Eve: Almost 11 months
Sierra: Almost 3 years
I didn't fall asleep in Sierra's "big girl bed" tonight, but I might have well done so. The amount of convincing that has to go into putting her to sleep can be exhausting. Gus and I handed off 3 times. He puts her down quite often, and I usually put Eve down. On those nights where each other needs a break the other steps in to help. As I pretended to be asleep, after the umteenth song and story, Sierra pets my head and strokes my face. She traced my eyelids with her fingertips and the creases of my mouth. My daughter loves me. As much as she pushes me and tries me she LOVES me that much more. As I pretended to sleep there in her "big girl bed" I felt her love for me as she drifted off into sleep. The girl who made me a mom (I'm thinking as I try not to let my ankles pop while tip-toeing out of her room), teaches me about myself everyday. That girl who pushes me so hard, loves me with all of her strong-willed little being and I am grateful.
Gus has given me life in the past two weekends. I have been able to mountain bike with a new female friend in the area this past Sunday, and last weekend as a mother's day gift I took a watercolor class for 4 hours. I am so grateful. As much as I love my children, I need to remember me... alone and complete. All of my heart and soul seems to be devoted into my family but truthfully there is still ME out there, and my amazing husband realizes it and makes sure that he offers that time for me. I am eternally thankful. He is such an aware and sensitive partner I am so lucky to be able to experience this trip (called life) with him. He has been thriving at his new job, the native plant nursery, and I couldn't be happier for him. Finally back on track with what is soulfully satisfying for him. I truly just wish to prop him up and support his love and zest for growing plants, observing nature, being in-tune with his environment, and engaging with his carpentry skills. It is rewarding for me to see him thriving, and sometimes that is more important than anything... your partner's happiness that is.
Eve, our little wild child. Is walking up a storm, not to mention climbing on whatever she can. She often finds it amusing to pick the most dangerous thing in the room/setting to engage with/in and seek it out. She actually laughs when she notices that you see her doing/going for it. She is babbling so much with "mom/dad" clarity but that's about it. She expresses her dissatisfaction very clearly and always tries to stop the imminent "said thing" from happening. i.e. When picking her up off the porch to come inside, her body goes limp and she screams. The door is open for the dogs and she tries to bum rush it with all of her toddling might, but doesn't quite make it and collapses on the floor with despair. She has said real words though, "Pop-Pop" "Duck" "Bubble" "Dog" "Dah-Dah" "Mah-Mah" "Baaaaall" you know the simple words, but it is clear what she is trying to say in her other growls and gurggles (at least to Gus and I).
Anne and Jerry watch the girls twice a week while I work. My class that I teach at a local rancheria is going really well, and I am happy that I have a solid group of 8-10 people coming every time. I am actually getting to teach them more now that they keep coming, and I know that I am doing more than just teaching a class. I feel like I am helping to inspire people do more for themselves. I want to hope that the class carries over into their personal lives, as knowledge that they can use on their own.
We have had many fun things happen this month: Grandpa Mickey came for 10 days (he was able to show the girls the piano... which we borrowed from a local friend) and had a lot of quality time with them, Auntie Crystal came to stay for a weekend (I was able to have some great quality time with the kids, talking and running with her), we had lots of hang out time with Grammy and Grandpa Jer Bear, we saw Hilary and our new friends Nicole and her daughter Sierra. Reading time at the library. Play time at the park. Running with Emily and Esther. Hikes to the river with beautiful wild flowers, trips to Shaver Lake, and Wishon. Oh how the list goes on! I do think pictures better describe some things that words cannot:
Dress-up never fails to entertain these.
Our family trip to Wishon was pleasant and refreshing... it also sadly reminded Gus and I how long it has been since we've been to true wilderness.
Eve is truly a beauty, I took this picture before her bedtime 3 nights ago.
The kiddie pool is a key "toy" to have around!
Luckily we have Grandma and Grandpa's playhouse next door (not to mention THEM) we visit the "house" even if they aren't home!
Silly selfies never get old.
This was one of my inspirations for my watercolor class... perhaps a bit more advanced than I could complete in the small time that we were able to paint.
Sierra loves her dresses.... no joke. Everyday she wants to wear a dress.
Visiting Shaver lake is fun for everyone. Especially sand eaters....... EVIE!!!!
Cold, somehow, does not affect toddlers the way it does to all other human beings.
Pillows/blanket forts and dress up... super creative mom way to go... thank you, thank you.
We see Grammy and Grandpa all of the time. We are truly lucky to have them next door. It's nice to have a constant in the girls life when it comes to family.
Sierra and Eve will learn their baking skills from Grammy! Especially those sugar cookies. Sierra loves to decorate/eat them (Dad does too).
Beach booty! She went into the lake even though I didn't bring her swimsuit... Naked booty!
What a month... AGAIN.
Gus has given me life in the past two weekends. I have been able to mountain bike with a new female friend in the area this past Sunday, and last weekend as a mother's day gift I took a watercolor class for 4 hours. I am so grateful. As much as I love my children, I need to remember me... alone and complete. All of my heart and soul seems to be devoted into my family but truthfully there is still ME out there, and my amazing husband realizes it and makes sure that he offers that time for me. I am eternally thankful. He is such an aware and sensitive partner I am so lucky to be able to experience this trip (called life) with him. He has been thriving at his new job, the native plant nursery, and I couldn't be happier for him. Finally back on track with what is soulfully satisfying for him. I truly just wish to prop him up and support his love and zest for growing plants, observing nature, being in-tune with his environment, and engaging with his carpentry skills. It is rewarding for me to see him thriving, and sometimes that is more important than anything... your partner's happiness that is.
Eve, our little wild child. Is walking up a storm, not to mention climbing on whatever she can. She often finds it amusing to pick the most dangerous thing in the room/setting to engage with/in and seek it out. She actually laughs when she notices that you see her doing/going for it. She is babbling so much with "mom/dad" clarity but that's about it. She expresses her dissatisfaction very clearly and always tries to stop the imminent "said thing" from happening. i.e. When picking her up off the porch to come inside, her body goes limp and she screams. The door is open for the dogs and she tries to bum rush it with all of her toddling might, but doesn't quite make it and collapses on the floor with despair. She has said real words though, "Pop-Pop" "Duck" "Bubble" "Dog" "Dah-Dah" "Mah-Mah" "Baaaaall" you know the simple words, but it is clear what she is trying to say in her other growls and gurggles (at least to Gus and I).
Anne and Jerry watch the girls twice a week while I work. My class that I teach at a local rancheria is going really well, and I am happy that I have a solid group of 8-10 people coming every time. I am actually getting to teach them more now that they keep coming, and I know that I am doing more than just teaching a class. I feel like I am helping to inspire people do more for themselves. I want to hope that the class carries over into their personal lives, as knowledge that they can use on their own.
We have had many fun things happen this month: Grandpa Mickey came for 10 days (he was able to show the girls the piano... which we borrowed from a local friend) and had a lot of quality time with them, Auntie Crystal came to stay for a weekend (I was able to have some great quality time with the kids, talking and running with her), we had lots of hang out time with Grammy and Grandpa Jer Bear, we saw Hilary and our new friends Nicole and her daughter Sierra. Reading time at the library. Play time at the park. Running with Emily and Esther. Hikes to the river with beautiful wild flowers, trips to Shaver Lake, and Wishon. Oh how the list goes on! I do think pictures better describe some things that words cannot:
We visited Hilary and Mike's place twice in the recent weeks. In the process, meeting a new friend and her daughter.
What a month... AGAIN.
