Hi there Beautiful –

Just thought I’d log what we did today, as we had many fun adventures together, and because Daddy Jim was out of town, we snapped pictures or videos of most events to share with him.

Before I do that, however, there are a few things I’ve been meaning to share with you…

A beautiful story of about a week ago:
I was waking you up for school by gently rubbing your back and telling you want an amazing human being I know you to be. I said things like, “you are so beautiful, so wonderful, no one melts my heart like you, you are my little girl, i treasure you, i love the way you make me laugh.”
As you woke up a bit more, you reminded me “Mama, it’s not about what’s out here (waving outside yourself) that matters; its’ what’s in here (rubbing your chest.” I smiled warmly (melting a little more), and asked, “Maya, when I tell you that you are beautiful, do you know what I mean?”
Without hesitation you responded,

“Yes, you mean I have a beautiful heart.”

“Yes, sweet girl, that is exactly what I mean.”
Big, amazing, deep, wonderful sigh.

*****

Jo Ann M, our dear friend who works with me, invited you over to pick flowers anytime you want from her beautiful, diverse and extensive garden around her home. Last Monday we decided to take her up on her offer, as it was your turn to bring in some centerpiece for the classroom table.
A little history is important to share with you here so you understand your reaction. On a daily basis – especially in spring for at least the past 2 years (probably more), you asked permission to pick a flower from our front yard. As there were rarely more than 5 or so blooming at a time, the answer was sadly no most of the time.
So we stop by Jo Ann’s on the way to school, and she enthusiastically escorted you around the yard encouraging and helping you pick the best of the best, one after another after another. The girl who has historically been allowed 1 or 2 flowers, carried a full bouquet of12-14 beautiful blossoms to school that day. As we were driving to school, you were grinning and wiggling with excitement. After about a minute, you said,

“Mama, ya know sometimes you can’t help smiling. It just keeps coming out!!”

*****

Our time with Siobhan started last night with a sleep-over!!
* Hot tub in the cold rain with lots of giggles
* Flossing! (Who’da thought that would be a highlight – check out the video below!)
Next morning?
* More hot-tubbing – this time with Mommy
* Craft – we worked together to make a huge flower out of Peeps
* A break to watch a movie: Beethoven 4
* Lunch – fish, baby cukes, mac & cheese and apples
* An impromptu bath to defrost after making a bird nest (in fancy dresses of course) in the freezing rain!
* Craft – you and S made beautiful pictures; yours was made with love for Oma & Opa
* Swimming at the Y – what a ball!!!!
* Dinner just the 2 of us
* Lots of chapters of Junnie B
* Snuggling in together in my bed (Daddy Jim’s out of town)
We were both ze-zausted! 😉 What a wonderful day.

This first video is from the night before –