Woods

Gardening with Blakeley

We had a wonderful time today, hardly making a dent in the plants and seeds purchased for Blakeley. In the first shot she is waiting for me to tie my shoes and get started; the second shows her joy that it is finally
time to water; and the third is my favorite. After digging the holes, examining the root balls and then planting the tomato, she watered it thoroughly, then immediately plopped down and announced she was going to
'watch it grow'. Later, she planted Lamb's Ear, pinched Lemon Balm and Mint to smell them , sowed dill seed and patted the nearly invisible seeds into the soil.

She rested peacefully for an hour this afternoon, and I am sure I will sleep
well and happily tonight.

Morning with Woods

How is it little ones do not know the happiness they create simply by entering a house and saying 'Grandad'? Steve was not able pick up Woods, so I facilitated, and babycakes was loving and happy to be near him today.

I am glad I recognized what your smart baby was thinking when he reached over the book and touched the arm of the chair to say 'rain'. Thank you, Woods. Gigi now realizes that the vertical pattern of the ticking mirrors the way the rain was drawn in I Am A Bunny!

Couldn't help but insert Woods, bodily, into his Daddy's first boots (size 12). Such a conundrum when Rodeo and Mardi Gras coincide! He liked them, but was frozen in place while in them. Funny.

I had better get a move on before Friday, or little gardener will not have anything to rake, dig or shovel with the set of Gardena tools.

Blakeley's cowboy boots

What a fun adventure, today! As I reported, Blakeley was 'whelmed' to find socks in surprise box, but as soon as she spotted the boots behind it, she sat down on the floor and began to peel off her shoes and socks. I barely had time to explain the rationale for band aids (also in surprise box) and get them on her before she was tromping down the hall, delighted by the noise of the boots on the tile. They are too large for tiny one, but stay on fine when she walks. Two pairs of socks will be even better, plus give add more protection from blisters. Because she needed to try them on first, the boots have no leather oil or conditioner on them. Ask Brant to treat them, and if you are running low I will share ours.

Blakeley spotted a large ginger root on the kitchen counter and asked about it. I let her examine it and explained how I cut off portions to steep in hot water, tea or cider, and how it is delicious and beneficial when one has a tummy ache. She immediately asked if we could put some in water for Hunter so he will feel better. (Melt.)

After lunch when she had a very full bladder I suggested she sit on' little green potty' and I would read a book of her choice to her. The idea bombed, but I cheerfully headed into the bathroom with Moses the Kitten. In the end, she turned pages and 'read' the book aloud to encourage MY efforts. Yet again, student outsmarts teacher.

First leather boots

Gigi, are those trees (question)

Happy birthday Gigi!

Photos

The funniest part of the day was Woods, as he contemplated the pomegranate / basket hanging high on the wall. I imagine, because it was in the air, he took a stab that it must be an insect. Then, upon further study, he went into growling mode as he pointed at it. Amazing how he could speak for his father so well!

At 13 months, Woods first 'buzzed', then 'growled' at this, to identify it.

Could wait no longer to inflate her balloon

Woods, wearing the bib Great-Grandmother made for Brant

Today

Despite the desperate crying heard during our phone call today, we had yet another wonderful day with Blakeley. She was in WOAP mode, but only produced two quarter-sized efforts. Also, she asked for food all day. Perhaps because she is used to eating breakfast earlier, or just because she has the metabolic rate of a hummingbird.

She is such a fascinating little thing. Today, we read Oh, What a Busy Day, cover to cover, and on the page which tells about things children do to be kind and helpful, I interjected that she had brought Mrs. Clark’s mail to her, and also that she packed Grandad’s ice chest with food; every item. She smiled, so pleased with herself when she processed what a kind and helpful person she had been to others today.

She did not want to run around much today, but she did swing a long time (a high flying aerial act to an adoring crowd). And, she rode her trike, but not the distance she usually does.

She definitely has swimming on the brain, as you have said. So, we went swimsuit shopping. We tried on size 3 suits and all agreed they seemed small and too short at the tummy. She was preoccupied WOAP after that and could not be coaxed to try another on, so I grabbed the larger sizes and we exited. Please see what you think, keep the receipt which is in the bag, and let me know if anything works. I did not like any of the swimsuits which would have gone with the second rash guard top, but I like the top, so purchased it anyway.

Loved baby hunk in his sunglasses, sucking his thumb, while being pushed around the neighborhood by his gorgeous mother. 

Thanks for today with HRH. Sleep well.