her bed, as Daddy sought out the night lights and heated the sheep heating pad. (I'll post a picture later.) We read Green Eggs and Ham, Daddy placed the heating pad by her little feet, as she held the teddy bear my brother and SIL gave her before she was born.

When we were finished, I snuggled in closer, held her in my arms, until she let herself drift off to dreamland. I stayed those few extra, precious moments, then slipped a pillow in my place. Yes, I stopped at the door to look back at her.

At that point, I was so congested and worn, that I collapsed into bed while hubby finished putting up the nightlights, because he felt she'd end up in bed with us.

She didn't.

My sweet angel is still in bed. Sleeping soundly and peacefully, all by herself (with the exception of the teddy bear - currently named "Later" I believe and the "Sheepy Pete" warmer).

I am in awe.

Sweet sayings

As I'm working, Pook climbs up into my lap. She sits facing me, wrapping her arms around my neck.

Me: Oh, you’re getting so big.
Pook: Yeah, I’m growin’ up.

Followed by a hug and a kiss.

I think my heart just melted into puddledom.

Everything, and anything can be a learning experience

The hibernation isn't quite going as planned, but that's okay. I'm using this post as a sounding board more or less, as I've been asked to take part in a leading a workshop that encourages parents to celebrate the seasons with their children. I've also been pondering how to make homeschooling (or HS as I'll be referring to it hereon) more of a priority in our lives.

And so, I'm here. Putting forth my thoughts into this electronic media for you dear readers!

In regards to HS, I've decided to start displaying HS stuff around the house for inspiration and encouragement. There are 5 areas that I do my best to focus on with Pook each day:

* Words - Reading, writing, and phonics
* Numbers - Counting, Math
* Music/Dance - Listening, dancing, singing, making, appreciating
* Art - Painting, sculpting, drawing, etc.
* Nature - doing something that relates to the outdoors
* Creative Play - This is based on books from Oak Meadow. It's when she plays on her own.

In order to encourage these priorities, I've decided to really start incorporating the HS aspects into our decor.

Words:
Books can be found in almost every room of our home. On second thought, at this very moment, there are books in everyroom of our home!

I'm infamous for posting quotes, affirmations, and meaningful words. There are magnetic letters on the fridge that we trace with our fingers. Before bed is the mandatory reading with Daddy (and sometimes Mommy). In the morning (on good days), Pook and I sit and read together.

She can already write an H, but until she shows more interest, I'm not pushing the writing aspect yet. But there are plenty of line tracing activities I can encourage her to do if she's interested, and that she can do as she gets older.

In regards to phonics, we haven't done much work with that, but we will. Another neat thing to do, is to make bread dough or play dough into letters.

Numbers:
Decorwise - they appear on our fridge with the magnetic letters. She is constantly counting and sorting things on her own, so numbers are pretty easy. I haven't quite figured how else I plan on displaying them, although, she does have object on her nature table she can count and sort. Also, games like Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, etc. encourage counting too.

Music/Dance:

Our home is usually always filled with music. Each meal we usually play a CD. And, when we are cleaning or cooking, music usually fills the air. Occasionally, you'll find all of us (even Daddy) breaking into dance. In the kitchen. Alone or all together.

Art:

To encourage art, I've created a table centerpiece that displays all kinds of good art supplies on the kitchen table. Using jars, I've put out markers, crayons, paint brushes, chalk, and other inspirational goodies.

I keep them on a tray, for easy removal from the table when we have guests. They encourage Pook to draw and create each day. As an artist, and a believer that art and creative expression is important, this is a big one for me. Already, I've got most of the learning stuff put on shelves in the dinning room for easy access.

Nature:

Recently, we've created a nature table for Pook. A nature table is a great way for kids to be indoors, and there is a vast amount of information out there on them. However, let me tell you what we are doing. The table changes each season. Right now, we're on winter (even though it feels like freakin spring.)

There's a blue towel with snowflakes on it; a stuffed snowman; a kailidoscope (scuse the spelling); a woven bowl with acorn caps, a pine cone (it's on the list to find/get more), 3 dradles, a few seashells; a bowl of rocks; a vase with sticks from the tree outside (that was budding *sigh*); a cool shaped stick from a walk at Oregon Ridge long ago; her fairy wands; and a basket filled with wintery, snowy, and Christmassy books.

Each season the books and cloth will change accordingly, as we discuss what occurs with weather, plants, animals, etc.. On Thursday, we plan to make homemade pinch pots that will enable her to create art, and sort items like acorn caps, sea shells, sticks, and other nature goodies.

