Body Art

Every once and a while, Lola and get restless with the heat and the humidity. On exceptionally hot days, like the ones we had a couple weeks ago, the only thing I can do to get some of my little chickens energy out is to strip her down to her dipe and let her get crazy with some paint. I've only managed to do it once before with her, while she was fully clothed, and I learned my lesson. Even though the paint is washable, it's one more thing that I would have to wash. So there we sat in the air-conditioned living room, on my old full-sized fitted sheet, with two big pieces of paper, six different paint colors, and a couple of brushes. Did she use the brush? Barely. This is an activity that keeps Lola busy for about an hour, depending on how much paint is staying on the paper and mysteriously getting on her body and staying off the carpet.

Though it had its stressful moments, it ended up being a great afternoon activity.

                                                                                                  

Canciones De Mi Padre

Feeling unfamiliar with the newest addition of me has been an ongoing and very familiar feeling. I feel as though I've been searching for something to ignite my soul and direct me back to the things that define me. I have been thirsting for a moment that gets me lost in a whirlwind of emotions. Something that takes me back to a time, a place - my happy place - not knowing then, and clearly seeing now, that it is embedded in me. Acknowledging now that those very moments are in my soul and held deep in my heart for safe keeping, and seeing now that I have them in me. I can go back to them when I feel lost, when I feel low, or when I feel really unsure of myself as an individual, a woman, or a mother.

I had a moment, yesterday, while out running errands, when I overheard a song that took my breath away. I didn't understand, at first, how I could possibly know this song, seeing as it was in Spanish, but then I realized that it was the keeper of some very special memories. So sure enough today, while being sidetracked by everything, I ended up on Amazon and found this...

I went through the entire CD, listening to every sample they had, and sure enough they were the long-lost songs from my summers with my Grandma in Mexico. I continued to go through every song, every word rolling off the tongue and remembered as if I never stopped listening to it. I felt as if her voice was igniting something in me. I remember why I loved listening to her as a child. Her voice was just as powerful to me then as it was today, if not more. There is something about a woman's voice when the words are sung in Spanish. It's like she belts notes of pain and suffering and passion and joy so effortlessly, like the song she sings are more than words, they are part of who she is. It's beautiful.

Listening to those little bits of song brought back so many wonderful memories of pistachio colored houses and salmon colored walls. It brought back memories of my Great-Grandmother Carmen's house with secret doors and the scent of hot chocolate. I remember the smell of the early morning streets and drinking milk out of glass jars. I remember delivering homemade tortillas door to door with a little girl who's family owned the corner tortilleria. I remember buying pan dulce and bottled Coke with pesos my uncles had given me. I remember speaking fluently and being able to carry on conversations. I remember long bus rides and cheap plastic toys that I played with for hours. I remember indulging in cajeta and dulce de guava, spending days in my bathing suit. I loved wearing my Grandmothers long, flowing skirts and twirling round and round as if I were a Mexican folk dancer. I admired how elegantly feminine and timeless they looked with their long, brightly colored skirts and how they mimicked ocean waves when they spun. I loved their long, ribboned and braided hair that had that Frida Kahlo feel. I couldn't wait to be old enough to wear that crimson red lipstick longer than the usual "dress up" hours. It, unknowingly, became part of me. I feel like that strong, romantic, and loyal woman lives inside of me.

 I called my Grandma Luz today and we recollected on our wonderful summers in Mexico. I mentioned the songs of our past times. I really enjoy speaking with her about the "good 'ol days". I feel like it takes us both to a place of joy. I was only a little girl then, no more than four years old, but I still value the closeness we have. I am so thankful for the time that I was able to spend with her then, and the conversations we have about it now. I have my Grandma Luz to thank for my love of all things Mexican. I love the folk art, the dancers, the mariachis, the food (and those of you who know me know I'm very picky about Mexican food), the dresses, the bright vibrant colors, and the way I'm feeling now! I realize now that when I'm feeling lost and unsure,I can go back to my place. I haven't felt this kind of peace for a long time, and it feels wonderful to remember who I am and where I come from.

éstos son las canciones de mi niñez.

Chalk It Up, Little One, Chalk It Up!!!!

I can, excitedly, cross yet another item off my Summer Todo List.

