Lily Love List

This is the little face I love. Today she's 14.5 months old, which only means something if you are her mother (and maybe her grandma). But every day we have together is a day to celebrate.

I love Lily at 14.5 months because:

:: when she tries to stand on her own, it's like a gymnastic event of Olympic proportions

:: she makes me walk with her around the house at least 400 times a day, which has proven to be good for my glutes and thighs

:: she knows the answer to questions like, "Are you hungry?", which prompts to her to scoot to her high chair if she is, and "Are you ready for your bath?", which causes her to flail around in excitement

:: she gets equally excited for a ride in her stroller as she does for a bath

:: her hair is long enough for a ponytail

:: she still takes two naps a day (!!!)

:: we giggle and tickle and bounce around and it never, ever gets old

:: there is nothing in this world I would rather do than stay up all night holding her to my chest and listening to her breathe when she's sick

:: she still scoots, and it's still awesome

Summer Love List

I'm not a big fan of Southern summers, and lately I've complained that I have reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder. All the slimy sweatiness and having to wring out my undergarments after being out for just a few minutes has really bummed me out this year. So in the spirit of embracing the good and being a non-complainer, I've made a list of reasons why I love this summer:

:: Adam grilling a lot

:: watermelon

:: the kiddie pool

:: afternoon thunderstorms

:: seasonal beer

:: the habit collaboration

:: pony and pigtails

:: impromptu sewing projects

:: early morning walks (followed by a cool shower)

:: garden veggies

:: morning and afternoon naps

:: watermelon

:: not using the hairdryer (at all!)

:: little rompers and dresses

:: flip flops

:: a two-week reprieve from the heat and a much needed northern vacation coming up next week

Thankful

It's about time for a gratitude list, no? I'm thankful for . . .

:: My mom. She visited us for four days, which necessitated a much-needed overnight getaway for Adam and me. She and I also shopped, watched too much HGTV, sat beside Lily's pool, and talked a lot. It was good.

:: Mom's Day Out. Lily is spending her Monday and Wednesday mornings this summer at a church down the street so I can relax and do a little writing. So far, this is very good.

:: Work. I'm grateful for my paid writing gigs and for teaching in fall. I have two sections of Comp 2, which I've never taught. No worries, though, since I have Monday and Wednesday mornings free to prepare. (wink)

:: The reading bug, which has bit me again. Currently reading: Lit by Mary Karr

:: My lovelies. (If I didn't mention them, it wouldn't mean I wasn't grateful for them, would it?)

:: Knowing full well that the days are long but the years are short, and to rest in the moment even when the moment seems unbearable.

Beautiful Distractions

This week, on my quest to get an essay written for The Curator, I found myself a bit distracted. I mean, it's been seventy degrees outside and Adam hung our front screen door and flowers are blooming everywhere. It's all quite sudden and quite distracting. I'm staying the course, mind you, and will have my essay done on time (like when I finish writing this post), but there's been so many interesting things to look at.

Like this photo. Look at that light.

And this website. I'm always drawn to stuff like this -- creative, innovative, nonconformist. Fantastic!

And this project, particularly this post about being a writer. Yes, that about sums it up.

And list making. I like to make lists. I like to write out goals. I like the way my pen dances across the page.

Tomorrow is slated to be another beautiful day. What an end to the week!

Happiness List

Okay, okay. It's time to put this week behind me. And what better way to do that than with a list of things that make me happy right now.

:: Adam is being extra helpful. In addition to toting Lily around, he even brought in all the groceries today so I didn't have to lift the bags. What a guy.

:: Lily is awesome. What was my life like before her? I can't remember anymore.

:: Spring is everywhere. Trees are blossoming, temperatures are steadily increasing, and springtime blend coffee is ready for sipping tomorrow morning.

:: Also today we picked up a pot of tulips that are almost erupting.

:: I have read 9/52 books so far this year. This week, with no knitting and little computer time, I read two books and got caught up. Not too shabby.

:: I also read Dr. Suess books to elementary school kids last Friday and today. I was nervous but ended up having so much fun. It might become a weekly thing.

:: New running shoes = Heaven for my feet.

:: Our new church and new friends are making a world of difference.

What's making you happy right now?