Halloween

We are not Halloween people. But now we have a child that deserves all the wonderful memories of dressing up so we were good parents and took Penny to a fun little carnival. She played games, collected candy (which her very mean mother wouldn't even let her taste), won a tiny little fish in a plastic bag that died on the way home, and had the most amazing time in her first bounce house experience. And while it was the best thing ever to see her giggle and smile while she bounced away, it nearly gave me a heart attack waiting for her to crash into the slightly older, but definitely more durbale, children that filled that small space. Luckily, she came out unscathed, but mama was in desperate need of a drink to calm her nerves.

Another Fun Morning

Slacker Mom

When Penny was younger, she only ate homemade, organic baby food. I "wore" her everyday as an infant, and even now, when she needs extra snuggles, I strap her to my chest to keep her close. I researched vaccines, gentle disciplining, and safer toys. We have made an attempt to go green and keep her safe from harsh chemicals. All these things came naturally. It was not a sacrifice to give my daughter the very best.

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.

lessons

you'll be 8 months old tomorrow. i can't believe how fast it is all going by. my tiny baby is quickly growing into an independent toddler & i am having a hard time keeping up. these moments are so precious & i pray i remember every single one. the way your face gets so serious when you are trying to figure out a new task. the look of pride when you first crawled across an entire room. the twinkle of mischief in your eye right before you dive for the dog's tail. the sweet way you nuzzle my neck to let me know that i am the one that makes it okay. my little girl....

yesterday you pulled yourself up using me for support. soon you will be walking. like every milestone reached, i can't imagine how you are going to figure it out. but then i blink & you've done it again. so many things you are left to learn on your own, but what about the rest? do i have what it takes to be a good mother? can i teach you all the things you need to learn. will i be a good example of kindness & compassion. how do you teach someone else humility? i want so much for you & i pray that i am able to put myself aside & always do what is best for you.