I've tried introducing chalk to Lola once before, about a month ago. She didn't do as well as I had hoped she would- it ended up in her mouth. Just last week we took an unexpected trip to the park in the middle of the afternoon. I was tired and Lola was not. It was a bad cocktail of a day, so my plan was to take her out earlier than usual to tire her out sooner than later. In the heat of the afternoon we were greeted by the cutest group of scene kids and there little summer babes, all huddled underneath the shade tree. But of course, Lola would pay no attention to them. She had the energy of a puppy, happy to see her master after a long day of being alone. I hung around in the shade until she made her way over to the swings, looking back at me with hands outstretched as if she were asking me a question. Her face had the, "well aren't you gonna push me, mom?", look written all over it. Unfortunately, my super-secret-excuse-for-park-time wasn't turning out as peaceful as I had hope it would. After she baked in the swing for a couple of minutes, I got her out and she walked around, her hands full of wood-chips, her mouth belting out the usual squeaky, guinea pig-like noises for everyone to hear. She finally retreated to the shade at the far end of the playground near a group of mothers and daughters doodling with sidewalk chalk. My first reaction was to try to avoid them at all cost. I knew that there was a really good chance that Lola would all of a sudden develop an appetite for something chalky and dry. To my surprise she played nice and doodled even nicer.

Though I had certain intentions for talking Lola to the park, I feel like I was the one who really benefited from it. It was wonderful to get out of the house and be distracted from my daily motherly chores. It was great being surrounded by new moms and their beautiful little ones. It was very calming for me to be outdoors, in the shade, enjoying the summer breeze. It was an opportunity for me to fall in love with my little chicken all over again. 

We eventually went home- me, with peace of mind and a calm spirit and Lola, tuckered out and all covered in chalk!

The Age of Exploration

To Leash, Or Not To Leash?
That is the (very debatable) question.

After getting off work, we gathered in the Volks and headed out to run some errands. We would eventually end up at Sports Authority for Pieter to check out some new running shoes. Yes, that's right, I said running shoes! Now normally we would put Lola in a cart and wheel her around the store, but something possessed me, and convinced me otherwise. I decided I would let her show me the way around the store, and show me the way she did. She walked and walked around the store like she owned the place. I then realized that we had reached that dreaded fork in the road when a parent must decide whether or not they would jump on board and get their (very much independent) babe a harness. I must admit that I was 100% against them during my pregnancy. I considered them unfair and degrading to the child. I hated the idea of it, having your child at the end of a line. I felt like I wouldn't need to resort to that kind of restraint because I would, in fact, be an exceptional parent. It isn't the fact that I am lacking in the parental supervision department, but I feel, at times, that Lola is a little too curious and strong-willed all at the wrong times! I don't want to restrict her from exploring her surroundings by keeping her locked up in her stroller, and these days, it is pretty normal for her to fuss and try to break out when she wants to be on her own two feet. So I was wondering, do you think all the negative thoughts about using a harness or leashing your child is because most out there do, in fact, look like something you would put on your beloved pet? And if that were the case, would you be more inclined, and confident, to use one if it had an entirely different look to it? After really thinking about it and talking with friends and family members, and Pieter of course, I think I've made my decision and may try this one out. Pieter isn't 100% on board with it, but I'm hoping I can change his mind.

I feel that I should make perfectly clear that I don't, in any way, want to take from Lola's independence or restrict her from exploring her world. I think it's important for her to be able to be part of the outside world. I want her to be able to take in everything she can from plucking every blade of grass or picking up every rock or flower she finds along our walks. That kind of stuff really matters to me. But I also want her to be safe, and I want to be completely confident that in this new stage of wonder and exploration, Lola can do that, and I can worry a little less.

Summer Watermelon Is Oh...So...Good!

We are fortunate enough to have a little one with a highly developed palate...or something like that. When I was pregnant, I tried to eat anything and everything I could in hopes that Lola would get an aquired taste for things most kids can't stand. I'm happy to report that I think it really worked. Among the normal things kids enjoy are the not so normal things that she loves. Her new interests are cabbage and cauliflower. WONDERFUL, I KNOW!!!!

This entry is not, at all, about the new (and rather gaseous) veggies that she is enjoying. It is simply about watermelon and enjoying it in the messiest and silliest fashion around! I origionally wanted to write about the enjoyment I had feeding her piece after piece, but I think it would be better to just put the pictures out there and let you see the joy that I was able to see! ENJOY!!!

Dandions and First Love

 I know this may sound a little bias, but I'm pretty sure I have the greatest daughter in the world! She is wonderful! I can't seem to get enough of my little chicken. She is at such an amazing, and exhausting, age right now. She literally wears herself out by the end of the day...and I don't mind that one bit! Ive been in the habit of taking her to the park in the evening, after the sun has exhausted itself from blasting the playground with its heat. I love when the sun retreats, allowing the cool shade and breeze to be great contenders. I take Lola about an hour before Pieter arrives home, then he meets us, and tries to sneak up on Lola so she can be really excited to see him.

Yesterday was no different except that there were three other children around Lola's age. We have kind of lost our "connections" with all the other toddler babes since we switched our park time visits, so this was a wonderful treat for Lola. There was one boy in particular, Justin, who was drawn to Lola. He wasn't quite walking yet so Lola wasn't too interested in him- naturally, "Who wants a guy who can't even walk?!?!", was probably what she thought to herself. So, being the incredible,-wobbly-wandering and independent type, she kept to herself the majority of the time and made the occasional "drop-ins" to show her affection, literally, and play hard-to-get. I've never seen Lola so affectionate towards another little one. She shared her wood chips with Justin and even gave him the sweetest, most innocent hugs a mom could dream of seeing. She is so caring towards other little ones; it's like she really cares for them!

