I'm feeling that peaceful sense of contentment this morning. Snow is on the ground, the sun is out, and I'm not longer suffering from severe congestion.
It was a relaxing weekend, and thanks to my ILs who dropped in for an over night visit, who brought beef noodles, pineapple pie, and entertained Pook while I napped and Hubby watched movies... it was much needed.
Last night, I got to stay up late, and have some much needed "me" time, do some reading and journaling.
It's mornings like these that remind me of the importance of taking time out for me, and getting rest.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
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.
"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.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Pictures, Sniffles, Snow, and a new bed
As promised... here's a pic of our snow:
She is fascinated by the foot prints in the snow. She'll step in mine, or her father's, then veer off making her own path.
She is such a little person now. Her own thoughts, words, and opinions... she enamors and amazes me. Sweet love.
Today, my sweet angel got her official "big" bed. We went from crib, that converted to toddles bed, to this:
I'm in love with my little Pook. Each day, she gains new independence and confidence. She takes it in stride. Sunday, when we got our snowfall, she decided to take me for a walk outside.
She is fascinated by the foot prints in the snow. She'll step in mine, or her father's, then veer off making her own path. Sunday, while basking in the quiet of the snowfall, feeling the flakes upon my face, watching the shapes upon my glove, and hearing her laughter, I basked in true bliss. She is my teacher and healer, just as I am hers.
This week, I've been ill. She's smothered me with kisses and hugs to help me feel better. Today, I'm feeling better, although I seem to be extremely congested. Argh.
She is such a little person now. Her own thoughts, words, and opinions... she enamors and amazes me. Sweet love.
Today, my sweet angel got her official "big" bed. We went from crib, that converted to toddles bed, to this:
It's hard to put into words how I feel. My sweet baby... is no longer a "baby", not even a "toddler".
She's officially a kid.
I'm so very proud of my lil big girl. My heart is spilling over with love.*Sniffle, sniffle*
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Yup... winter is here.
Might provide pics for everyone later. But for now, there is snow. Though the grass still peeks through, the powdery white goodness is on the roof, the ground, and all around. Yay - it is winter!
And, hubby's home today.
Unfortunately, hubby's home, because I'm in bed. Yup, typing to my bloggity readers, while longingly looking out the window, ignoring the overall achiness of my body, and blowing my nose on occasion.
The good news is, my awesomely wonderful and marvelously great hubby is making lunch, and has been taking sweet care of me today. He's also been taking time to play with sweet lil Pook, who is SO excited! (Especially because Momma was a lump on the log yesterday, and has been praising the wonders of Tylenol - yes, I'm even taking TYLENOL! with my herbal tea goodness.)
I am so in love with this man... and he continues to amaze me each and every day.
Sweetie - you are the best.
And, hubby's home today.
Unfortunately, hubby's home, because I'm in bed. Yup, typing to my bloggity readers, while longingly looking out the window, ignoring the overall achiness of my body, and blowing my nose on occasion.
The good news is, my awesomely wonderful and marvelously great hubby is making lunch, and has been taking sweet care of me today. He's also been taking time to play with sweet lil Pook, who is SO excited! (Especially because Momma was a lump on the log yesterday, and has been praising the wonders of Tylenol - yes, I'm even taking TYLENOL! with my herbal tea goodness.)
I am so in love with this man... and he continues to amaze me each and every day.
Sweetie - you are the best.
Monday, January 22, 2007
A Quiet Sunday
Yesterday was the most splendid day. Actually, this whole weekend was quite lovely. But yesterday - it snowed! AND Daddy was home to enjoy it with us.
I love snow. I love it more when Da Hub gets to enjoy it with us. Of course, he was shoveling the sidewalk during Pook's and my outdoor walk. But he was home, and when he looked out the window, I could move up behind him, wrap my arms round his waist, and hold tight.
While walking in the snow, I am still amazed and enthralled by the quietness outside. I thought, that it being Sunday, there would be kids on sleds - but they didn't emerge until afternoon sometime. And so, sweet Pook and I walked among snowflakes, leaving foot prints.
At times, there were two sets, other times one set - from when I carried her, or she walked in mine. I'd pick her up, and she'd dust the powdery snow from my hood. Too bad it wasn't good packing snow, else, I'd have a picture of a snow man to share. But maybe, just maybe we'll get out and play in it today.
I was also blissfully aware of the flakes, and managed to notice 3 perfectly shaped (as though carefully cut from the ice) flower and crystal shaped flakes. I marveled, dared not breathe, as I watched them melt. Bliss.
For dinner, I made homeade lentil soup, to compliment homeade bread. Pook, ate 3 bowls of it!
I had a chance to read, relax, snuggle - and even let go of a huge chunk of my past.
You see, I'd had 6 binders of email tips, exercises (mental, physical, spiritual), dream house bits (pictures, paitn swatches, rooms)... and Da hub and I sat down, whilst Pook watched Robin Hood, and went through ALL of them.
Somethings, I saved (we're down to 1 binder). Others, he had to throw away for me. But by the end, I was able to toss. I'd held on to these things for over 8 years, some maybe even over 10 years. I've never once referred to them. After I read them, in they'd go. In some cases, I never even read them, just shoved them in.
And so now, I've got 5 empty binders.
At first, I was panicked! But as the day passed on, I felt freer and lighter. Just looking at those binders had been stressing me out. Even the house binder - with pictures, paint swatches, and designs of our dream home - GONE! Now, I feel free to accept a gift of a house, instead of trying to control and plan each and every detail. It's exciting to be open to possibilities, I might not be, because I'd closed them off.
And so, last night, as we all snuggled into sleep, upon fresh flannel sheets, I smiled as I realized the gift this day had been.
