But Mother of the Year, I most definitely am not. I suck at playing. I lack motivation to find new & fun things to do to help fill her days. Bryan will get down on the ground with her, making forts out of over sized pillows & fluffy blankets, and I wonder why I couldn't think to do that. This is one part of parenting that does not come easily for me.
As the weather is cooling, I have decided to make a serious effort to get us out of the house to play. We've been walking to the park this week in the mornings, before the day gets too warm, and it has been wonderful for both of us. Penny has discovered that the best thing about the playground is not the slides & swings, but the giant sticks that litter the ground. She enjoys the walk to and from, watching the crows fly overhead and waving bye-bye to every passing car.
These outings need to become a regular part of our routine. Penny needs it and most definitely deserves the little bit of effort it requires of me. I can do this for her. I hope I don't forget too quickly how the little things make such a difference.