too cute in pjs

Solstice drawing

Sleeping in the new teepee

I like socks!

Don't worry we're safe from the rain

Beach Fairies

Being a parent I often find myself in one of two states of mind.  The first involves feeling like there is never enough time.  Constant rushing to get to play dates, eat, do the laundry, or change a diaper.  In this state of mind the day disappears. The children are alive and cared for, but probably feel like they are not getting any attention.  Usually this is when I get frustrated with children and Y gets lots of time outs.  The second state of mind is one of boredom.  This happens when Y dawdles at an incredibly slow pace, wants to be pushed on the swing, read a book for the zillionth time, or when the baby wants to eat and I want to do something other than breastfeed.  In this state of mind I generally rely on my iPhone.  Then I can at least see what's happening on Facebook, read the news, check my email, or play a game.  It treats the symptom of boredom but does not actually cure the problem.

So I am embarking on a journey to create or expand a third state of mind of parenting.  I think it is just called being an engaged parent, or playing with your child. Perhaps it shouldn't be so hard, but most days it is, because I do not want to do the things that my toddler and baby want to do all day.  I do not think reading Dora over and over again is entertainment, nor do I want to sit on the couch and hold and breastfeed my baby all day. I think every parent has an age that they most enjoy, and that is when they most enjoy parenting.  I do not think that age for me is less than 4.  But really I am looking to do more than just play with her, or have her "help" me with  my chores.  I do that all the time.  I put aside whatever I am doing and build blocks that she knocks over, or give her a butter knife to cut up veggies with me. I want to find a way to participate in an activity that we are both enjoying, that we both value, and that we both get something out of.

 Today seemed like as good a day as any to engage in this sort of play.  At the beach Yemaya and I played together making fairy houses and gardens.  During one of those bored moments of parenting I joined pinterest where I somehow came across some pictures of fairy gardens, and realized it was something we could do and enjoy together.

Too cool

Dora, Dora, Dora

My daughter loves Dora. I have come to terms with Dora existence in my
life, but sometimes my disgust bubbles up again.
Like today, there is an episode where they have to find the chocolate
tree so they can make chocolate. What's wrong with the cacao tree?
This shouldn't make me mad I guess, but usually Dora doesn't lie.
I have learned to appreciate what I used to most hate about Dora.
Every episode is basically the same. They all follow the same formula
with the same songs, routines, and annoyingness. But now that I know
all of the formula I can use it to get Yemaya to participate in
activities. For example, if she is being slow walking somewhere I just
tell her we need to go around the tree, down the path, and then to the
store. She will speed up.
That being said I hope everyday that she will no longer like Dora.
Each morning there is hope.

Peace

At the Beach

I finally got a few photos with a real smile (from Yemaya).  Nothing makes a girl happy like sand that you can throw.  We had a nice few moments down at the beach by the Maritime Center.  Right before we were inside at the cafe and I was teaching her how to play checkers.  The finer points of the game were lost, but we both enjoyed ourselves.

Playing together

"Alder, can I come in too."

Smiles

Snow!!!

We only get snow a few times a year, so three snow days in a row is
really something.

Cozy afternoon

We are having a lovely cozy afternoon at home.  I am one lucky mama.

Mr. Funny Face

For Kate

An emailed iPhone photo so you don't miss a thing.

I'm not a baby

Welcome baby Alder

Just in case you read my blog, but are not my facebook friend...

Baby Alder is here!  He is wonderful, beautiful and doing great.  We are managing to figure out sleeping, and having two kiddos.  Yemaya loves her baby brother and is adjusting to the new reality of life.

Life can turn from good to...

...bad so quickly.

Yemaya took this photo of her baby brother.

Everyone cuddled up together.