climbing.

New today, climbing.  (Well, she said Eliza and jj today too.) But this girl has realized that she can climb.  I knew she was a climber, but it is in full force now.  Getting down is a little more questionable.  Here are some shots from today…

 

 

 

Because girls can play with cars too.

this little set of cars has been kind of a long project in the making.  i drew them and grandpa cut them out a few weeks ago.  and since then there’s been sanding and painting and touch-ups, but now, audrey has a set of handmade girl cars.  i love them, the sound audrey makes when she pushes them around, and having done it all with my dad.

the weather today matches my mood

gloomy.

due to a couple reasons.  number one: ruined plans.  number two: lack of control.  number two, part b: a baby that keeps being sick.

and instead of being a debbie downer and elaborating on that, i am going to share a saved list of happy things i added to all week on my phone, and be reminded of the reason i write these down in the first place-for days like today.

laughter from the backseat, noticing audrey’s curves-like her cheeky profile in the mirror while she’s sleeping in the car and the shape of her shoulder and arm when she’s reaching for her lunch, 5 more minutes in bed in the morning, a trip to the hardware store without intentions or time restraints to get some ideas, making out an order form of art supplies this time for my tiny artist, clorox wipes for everything, paper hand puppets, handwritten recipes, queen anne’s lace, a list of things to make, my mama’s brown rice, chai tea latte with cinnamon, a rainy day when it fits how i’m feeling

because all new tricks aren’t cute

Audrey’s latest; head shaking.

This is happening a lot these days when she doesn’t agree with or like something.  For example, when she doesn’t like the toy you pick for her, doesn’t want to go to the person that’s reaching to get her, or doesn’t want to eat the food you choose.

This just might be the start of some uncute tricks that come with toddlerhood.

something remembered

So I have been bad about doing the “somethings” I want to remember everyday like I had planned.  They are definitely still happening, I just don’t always make a point to notice something in particular, or I do, but I forget to write it down.  Yesterday though while Audrey was watching The Backyardigans she waved and said bye-bye when they went into their houses.  I love the associations and connections I can see happening for her in all kinds of ways right now.

For a couple extra little somethings I love right now:  the way she is a copycat to all we do and say, her saying “night night” back to me as plain as day yesterday, Audrey standing at the front door looking out in the afternoons, her little lover-of-animals soul (she met her first chickens, rabbits and roosters at a birthday party last night), beanbag lounging and a very shy & sweet moment the other night with new friends over-her sitting in between my legs holding on getting warmed up

audrey makes art

Today was a milestone.  Audrey got her first box of 16 brand new fat Crayola crayons.  She examined every single one.  A couple went in the mouth.  All of them went in and out of their box.  And she made a masterpiece!

(Oh and this artist likes to work sitting on top of her drawing pad…just like everything else.)

happy things:

when your shuffle mode makes you a great mix, frida with her ears back, gardenias blooming, making things with my dad, the smell of dreft laundry detergent, monday mornings, the quiet sound of audrey’s breathing while she sleeps, an old friend back close by, supper club reunitied, dinner/may/uno/friends on the porch, family weddings, nooks, feeling not sleepy when i wake up, dreams i remember, a fresh pineapple, ‘nowhere to be’, bookshelves, white rooms, chairs all shifted and moved together after a gathering

lounging.

audrey and i spent the last part of mother’s day outside.  she ate sticks and acorns.  i took pictures.  we enjoyed the evening of a beautiful day together.

she is my mother’s day present.

 

 

Happy Mother’s Day

Being Audrey’s mom is the best gift I have ever been given.  Every day I thank God that He picked me to be her Mama, to experience this joy and have the responsibility of raising His precious girl.

And every day, I am also thankful that He chose my Mama for me.  I am amazed by her love and strength and beauty.

Thank God for Mamas.  Today and every day.

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.~ Psalm 127:3