Stop and smell the ... rocks

A friend who follows this blog, on hearing about our crazy spring, expressed some concern that we don't have time to stop and smell the roses, since as he put it "it seems like watching Cara grow up is and will be an incredibly rich experience for you guys." I was thinking about his words as Cara and I took one of our now habitual after work walks. No roses to smell yet and Cara wasn't that interested in the crocuses. But the rocks now - that is a different matter!


Walks with Cara are an excellent exercise for me in slowing down. With the slightly warmer weather we've been going out for 15-30 minute outings almost every afternoon. Cara is gradually getting to know the immediate neighborhood and increasingly chooses our path. Sometimes she really wants to walk, other times the pebbles in the next door neighbors yard will keep her fully occupied. Its a great way to meet the neighbors and unwind after a busy day.



So what's been going on with us? Well, C has an insane travel schedule this spring and has been gone more than he's been home. We decided to go ahead with our remodel plans and extend the balcony on the third floor, giving Cara more outside play space for when the weather gets nice. And J is starting a new job! So the leisurely walks are a welcome relief and reminder of what is really important in our lives.

Sitting

Sitting is something we do so much of, I've always taken it for granted. But the beauty of being a parent is your eyes are opened to how special the simplest actions can be. Suddenly you realize the complexities of everyday actions and that there is something noteworthy in attaining them.

Cara started sitting within a few weeks after she started walking. She first discovered sitting on the stairs, which is fairly easy since stairs don't move and she can hold on to the wall as she sits down. Sometimes I'll sit next to her and we'll just hang out, sitting around. She loves that!


We bought a table and some chairs so Cara and Isabel can sit and draw together. Cara loves the chairs but they are still too big for her to get into herself. She'll walk over to the chair and hold up a hand to me indicating that she wants to get up. I'm sure it won't be long before her legs are long enough and she's sitting there on her own.

Meanwhile, the stool we got for her is just the right height to sit down on. Learning how to back up to the stool so it doesn't move was a bit of a trick, but once Cara figured it out she was happy to keep practicing.

And how about that kitchen cupboard! Yes, the perfect height for Cara's little legs.