Happy Easter everyone, from our 6:30 am Easter to you. He is Risen. We Rise too. We will get through this. Now begins week 5 of quarantine and we are continuing with national lockdown to at least April 30th, probably longer. It’s the first time in history all of the states have been declared a state of emergency. We move through this time period with both fear and joy. But we know our joy is stronger. 🌸💜🐰
Tag: toddler
Day 48: Toddler Photography
Is wondrous. He is three! He took this! Then one from his mama ain’t so bad.
Day 35: A First Day for Swim Lessons
My son sitting on the edge of the pool, dangling his feet beyond the gutter, splashing. That’s my wonder today. As a swimmer with a dad who is still a fantastic medal winning swimmer — I was nervous/proud/excited/full of anticipation.
On a funny note — he was thrilled right when he entered, then when he accidentally dunked himself, he was cold and less sure. But he made it through the whole class! And we enjoyed some special time after the class ended, just him and me in the pool. 💙
Day 19: A Special Kind of Hot Wheel
What a weekend! It went by too fast. We now have a big boy three-year-old.
It’s been a hectic few days. Late last week a longtime family friend, Art, passed away. He fell in his home. It was sudden and unexpected. He was my parents’ next door neighbor. He leaves his wonderful wife, Eloise, behind. It is sad, but my mom says Eloise says he “didn’t suffer,” and is staying positive.
That has nothing to do with today’s wonder, but it’s been heavy on my mind and heart.
Today, I wanted to share a photo of a new Hot Wheels car I adore. It’s the first ever wheelchair Hot Wheels (as far as I know). I purchased one for Bennett. I look forward to him playing with Gavin, the next time we go back to California.
In the land of disability, small steps like this one feel big. Go out and sell out your local Wal-Mart, stat.
Day 16: Bennett Turns 3!
What three years can do. I mean, just look at these two photos. I am in awe, still, of the wonder of childbirth. (But also still recovering in some ways, too. Childbirth will be in my book so I don’t want to give it away here!) And I am in . awe at the growth of my son — and the pleasant, cheerful, kind, playful, smart, athletic boy he is. I am SO proud. And full of LOVE.
On this night three years ago I remember being so grateful he was finally here, outside my body, wrapped in blankets, breathing, and already full of so much love. One of the most profound and challenging and important nights of my life. Happy third birthday my love!
Day 15: Creating Magic the Night Before a Third Birthday
This is my view from the couch. Not pictured is too many streamers of varying colors, tons of balloons, a couple more “happy birthday” signs. The cat is on my lap. I can’t wait for my son to wake in the morning and be so excited by the decorations and balloons. We asked him what he wanted for his birthday and he replied, “cupcakes” and “maybe balloons.” To be three! So much joy and wonder in the simple delights of a birthday celebration. Tonight I’m feeling gratitude: for my son, husband, our families, friends, animals, and this life.
Day 14: Wonder in a photoshoot and pile of leaves
This is late! But there was wonder in the morning of this day. Bennett is a budding photographer! And he is also fun when taking selfies. He also jumped in a wet pile of leaves after this — and that, friends — that is wonder.
Day 11: The First Snow!
This morning, Bennett came running into my room saying, “Mommy, it snowed!” We pulled open the blinds and there it was — a fresh coat of fluffy snow.
We slid on our snow clothes and went out to the front driveway to make a snowman.
Wonder like today’s is easy — it’s a gift from mother nature.
It also helps that today is Saturday. I don’t have to worry about Nick driving an hour into the city for work or driving Bennett to daycare or parking then walking a half mile through the snow to campus. We can sip our coffee at home and just enjoy the wonder of snow.
Day 10: A Morning Wave
Bennett and I had to leave the house two hours early today for a training I had at the university. We usually take our mornings slow and enjoy the time together watching Daniel Tiger and eating a big breakfast, but today’s hustle out of the house was something different.
When we were leaving the neighborhood, a young boy, middle school aged, waved at us as we were headed out. He had a big smile and I could tell he was genuinely spreading morning cheer.
The gesture of a young boy being friendly and waving was a bright happy start to the day. Instead of looking down on his phone, he was looking up, and interacting with the world…even at such an early hour.
Also, today was the first rain of 2020 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Tomorrow, it is supposed to snow!
Wonder Year: A journey to find enchantment every day 