Dream Come True

I've finally become a stay-at-home-mom. 

It happened very suddenly - I was employed on Monday and my daughter was in daycare.  On Tuesday I quit my job and my daughter is now home with me every day.  We had to pull her out of daycare very suddenly, so I didn't get to give notice at my job, but I am so happy to finally be home with my baby.  We're having a great time!

I love watching her eat animal crackers (although I kinda hate giving them to her - have you read the ingredients on those things?  yech! Time to find an alternative!).  She examines each one and either asks me what it is, or tells me what it is.  Sometimes she tells me what that animal says. Then she dips it in milk and chows down!  She truly experiences her fun little snack and enjoys every minute of it.  This amazing little girl teaches me new things every day.

Today we picked an orange together, then sat on the steps in the sun, peeled it, and ate it.  Fresh off the tree!

Time for some golf!

She's trying really hard.

What a fantastic day so far!!  After she wakes up from her nap, I'm going to take her to see Oceans.  Our first time at the movies together.  Can't wait!

Itsy Bitsy Caitlin

Sing to the tune of "Itsy Bitsy Spider"

The itsy bitsy Caitlin climbed up the twisty slide
Down came her pants without Caitlin inside
Out came her mom and put the pants back on
And the itsy bitsy Caitlin climbed up the slide again.

Bummed

I found out this week that my school is not doing summer classes this year due to budget cuts.  Bummer.  I was just getting the hang of this student thing, and now I have to put it on hold for three months. 

At least I'll get more time with my family. 

Caitlin likes to help me vacuum. 

It's Raining

It's very windy and rainy outside right now; I have my windows open, letting in the sounds and scents of this gloomy, peaceful afternoon.  My daughter is sleeping, my husband and stepson are off doing boy stuff, and I am doing my homework and listening to the rain and the wind and the faint susurration of tires on the wet road.  I can hear the raindrops hitting the leaves of the tree outside the window, and the slightly different sound the rain makes when it hits the wooden deck in the back yard.  The breeze coming through the window is cool and smells fresh and clean.  This feels like a good afternoon to be alone with my thoughts, a good book, some music, or maybe take a walk outside to see the familiar neighborhood with the unfamiliar cloak of wetness and quiet.

This has been such a wonderful weekend for my family.  I am sending positive thoughts to everyone out there in Internet Land today.  May the rest of your day be full of joy.

Nurture, Contemplate, Meditate

Part of my focus right now is nurturing myself (along with everyone else, naturally).  With the recent increase of activity in my life (going back to school and planning our wedding), I have felt somewhat neglected.  I have not had time to work out, pay attention to my diet, or spend any good amount of time just tuning into myself.

Now that things have slowed down (somewhat), I am finding ways to nurture my body, mind, and spirit.  (If that sounds corny to you, you may skedaddle).  I have picked up the weights again, gotten back into my running shoes, and rolled out the yoga mat.  I am already feeling more calm, relaxed, and centered.  I have started a food journal to make sure I'm getting enough of everything, and have made it a priority to find time to meditate, read, sit in the hot tub, do girly spa stuff, and just play (see yesterday's post about Avila Valley Barn)!  I am spending more time and mental energy on my schoolwork.  I have gotten organized again (that feels GREAT)!  I plan on starting my first quilt this week - I'm actually very excited.  I've been planning to make a quilt for my daughter out of her old clothes.  Thanks to Wendy for providing me with the final tools I needed to get started!  Now it's up to me to make the time.

I have been doing a lot of thinking about religion and spirituality lately, and that is something I would like to explore further.  One more thing on my list of things to do....  The many different types of religion fascinates me, but even more fascinating to me is the threads of similarity that run through them all.... I see a religion class in my future!

I welcome any non-judgmental comments about this topic!

Saturday Fun With My Daughter

Good times at Avila Valley Barn

Last year, Caitlin saw this guy for the first time.  She burst out laughing, said "Funny!", then turned and walked away.

Cheese!

These guys were very eager for Caitlin to feed them.

Awwww....

Wait for it.....

Pa-POW!!

Heidi the Cow

Success!!

Let a joy keep you. Reach out your hands and take it when it runs by.

- Carl Sandburg

Easter 2010

Down the rabbit hole.....

All smiles

Best.Bouncehouse.EVER.

Seriously.

We like to move it move it.

The next NBA star.

Children actually hatch from dinosaur eggs.  I don't know if you knew that.

Searching for goodies from the Easter Bunny

She found something....

Her own watering can!  Woohoo!

Jackpot!

Gavin helped Caitlin find her basket.  What a good brother. 

Examining the loot.  The Easter Bunny did an excellent job!  Thanks Easter Bunny!