My daughter....

Never ceases to amaze me.  It's been so interesting getting to know this new little person.  I LOVE how her personality is becoming more clear.  For example, if you want her to do something, it's best to make it seem like it was her idea.  When I want her to take a drink from her sippy cup, holding it up to her mouth usually doesn't work.  She will just bat it away.  However, if you just make sure she sees it, then put it within reach, 9 times out of 10 she will take a drink.  Saying "no" just makes her cry, so redirecting seems to make everyone happier.  Although, at times, no's are inevitable.  Her communication is getting better too!  When she wants to go outside she says "bubbles" and starts bringing shoes to you.  It doesn't really matter whose shoes they are, she just starts hauling them over.  Recently we were outside playing with the bubbles and the bubble stick seemed to disappear.  (She was standing on the front porch which has boards with gaps in them)  After looking around a bit, I finally just looked at Paxton and said "what did you do with the bubble stick?"  She then proceeded to point down at the boards and speak toddler to me, which sounded a whole lot like "it's down there".  Sure enough, she had stuck the bubble stick between the boards and it was now under the porch!  It was an interesting moment of communication for us.  I can't wait to hear what she has to say next!

Back in the Saddle Again

After 1 year and 8 months, I finally got back on the motorcycle. I think it took as much mental as physical preparation. There are so many issues, mostly riding confidence, but also the whole new added element of concern for another. There is a new fear. What if a car pulls out in front of me? What if I hit an animal? What if there is some loose gravel in a turn? What if??? What is not forgotten, however, is the complete joy I felt when riding. The sense of freedom and relaxation finally became great enough that I was able to overcome the fears that were gripping me. I began small, just a ride to work and back, but it was a huge step for me. On a more humorous note, the "trying on" of gear that used to fit was frustrating. At least I have some new motivation to continue the diet and exercise. Those leather pants and jacket cost too much to throw out because I weigh a little too much! At the end of the day, Jeremy and Paxton were waiting for me. Jeremy let Paxton sit on the bike with me and we documented my return to "Biker Mama".

Oh Danny Boy....

The pipes, the pipes are calling....

At Friendship Hill....and across the big meadow.....

(sing it in your head or out loud if you want)

Yesterday Jeremy, Paxton and I decided to go for a walk at Friendship Hill. "Bring your camera" says Jeremy. I was already walking out the door and had my hands full of diaper bag stuff, so I decided not to this time (HUGE MISTAKE) thinking "I've taken lots of pics there, probably won't see anything new today." Dumb.

Of course as Murphy's Law would decree, we pull into to the parking lot and lo and behold, there is a guy there who is practicing his bagpipes. Nope, not kidding. If I would've listened to my husband I would now have a lovely photo to share with you of this interesting sight, so just imagine a guy in shorts and a gray t-shirt walking around with some bag pipes and playing some tunes.

What I can't capture with a photo is how surreal it was to hear the echo of the pipes across the vast field as we walked through the park. There is something kind of magical about their sound that is hard to describe. Maybe it's the Scotch/Irish blood in me that begins to stir. Who knows....

Little Miss Personality

Oranges!!

Paxton's favorite sippy cup

Playing outside at Papa's house

Dressed for Easter

Miss Paxton has been very entertaining as of late. She's had some big changes going on and she has just been so much fun! The big things are 1. walking (ok, cruising) and 2. personality. The second one is really amazing. She reacts to things now more emotionally, whether it's laughter or displeasure. For example, when she hears the monkey sound on her zoo toy she laughs and makes it back. Conversely when we tell her "no" she makes a pouty face and sometimes even sheds a tear or two. She definitely understands no now, and (so far) actually obeys! I was amazed the first time that worked. She's also getting quite adept at her sippy cup and has been exploring the food range a little more. Tonight she ate exactly what we did (tilapia, brown rice and broccoli) just pureed and with a little breast milk and she LOVED it! That makes momma happy. She also does funny stuff. Lately it's all about imitation. She likes to imitate the monkey and bark at the dog. She claps when we clap and sings along with us a lot too. She likes to sing in the bath tub (very loudly!!) and babbles along when "reading" a book. Physically there are big changes too. She can get pretty much anywhere she wants to go now which is good and bad. Today at the baby sitters she climbed into a little rocking chair and rocked back and forth for awhile. That's good. Later at home she crawled into the kitchen while we were fixing dinner which is sort of good, but there were a lot of "no's" being issued when she was checking out the trash can, cabinets, etc. Pouting ensued for a bit, but she recovered. This is shaping up to be a really fun age with her although I feel the twinge of sadness at seeing infanthood coming to an end.

New Job

Yes, I have a new job! I am now a middle school band director. This is something I really wanted to do, but didn't think I would have the opportunity this soon. The former director took a position that opened up at our high school, which in turn opened the door for me. The district decided to move us into our new positions right away because the band has some pretty important parades coming up in the spring. So far it's been kind of like trying to cook in someone else's kitchen. I've had to spend a lot of time just figuring out where "stuff" is and how the building runs. I have a fantastic schedule where I basically spend the day teaching lessons, then have band during the last period of the day. I go NONSTOP all day, but am loving it. With this transition I've been pretty consumed with work, but am really missing my camera. So, that being said, pictures tomorrow!

Unexpected gifts

I think unexpected gifts bring the most joy. Ok, now I'm not taking anything away from the gifts we receive on special occasions like birthdays, etc. but let's be honest. They are......well, expected. However, the unexpected gift is different. There is no precursor, no expectation, no anything. And one can't help but feel humbled by the generosity of the giver of said gift. At this point you are probably wondering if there is a point to this chatter. Actually, there is a story. Tonight, Jeremy, Paxton and I went to dine at Ruby Tuesday's. While there we ran into John, who is the owner of the jewelry store where, among other things, Jeremy bought my engagement ring and I bought his wedding band. As far as being a jeweler goes, I always felt very comfortable with him and felt that he was always honest with me. You don't really get that in the mall. Anyway, he was very happy to meet Paxton and shared an amazing story with me about the adoption of their first child. Soon after our meal arrived, Paxton grew fussy and we asked for boxes and our check. The manager arrived shortly after along with John letting us know that our bill had been taken care of. We were absolutely speechless! We both thanked John and probably looked rather dumbfounded sitting there. I looked at Jeremy and could see that his eyes were welling up like mine. We held it together though and gave thanks for such a good person in this world. So if the opportunity presents itself, think about giving an unexpected gift. It will really touch someone's heart.

For Jeremy

He loudly insisted that I post this pic.....

Yes, I think it needs to go in my new office. More on that later.