On most days, quiet time for the big kids lines up nicely with Anna's afternoon nap. But every once in a while, the little miss just can't wait until after lunch to crash. On those days her and I get to spend a bit of one on one time together during the afternoon when Leah and Isaac are tucked away, as she has already woken up from her nap by then. We don't have that many kids-- only 3-- and yet one on one time seems so rare. Now that I think about it, I should probably give them each a day where they get to skip their afternoon quiet time and just spend some time with Mommy. (Of course, Mommy's alone time is pretty rare too, so maaaaybe I shouldn't be making any rash decisions here.) ;)
During today's time together, Anna and I decided to take a little walk around the pond. We started with a visit to the chickens and brought one out for a little visit.
For so long this little girl was quiet. And then a few weeks ago she just started talking, talking, talking. Mostly just miscellaneous words (Her favorite phrase these days is "Mommy! [Insert whatever she is looking at at that particular moment here.]" And then repeat it. Over and over and over again.) But then she told me, "I anna see im," when I brought this little chick out, and said thank you (da-doo) when I crouched down with her. This little girl surprises me with her growing up-ness.
Poke, poke. These photos also give you a good view of my stubby genetically deficient thumbs. (Little known fact-- Megan Fox also has club thumbs just like mine.)
Rowdy wanted to get a closer look at this little chick.
So. TEMPTING.
I had asked her to follow me so we could go back inside. Naturally she promptly turned and walked the other way, with an occasional smirky look back in my direction.
Up close and personal.
Her "stern face".
But she can't be stern for long.
Oh, those dimples.
We found a worm. She didn't want to touch it.
A quick stop at the jungle gym for some climbing. She's been going up and down this on her own for about 2 months now. Monkey.
She looks very focused, but she was humming the whole way down.
And we topped it all off with a little swing. This is big stuff for this girl. Anna doesn't mind swinging on her belly like this, but she is so very afraid of swinging in a baby swing. If she is pushed more than 6 inches away at a time in a baby swing, she grabs the swing with a death grip and stares at you fearfully. (Which is also what she does when we drive down big hills.) But belly swinging feels safe to her, probably because she can go at her own pace.
We are in a tough, tough stage with Anna right now and these little moments are so necessary to help me remember her sweetness and innocence. Yesterday a friend of mine posted on FB a video of Chris Parnell and Maya Rudolph singing a lullaby he wrote for his brand new baby. (You can see it here.) I don't have any opinions of either of those celebrities, but the song was pretty sweet. And while it was meant for a newborn, it ended with a line that is true for all babies/toddlers/kids,
“The two things I’ll be thinking are: I’m exhausted and I love you, I love you.”
Anna, you exhaust me. And I love you. I love you.
