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.

A Spring Crush

The first truly warm days of spring are always when it starts.  My heart starts fluttering a bit and I get giddy at the thought of maybe not needing a jacket today.  I tentatively step out the door, feel the air and smile. It has begun.

I have an annual love affair with Spring.  After winter (even a winter like we've just had) I am ready to heed the call of Spring, to fall in love with the outdoors again.  And it is like an adolescent crush in so many ways.  I find myself wanting to spend all my waking hours together,  looking for excuses to be outside.  Picnics at the playground, dinner in the yard, knitting on a blanket.....does the house really need to be cleaned?    I find everything Spring does fascinating.  Wow, look at those shoots coming up, gosh those buds are opening quickly, just look at those sweet ducklings.  I can't get enough of Spring's warm embrace, nothing like the good warm hug of the sun.  Of course, even crushes have their lover's spats, mine are spring allergies.  

But even between the sneezes and tissues, I am in love.   

And so, while the calendar technically still said winter, and while the ground is still brown and not green, my suitor came calling.  "Come out and play", it called, and I went.

 Austin heard it calling too.  It said, the sand is warm and dry.  Last years buckets and shovels are lonely, please come and play.

 He was only too happy to oblige.  It called,  "the creek needs someone to muck about in it.  Someone to get mud on their shoes and pants, someone to loosen the leaves with a stick."

 The child aims to please.   It called to the dog, "Come old girl, roll in my grass, feel the warmth on your belly,  let my spring newness make you feel young again."  And Daisey got up off the couch and came.

It called to the chickens, "Come and scratch, there are grubs to be found and cool drinks in the creek to be had."  And a chicken never has to be called twice to dinner.

It called out to the snake, "come out of you burrow, the air is warm.  Take the heat deep into your skin."  And the snake slithered out and basked in the warmth

It called to the flowers, "come my pretty ones, put on your finest dresses.  Your time to shine is now."  And so they are getting ready for the great Spring Ball, dressing to impress, for their time is short, before big green leaves and tall, slim grass will take their places.

And so it begins, each one heeding the call in it's own way.  Each one falling in love all over again.

How about you, are you feeling the love?


On another note, it's also time for a little spring knitting. The Gnomes are popping out ready to play.