Laowai

Bea and I returned from our trip to Midland yesterday afternoon. We had our ups and downs on this trip. Bea got sick on Friday night – her first throw-up sick. Poor thing. You should have seen Jennifer and Mom jump into action helping to clean her up, change the blankets in the crib, and start a load of laundry. I’m glad I had some assistants for this big mommy first. To complete the down part of the trip I got the same sickness on Sunday/Monday and we couldn’t spend the day with Gramma and Grandpa C.

On the up side we got to do lots of fun things with grandmas, grandmas, great grandmas, great grandpas, aunties and our favorite big, tree-climbing cousin.

Another highlight: Great Grandma Dice sang the Chiquita Banana song for us – and look what I found:

I couldn’t resist posting some photos from our date night the other night. We went for a walk at The Chicago Botanic Garden and then had a delicious dinner. The gardens smelled so good. I suppose it wouldn’t be the same if we had this fresh spring scent in the air all year long… but maybe it would be nice if the lilacs bloomed say twice a year.

Today Bea helped me wash windows outside. And when I say help I mean not at all. Wow was that bucket of water fascinating! Rocks, my trowel, clods of dirt, rags that were supposed to stay dry and her sleeves all ended up in the bucket. She really wanted to get her hands on the squeegee but I managed somehow to keep it from her and quickly finish the job. She even tried to climb into the bucket – her clothes were sopping wet by the time we were done. Such a “helper”.

Here are some photos from our walk yesterday. There were a couple ducks that hung around for a long time and got really close to us. I think there was some duck romance in the air.

How does useless stuff accumulate? I had pre-natal vitamins in there still. Sheesh!

Inspiration:

Before:

After:

Next I will attempt to clean our hall closet.

I uncovered some forgotten photos from the other camera. This one is from Jennifer and Jenna’s visit a few weekends ago. Notice I’m reading two stories at once.

I think a lot about how physical motherhood is. Not just the aches and pains from lifting a toddler all day long. But all the little moments of contact that happen throughout the day that make our connection so strong and powerful. Feeling her body tensing up and grabbing me tight with her little fist when she’s scared. Feeling her head resting on my shoulder and under my chin in that tired way. Feeling her wrapping her arms around my legs as she whines and and melts before lunch time. Feeling her grab me around the neck in a big toddler hug. Her curious poking of my nose or eyes or belly. Her outstretched arms first thing in the morning when I get her out of her crib. And my favorite, her special style of kiss – it’s more like a long slow head butt punctuated with a “pppfff” sound.

Just holding a whole person in your arms – the wiggles and snuggles – it’s so intimate. How will I ever be able to wean myself from this warm little bundle of energy?

To my mom: Thanks for giving so much! We can’t wait to see you soon and smother you with hugs and kisses.

Here’s a video of a new word Bea learned while we were on vacation.