the Colors of Spring

One of the things that is so exciting about Spring, is the saturation of the senses, especially the visual.  After a winter of predominately grays and browns, the world suddenly bursts forth in color; a rainbow in plant life.  I am not much of a gardener.  I tried to be, but with no access to running water outside and a host of very hungry animal friends and skin that breaks out into rashes with exposure to common weeds, it's been an uphill battle.  I bought a few seeds to try again, hoping a few low maintenance plants like tomatoes, sunflowers and pumpkins might be a low stress way to start.  But even in my yard, the colors of spring still make a pretty impressive rainbow.

Some colors are subtle, more delicate:

Like the colors of a gown for a newborn babe, soft, calm and quiet.

Others come at us with all the energy and vibrance of a toddler:

Some are like the newly found grace and beauty of a young girl, dressed up for her first formal

Or maybe the shy quiet girl, standing by the punch bowl waiting to be asked to dance.

And still others get plucked up by pudgy little hands, a split second before the shutter snaps, to be savored and enjoyed, before being cast aside to dig in the dirt.

the Cookie Monster

We've had a few cooler, windy days this week and as I think I've mentioned before, I really don't like wind.  Not a little, not a bit, not at all.  I would much rather go out on a really cold day than a moderately cool day with wind. Time for a little indoor fun.  So it was time to break out my beloved RED kitchen aide mixer (I LOVE my mixer) and bake some cookies.

Unfortunately cookie baking involves some waiting.  Long, anxious moments waiting for the dough to be ready for tasting.

And then there is the welcome challenge of operating the cookie dough scooper (small motor skills, anyone?)

And finally, the tasting of the dough.  Yum!  

 And more waiting.... for the cookies to bake.  And a bit of sadness when Mama says you've had enough dough, you'll have to wait for the finished cookies.

But then, all is pure joy when finally they are ready to eat!

And the verdict?,.....

The face says it all!

Wishing you a SWEET weekend!

PS. Drop by "thiscosylife.blogspot.com" and "www.naturalkidsteam.com" for a chance to win some Tiptoes Lightly books this weekend.  It's a really nice giveaway but you have to enter by Sunday.

the Buddy System

 Everything is easier when shared with a friend.

This is especially true for really big challenges, like potty training.  Here is Jo-Jo taking his turn on the potty right along side Austin.  Notice little Jo-Jo on the big potty and big Austin on the little potty.

Of course accidents can happen and clothes need to be changed often.  Luckily for Jo-Jo, Austin is willing to lend a helping hand.  Teamwork.  It's what it's all about.

Happy Wednesday!

Omi Arrives

Omi arrived this weekend and Austin couldn't be happier.  Either could Omi. 

 But it wasn't always like this.This is a picture I thought I might never take.  You see, when I first began talking to my mom about adoption, she made her feelings about the subject known to me, and they weren't pretty.  They were pretty awful.  And hurtful.  As time went on, I learned that much of her feelings were generated by fear, mostly fear that things wouldn't work out and I would be devastated.  So in some sort of twisted maternal protective strategy, she did all she could to persuade me not to pursue adoption.  Plus, she had some pretty backward notions about the whole thing.  But I would not be dissuaded.  And as luck would have it (more likely, Divine intervention) Mom was here visiting when Austin was born.  She was with us at the hospital when we brought him home.   And I'm pretty sure Austin had her wrapped around his little finger long before the elevator made it down to the hospital lobby.  It was love at first sight for all of us.  These days, mom denies having ever said anything negative about adopting.  I think most days she even forgets that we did adopt a child, she thinks he fits in so perfectly, he just belongs.  I couldn't agree more.  And so when Austin ignores me in favor of more cuddles from Omi, or mom calls and asks how "her" baby is doing, I just smile.  The power of love is a pretty special thing.  It can erase a whole lot of ugliness, heal some big hurts and build a pretty wonderful family.

Welcome Spring

Welcome Spring!

  To welcome spring we gathered a few forsythia branches and made our Easter Tree.

Austin decorated it just like a Christmas tree..... with all the decorations on the same branch!  After a bit of um, tactful suggestions, we got it decorated fairly evenly.

We've been enjoying the amazing weather spending as much time as possible outside.  I am not so much enjoying this new phase of development that blew in with the spring weather.  In the past two weeks, Austin has discovered the power of "NO".  He wakes up in the morning, I greet him with, "Good Morning Sweetpea!"  His response, "NO!  No Mama!"  I tell him the sun is shining and it's a beautiful day.  He says, " No, it's not beautiful.  I don't like it."  Ok, so this day is starting off well.  He has also taken a liking to chasing the animals to scare them.  This drives me crazy.  We talk about being gentle and kind and how to be a friend to the animals.  He agrees and then runs off shouting and waving his arms chasing a cat, or a dog, or a chicken.   Argh.  My sweet little boy is being a real little stinker.  I suppose it's the onset of the "terrible two's", the famous quest to establish  independence and self identity.   So mamas out there in cyber world, any suggestions and words of wisdom from those of you who have navigated these waters for this mama in the midst of them?

This Day

I want to remember

 this day...

this Face...

...this little boy in this moment, with the sun shining in his hair, mud on his little blue overalls and a grin on his face

...the way he turns sticks and black walnuts into boats to sail on his "river."  

...the way he sees with such big eyes that a tiny, little creek becomes a river

....the way he walks with such purpose in his step, such determination, such confidence

....the way he swings his arms and lifts his knees as if leading an invisible marching band

 ...the freedom of living in the moment, of not knowing or caring that others are watching

I want to remember this day, today, and all it's magic.  It was extraordinary only in the way every moment is.  It is special because it will never return, never be duplicated, never be exactly the same.  As I watch my son playing,  so small and yet so independent, I remembered again what a gift each moment is.  I can't grasp how quickly these past two years have gone and I can only imagine how quickly the rest will go too.  This road to motherhood was a long one.  It was uncertain, it was a struggle, it broke my heart over and over again.  And now, with this little one growing so fast, I want to stop often and remember....

 the ordinary moments which are anything but ordinary.

Around Here

Around here, we are still recovering from a cold (uh, how many bugs has that been this winter???)  We took advantage of the warm unofficial spring days to play outside and soak up some vitamin D.  And we are looking forward to spending a weekend with Papa.

Austin is busily working on his knife skills.  This is an obsession of his and rather than try to thwart this  hobby  (ever try to thwart the determination of a 2 year old?  I think the only thing more determined than a 2 year old is possibly a three year old!) I've been teaching him the right way to hold and use a knife.  A small child's knife, that is.  He takes it very seriously.  Notice his pointer finger on top of the handle.  Pretty nice form, huh?  So I just put his little cutting board next to his lunch and dinner plate and let him practice.

 
And everything tastes better when you cut it yourself!

I signed up for an Easter Swap over at "This Cosy Life" which I'm really excited about.  My husband raised his eyebrows when I told him I just needed to knit 20 small things by the 24th of this month.  I spent a little more time in the planning and prototype phase than I wanted to since I wasn't sure what I would make, but at least now the yarn ball is rolling, so to speak.  And with a little less housework and a little more knitting,  I think I might make it.  The 24th is also when I need to pick my mom up from the airport.  She is coming for a visit and I guess I ought to try to tidy up before she comes. Priorities, priorities.   Knitting first, cleaning later.

 Austin product testing

Wishing you all a happy last weekend of Winter.