A couple months ago I tried to show her how to blow on a dandilion. Of course, she seemed highly uninterrested and wanted nothing more than to eat the dang thing. SHOCKER, my child sticks everthing in her mouth. Yesterday she caught me by surprise when she plucked a fully loaded dandilion from the playground grass and tried blowing on it. Sure enough she ended up inhaling hard enough or secretly managed to get her lips around it because there were dandelion bits all in her mouth.

What A Joy!!!

I spoke with one of my friends from high school yesterday. She is now able to do what every fully pregnant woman can't wait to do...count the days on her fingers! It is always wonderful news when a friend tells you she is expecting, but it is even greater knowing that the arrival of the highly anticipated bundle of love is right around the corner! Speaking with her about the last couple weeks and the weeks to come brought back memories of my numbered days of being "side-kickless". My life, then, was good but only a fraction of how great it is now. I am thrilled that her life will be blessed and enriched in so many new ways. I am excited that her journey as a woman will continue and she will grow from the experience to come. I cant wait to hear about how much joy little C brings to their lives. To you, Brittany and David, early congratulations! I am so excited for you!

The Luckiest Girls In Town

I always wondered what it would be like to celebrate Father's Day with the man I was going to spend my life with and our sweet little child[ren]. I often wondered if it would be the relaxing day where I would wait on him hand and foot, preparing his favorite meals, watching movies, and snuggling. Our day was that and more! The weather was absolutely wonderful. It was breezy and warm, and the sunshine felt so good on our skin. We spent the day relaxing and enjoying each other. I am continually recognizing how fortunate I am. I am blessed to be with a man who sees me for who I am, all flaws aside, who has an unconditional love for his girls. He is the most caring and fun person I have ever known. I wish that I could put into words how truly wonderful Pieter has been to me and how amazing he is with Lola. I never imagined loving him more than I did...until Lola came along. She brings out a side in him that I have never seen before. She has brought back that passionate little twinkle that drew me to him years ago! I appreciate him more and more everyday, and only wish that I were able to express it to him in more ways than just my attempted words. Happy Father's Day, Babe! I love you!

Summer Todo List

I've been inspired lately by this blog, and by that I mean, it's my favorite blog do date. Pieter introduced me to it a couple months ago and I, since then, have been hooked! I love this little family of four and only wish that my post could be as captivating as hers!

So, getting inspiration from one of her previous posts, I decided that now is the time to make my first summer todo list.

I want to read more books...and by that I mean, actually finish a book.
I want to blow more bubbles with Lola.
I want to pull out my big bucket of sidewalk chalk and spend all afternoon outside drawling pictures with Lola.
I want to spend (at least) a day in San Fran!
I want to go swimming.
I want to fly kites.
I want to bake something sugary-sweet and delicious once a week.
...as a result...
I hope I'll want to WANT to go running.
I want to continue doing my art.
I want to register for one class.

I want this summer to be something special for our little family.

Day 392: A New Tooth and A New Stage

We have been working hard to get Lola to sleep through the night. Those of you close to us know that this has been nothing more than a constant struggle for the three of us, partly because Lola hadn't really been put on a bedtime schedule and some of us, I will name no names but you know who you are, are still enjoying the co-sleeping phase that we should have been past a long time ago! Sure enough we managed to step foot into the realm of sweet dreams and groggy-free mornings! YAY FOR US!!!!  It pleases me to report that Lola now, for the most part, sleeps through the night and mommy and daddy are especially happy!

We had one night in the last week that was completely horrible. Sure enough I noticed that she now has a new top tooth to add to her collection! YEAH LOLA!!! Unfortunately, they aren't her two front teeth. They are the ones that are sandwiched between the front teeth and the canines. I imagine she will resemble a little vampire for the next couple months, and if her teeth take as long as they have been, I have a pretty good idea of what she will be for Halloween this year. I'm not at all sad about her lack of teeth. She is already a year and only has four pearly whites. I've been really lucky because I think she may have only attempted to bite a couple times. I have a sense of when she will "attack" because she gets really still, her mouth open, and her big brown eyes spanning from side to side like she's either debating with herself whether or not to do it or when would be the perfect time to chomp down.