When we go for walks, or visits, I encourage her to find rocks, leaves, and the like to keep on her table. Many things on her table have a story to go with them, which make them even cooler. Even when she leaves the nest, I think I shall keep a spot for a nature table in our home. It's become that precious to me.

Creative Play:

All of her toys are easily displayed and in easy reach. Hopefully, she'll have a kitchen set for her birthday. She just got a doll house for her birthday. If you think of how a nursery school is set up (corner to keep coats, store, dress-up area, kitchen/house area, blocks, art area, reading area, doll house, car area, snack area, etc.), you'll get the idea of how we are setting up our home to reflect this.

Already, I've got most of the learning stuff put on shelves in the dinning room for easy access.

I don't have a formal schedule as of yet, and she is involved in a Kindermusik class (if you have kids, I cannot reccomend this program enough - and it starts with birth until age 7) throughout the year. This program tackles all these things, and then some.

What I like best about HS, is that every day is a learning experience - for all of us. For instance, a day at our friends' farm means outdoors and in nature. She gathers and counts the eggs (numbers). She plays the piano (music). She plays in the water (creative play). She come home, and curls up in bed to read with Daddy.

As you can see, even if you are choosing not to HS, you can still incorporate these ideas for your own child. I find, that if you make learning fun, and realize you do it everyday, it makes the whole experience more amazing. You'd be surprised what you gain from it as well!

Sweet Morning Bliss

She's half the length of me, her body draped over my lap, arm snuggled around my neck. She smiles at me, with a face that fills me with joy. She curls her body up, nuzzling her head into my shoulder. She sighs.

She is love. I am in love.

We are blessed.

Divine Gifts

Sweet kisses from the Pook. The kind where she puckers up, takes your face into her hands, and plants tender kisses upon your cheeks.

Soft thoughts

I can hear the thunder, rolling through the night sky. The wind dances with the curtains, as it passes into the room. Today, I spent the day with my sweet little girl. We had a swimming lesson (she's doing SO well since her first class, now if only we can get her to blow bubbles...). We had lunch with her friends, then her Kindermusik class. She fell fast to sleep in the back car.

Today, I was blessed with good news, and reassurance from a dear friend, that I'm a good mom. And you know what, I know I'm a good mom.

My daughter is always smothering me with kisses, telling me she loves me, that she's proud of me. And I'm so proud of her. It was a tough weekend (we started toilet training), but she's been keeping her pants dry all this week, whenever she wears them. She has realized, however, that when in the diapers (bedtime and travel for now, she can get away without sitting on it).

In any case, each day I watch her grow and do new things. She is amazing, loving, and wonderful.

Snuggled under soft sheets and warm comforters, I sit with my laptop staring out the bedroom window. Pook-a-boo is watching Blues Clues and coming in to visit me and bury herself into the pillows. I love the fall.

The morning is chilled, and there are no swim lessons today, so I was able to sleep in (after having a Pook snuggled next to me all night). Now, in the quiet, I am able and motivated to get my work done.

Things seem to be settling into to a relaxed pace. Laundry, work, playtime and reading all seem to fall into place. I love the opportunity that fall provides us, to slow down with the cold. Slowing down. I like slow.

I'm feeling peaceful right now. It's a feeling I want to just bask in. Mmm... feels like it's time for a good cuppa. Yay... autumn!

Is this the little girl I carried?

What an emotional week it's been. For those of you who have just had babies, or know them - hold them close, memorize all that you can. It will only be a matter of time before they becoming little independent beings.

My sweet angel girl had a big week this week. Wednesday was her first day of Kindermusik. This year, they go to class on their own. For the last year, I've been able to enjoy our time in class together. Snuggling, singing, and dancing. We've made new friends. She's learned so much.

Many of the other mothers were prepped for this, as some of the kids are already in preschool, but it was the first time for me. She held the hands of her little friends, and walked right into the classroom without me. My little big girl.

Then today, she had her first dentist appointment. After watching me have mine, the little Miss hopped right up in the chair. She let them count her teeth and check them. They cleaned them, and flossed them, and my sweet little girl was totally fine.

I can't quite put into words what I'm feeling. My sweet girl is growing up. What more can I say? And as Ed now gets to enjoy being a dad to his precious daughter, I can't stress enough to enjoy and make the most of every precious moment. (Of which, knowing Ed, I am sure that he and Linda will.) Because the next thing you know, they are walking off into the big wide world, while you sit back, watch, and blink back the tears.

all made well...

When the soft breath of a sleeping child is felt against your arm while you work.

*sigh*