February this and that with Emmie B

Little Miss E is.... not so little anymore. In fact, two days ago she read her first book, entirely on her own! She's hungry for words and ideas, for independence and to be my little helper.  She sets the table at night, clears the dishes, dusts, puts toys away, entertains her sister and even does some cooking.  She is most ready for summer and has each day planned out already: picnics, swimming, flowers, sunshine, parks.  She astounds me with her knowledge of the world, her tender heart and voracious love of books. February is an odd month- such a paradox. So many days that seem nice but aren't really. So we spend time in used book stores, we finish ABC projects and better our bread and yogurt making. We realize we're tired out from Phd and busy years and decide it's time for some quiet days. Here's to some happy days of puttering around together until spring comes. 

Twenty One Months

 Little One,

You are 21 months old, inching ever closer to your two year old mark. You're our wee lady still and as such you still feel babyish, closer to the size of a 12 month old or 18 month old. But still, changes are happening. You're growing hair! You're chattering up a storm! You have discovered you like independence - doing what big sister wants you to do all the time is not as much fun as it once was. Hmmm. You are learning to obey. You can count to 10 and read your first word. You love books, but only certain ones. You love to sing songs and dance. You are hungry all the time. You need to move but you also need some alone time.  You love all animals, but right now you think sheep, cows and geese are hilarious.  Sometimes you want Emmeline more than you want me. Sometimes you still don't sleep too well which has us perplexed.  You are a messy little thing and especially love to put your kefir or yogurt in your hair. You love the cats and you shriek hysterically when Papa pulls in the driveway. You do not like snow or being wet or being cold, or bright sunshine.  You still don't like carts, strollers or anything that keeps you still.  But you love to jump!!  Lena Sue you are something else! How we love you and Emmie B.

February

And just like that, it's February. These two girlies have been busy busy ladies and our days have been full to overflowing.  We've traipsed through the snow, made potato stamp art, watched ice melt in February sunlight, celebrated Uncle Mark's birthday and endured a plumbing disaster that included two rooms of our house (upstairs and downstairs- oh my!).  There's something about the sunlight in February and about hopeful little robins hopping that makes us think of spring!!