The newest addition to Lola's personality has been her enthusiasm towards independence. I'm going to be honest, I miss taking Lola for walks in the stroller without her having a melt down and wanting to walk, by herslelf. I'm not kidding about the walking by herslef part either! It is close to impossible to distract her long enough to grab ahold of her hand. I guess this is just another phase. She also HATES having her diaper changed. Every diaper change seems to turn into a battle of the strong-willed, her buns clenched so tight and her body completely arched like she's been practicing her yoga backbends. She is one tough cookie, but I always win! I have a feeling it's going to be a long road and many years of steering my wild child in the right direction, both figuratively and literally, but it will really be a fun journey. She has also really been into singing and dancing. She babbles along to songs and shakes her little hips and gives the occasional foot stomp. What a cutie! I've got her used to brushing her teeth in the morning with me. It's pretty cute seeing her ready for the day with her little toothbrush in her mouth.

Being Lola's mom has taught me a lot about myself. I never thought I could love someone to the point of tears. She is such a sweet little bird. I love the funny sounds she mumbles in her sleep, her crazy little pointer finger, the insanely styled bedhead she wakes up with, even the consistent string of drool that's been hanging from her mouth. She has taught me to be patient, or better yet is teaching me to be more patient, and has taught me to laugh at the gobs of food highlights in her hair. I'm convinced that it's the hardest job on the planet, and it's a 24 hour job for the rest of my life. Like the deep and honest relationship I have with my mom that continues to evolve, I know and look forward to having the same with my daughter! But for now, I'll enjoy the present!

$5 bucks well spent

Since last summer, I have made it "tradition" to treat myself to a little something every week from the farmers market. Aside from benefiting from fresh fruits and veggies, I allow myself to spend $5 on a bouquet of flowers. Now in flower shops and grocery stores little cash flow wont get you much in terms of flowers, but our local FM has two tents that sell the most beautifully, vibrantly colored flowers I have ever seen. Last week I purchased a bouquet of gladiolus. There were about 7 already opened up and another 5 or so that were just waiting  to make a later appearance. To my surprise, they are still alive today.

I generally go for the same color palate. I really love Mexican folk art, being Mexican and all, so I tend to gravitate towards anything that is saturated in color. This week a bouquet of thistle-like flowers caught my eye. They are absolutely gorgeous! I would love to have flowers like this, or this color at least, at my wedding. I really hope to capture a something that resembles Mexican folk art, and I think these colors would be perfect.

Unfortunately, the pictures don't really do my fabulous bouquet justice because I took most of them when I was already indoors.... but trust me, they are breathtaking.

Art, Peas!!!!

In efforts to go a couple hours without Lola's meal on my shirts, we bit the bullet and spent the $35 on a high chair for the little one. Actually, we went with the cheaper one because it folds down so flat, and those of you who have visited our Sacramento apartment know it is literally the size of a shoebox. We used to feed her in the Bumbo, but she quickly outgrew that and, even quicker, she realized she could escape when we weren't watching. I have very much enjoyed the transition, and my 'clean' t-shirts have too!

We now have her eating 3 "big girl" meals and 3 snacks a day. This is in effort to ween her. So far it has been okay, but she is one tough cookie, like her mama! She has shown very little interest in cow's milk, but I'm determined to get her off of me! Lola has, however, shown a great interest in many fruits and vegetables that we hadn't introduced to her until recently. Among her many favorites we can now add beets, kiwi, blueberries, oranges, cherries, broccoli, and asparagus. She also likes tofu which is awesome because we have it a couple times a month.  

ygiu'jn999999999ooooooooooooooyttttttttttyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyhghhbvbh- (Lola writes, Hi friends and family!) 

I try to have her meals planned out in advance, and she has really taken a liking to the idea of eating in her high chair! 

Allowing her to spoon-feed herself is a different story. I know I need to get over it and just allow her to explore her hand-to-mouth coordination, but it really is like watching paint dry. It is really amusing, but not very amusing when there are errands that need running and little ones that need naps so a particular mom can get to the chores that are easiest done Lola-free. Nevertheless, I think she managed to get three, pretty much empty, spoons in her mouth. 

And then, being the classy 376 day old babe that she is, she decided not only to lick the bowl, but to wear it....

...and wear it well she did!!!!

*****

 So my "your baby is this old" email came the other day and said that Lola may be able to start doodling with crayons. So in effort to stay in the grid, we went to CVS, which has every random thing imaginable. I wasn't able to find the thick crayons and I was nervous to buy the skinny ones because I knew she would try to eat them. I did find some neat pens though, that only write on special paper and some non-toxic paint for my future artist extraordinaire. So we shimmied on home to get the party started. 

Surprisingly enough, she did better than I expected her to. She did try to eat the paint (SHOCKER), but I couldn't get upset because the mess was minimal and, well, she looked freaking adorable with paint all over her fat little fingers! ENJOY!

It's a great feeling knowing that our awesome Dunder Mifflin-Dwight K. Schrute magnets will be put to good use, and I am honored to show off the new, one-of-a-kind, works of art on our fridge!

MASTERPIECE!!!!