So. That babyproofing we did by raising Ainsley's art table? (oh - and organizing/? ahem. Don't Look.)
Backfired.
Not only can she reach and get into everything (still) - but now we have the added danger (enticement) of climbing up on the wooden chairs.
This Girl Wants To Climb.
What to do?
Take them outside. I bundled them up and we metro'd to Macy's to see the revealing of the Holiday Windows. Who knew it was such a THING? We spent several hours. Served as a good distraction awaiting Daddy's arrival home from Australia.
Washington Ballet performed, as well as Coco Jones, a Gospel Choir, and many other singers
free hats, confetti, balloons, stickers, gift baggies...
oops. confetti container in the eye.
We had to take a break - ducked into the Dunkin' Donuts and chatted with Daddy on the phone.
Can you see that? (below) - flag girls dancing to a full brass band as they pull back the velvet curtains. What a show.
the windows were cool - moving characters and simple, magical themes
So - Santa arrived on stage and shortly thereafter, we ended up inside of Macy's. On the children's floor - Radio Disney was hosting a party. Dancing, music, games, craft tables/stations, and Santa! Like I said, "who knew!?" - Couldn't have dragged this girl out of there if I'd wanted to.
getting a sparkly tattoo - of course
~ SANTA ~
These girls needed some down time.
Ains with her school book-bag and baby climbed up (by herself!) and joined in. She adores books!
*sorry it's small. Click the corners-symbol on the vid and it'll go larger
We are already seeing her approach to new things, and to learning. She likes to practice new things - on her own - and while she enjoys applause, she practices whether we are watching or not. This girl just wants to be PART of everything and is just plain curious for curiosity's sake. So glad we caught a bit of her practice session before bed this week. :)
The ending makes this worthy of that old bloopers TV show from childhood! (is that still on?)
Outside My Window...
It's happening!
THE TURNING OF THE LEAVES
My favorite. So pretty around here. Dangerous for me to drive, really.
I am thankful for...
the 20 minutes of gymnastics-nursing and giggles that I get each and every night at bedtime. It's my FAVORITE part of each day. Nothing else exists except me and my baby in a dark, dark room.
I am thinking about...
how I'm like taffy.
Probably, really, all moms feel that way.
So pulled in different directions... stretched so thin... happy and eager for all of the directions being pulled to - but not sure how this really works. Not in a real 'finished taffy shape' at the moment... still in the stretching stages. Not 100% of anything, really. One foot in the door of Kindergarten Teacher. One in Mommy. One toe in Wife. One toenail in Dancer. Ok, a small hangnail portion of a toenail, but it's hanging on! And one foot as Literacy Committee Chair (a complex role I'm passionate about) - there just isn't enough of me to go around. And I'm really feeling it. ADVICE PLEASE. If you've never hit that 'comment' bar, now is the time to do it!
love it when she sleeps like this - with her arms up
Learning all the time...
Was reminded today that in order to keep our brains healthy, we have to continually be learning something new. Invigorating idea! Hm... what would I chose next? Piano? Guitar?? a Language? a Religion?
Right. I'll stop now. Too stretched at the moment. Will hit pause on this one. I promise. ;)
how 'bout a picture of 2 new little teeth?
From the kitchen...
chocolate chip cookies! (unfortunately everyone else got a virus... so I had to pretty much eat the whole batch myself. Yes, I can take one for the team.)
I am creating...
not much.
I am working on...
being more efficient and choosy about how I invest my time and energy in my work. So far it's just the goal. Not sure how to accomplish that yet. My kids and my family and my home are calling to me with loud voices and I'm feeling ... gulp.... DOMESTIC lately. Ouch. Kinda hurt to say that. Me???? Yes. I want to bake and clean and cook and change diapers. I'm crazy. What can I say? I don't even know myself anymore!! ;)
at the carnival-like event in our neighborhood called "Hilloween"
with her old/new bestie - glad you're back from Jerusalem, friend!
I am going...
nowhere. poo. I want to go somewhere!
I am hoping...
the virus has left our house for good.
one of her RARE grumpy faces... (and my new 'connected in hope' scarf)
I am reading...
Ten Ways to Destroy The Imagination of Your child - by Esolen
-- recommended by Sarah
At first, I was intrigued and even impressed. But as this rolls along... I think he's gone beyond his point and is now just caught up in himself. Going to finish it out because he references a lot of interesting literature and his point has already altered my viewpoint .... but I gotta say I do so with caution
I am praying for...
my angel girls
I am hearing...
well - when I started this post, I was hearing the low rumble of the dryer, Norah Jones, and the clink of my wine glass on the table..... now I'm hearing the drones of the TV, and the hilarious conversation of my husband and sister-in-law
Around the house...
Trying (again) to tame the toys.
raised legs on the art table... those little tubs are baby-finger-proof... but works-in-progress are just too tempting for little hands
One of my favorite things...
the smell of my baby's feet
A few plans for the rest of the week... weekend
a birthday party, groceries, hanging with Rachel, prepping for parent-teacher conferences, lit committee work, and loads upon loads of laundry (no, Sar, not as much as you. You take the cake on that one)
Did i say?? AUNTIE RACHEL IS VISITING!! :) YAY! Ainsley is in HEAVEN:
Picture Video thoughts I'm sharing with you... (Word)