I love snow. I love it more when Da Hub gets to enjoy it with us. Of course, he was shoveling the sidewalk during Pook's and my outdoor walk. But he was home, and when he looked out the window, I could move up behind him, wrap my arms round his waist, and hold tight.
While walking in the snow, I am still amazed and enthralled by the quietness outside. I thought, that it being Sunday, there would be kids on sleds - but they didn't emerge until afternoon sometime. And so, sweet Pook and I walked among snowflakes, leaving foot prints.
At times, there were two sets, other times one set - from when I carried her, or she walked in mine. I'd pick her up, and she'd dust the powdery snow from my hood. Too bad it wasn't good packing snow, else, I'd have a picture of a snow man to share. But maybe, just maybe we'll get out and play in it today.
I was also blissfully aware of the flakes, and managed to notice 3 perfectly shaped (as though carefully cut from the ice) flower and crystal shaped flakes. I marveled, dared not breathe, as I watched them melt. Bliss.
For dinner, I made homeade lentil soup, to compliment homeade bread. Pook, ate 3 bowls of it!
I had a chance to read, relax, snuggle - and even let go of a huge chunk of my past.
You see, I'd had 6 binders of email tips, exercises (mental, physical, spiritual), dream house bits (pictures, paitn swatches, rooms)... and Da hub and I sat down, whilst Pook watched Robin Hood, and went through ALL of them.
Somethings, I saved (we're down to 1 binder). Others, he had to throw away for me. But by the end, I was able to toss. I'd held on to these things for over 8 years, some maybe even over 10 years. I've never once referred to them. After I read them, in they'd go. In some cases, I never even read them, just shoved them in.
And so now, I've got 5 empty binders.
At first, I was panicked! But as the day passed on, I felt freer and lighter. Just looking at those binders had been stressing me out. Even the house binder - with pictures, paint swatches, and designs of our dream home - GONE! Now, I feel free to accept a gift of a house, instead of trying to control and plan each and every detail. It's exciting to be open to possibilities, I might not be, because I'd closed them off.
And so, last night, as we all snuggled into sleep, upon fresh flannel sheets, I smiled as I realized the gift this day had been.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
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.
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.
Sorry, but I won't be spending $25,000 for a toddler birthday party, but that's just me
Phil just emailed me this article titled Parents say "enough" as child parties go wild. I was agast at the prices, and what people do, although not too aghast because I know people who would actually consider spending $5,000 for their kids' bash. Yes, really. People like me and you. People who make lots of money, and people who are in hock due to the type of parties they give.
We've had family parties for Pook, that always involve a ton of people (FIL is 1 of 6, add that to my dad who's 1 of 3, and my mom 1 of 2 - and the rest are over seas). If I host them, they are pot luck. If MIL hosts them, she insists she provides the food.
This year, Pook will be 4 years old in April. Last year, she celebrate with her 3 friends on our friends' farm. There was a turtle cake, feeding the donkey, gathering eggs - good, fun, natural stuff.
This year, I'm not sure what we are doing yet, or how many kids will be there. A wonderful rule of thumb (I think) is to have no more kids then years being celebrated.
For her first birthday, we had a party here, and one in MD. Let's face it, Pook usually gets 2 parties a year. Although, I think we'll hold off until a significant number before she has another "big" one in MD.
In any case, it was ironic that I was reading this article, because I was just thinking about Pook's birthday. I wanted to do something outdoors, that is environmentally friendly. If we only do 4 kids (plus parents), I can do it at my friend's farm.
And, get this. She's been into the Robin Hood movie (from Disney, with the fox), and I've actually been entertaining the idea of using it to teach the kids about the King Richard, the crusades, etc. Yeah, I know. You're thinking - Grace, they are going to be FOUR years old, and you want to teach them history? (But just wait until she gets older - might have to get Stacie's input on some historical stuff! )
Of course, she may not want to do Robin Hood. I've still got a few months to think about it regardless. I do know, it won't be an sleepover at FAO Schwartz. (Hecht, after my teaching experiences, I doubt my child will be sleeping over anywhere. Do not even get me started about the horrors I've heard.)
We've had family parties for Pook, that always involve a ton of people (FIL is 1 of 6, add that to my dad who's 1 of 3, and my mom 1 of 2 - and the rest are over seas). If I host them, they are pot luck. If MIL hosts them, she insists she provides the food.
This year, Pook will be 4 years old in April. Last year, she celebrate with her 3 friends on our friends' farm. There was a turtle cake, feeding the donkey, gathering eggs - good, fun, natural stuff.
This year, I'm not sure what we are doing yet, or how many kids will be there. A wonderful rule of thumb (I think) is to have no more kids then years being celebrated.
For her first birthday, we had a party here, and one in MD. Let's face it, Pook usually gets 2 parties a year. Although, I think we'll hold off until a significant number before she has another "big" one in MD.
In any case, it was ironic that I was reading this article, because I was just thinking about Pook's birthday. I wanted to do something outdoors, that is environmentally friendly. If we only do 4 kids (plus parents), I can do it at my friend's farm.
And, get this. She's been into the Robin Hood movie (from Disney, with the fox), and I've actually been entertaining the idea of using it to teach the kids about the King Richard, the crusades, etc. Yeah, I know. You're thinking - Grace, they are going to be FOUR years old, and you want to teach them history? (But just wait until she gets older - might have to get Stacie's input on some historical stuff! )
Of course, she may not want to do Robin Hood. I've still got a few months to think about it regardless. I do know, it won't be an sleepover at FAO Schwartz. (Hecht, after my teaching experiences, I doubt my child will be sleeping over anywhere. Do not even get me started about the horrors I've heard.)
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