Birthday!

"I'm the present!"

Miss C and the Birthday Guy, Daddy!

Miss C got to see what a birthday is all about yesterday -- Daddy's birthday.  Cake was a favorite, the paper and box were exciting, and the "Happy Birthday to You" on the accordion were the best.  Gma La La practiced playing the accordion in the afternoon, just to be sure that Miss C would like it, and she did!  She especially loved dancing with Mommy to the accordion music.  

Busy Weekend

J, Gma LaLa, & Miss C

My friend from NJ visited today, and how great it feels to have someone I have known for a long time be just two hours away.  I have been feeling tied at the hip to my daughter and son-in-law, so to know that J lives so close is a huge blessing.  We caught up on our families, enjoyed dinner together, and made plans for the next visit.  The richness of a good friend has been added to my life on the right hand coast. 

My Day

Here comes the train . . . 

It's Mommy!

This is my new typical day:

Play, play, play with Miss C.  Feed her (she's just now started actually putting her own food into her mouth), change the dipes, play some more, read lots of books, try out a few new toys, nap time: repeat.  Then we go to meet Mommy at the train station.  I don't know who is happier to see the other, Mommy or Miss C.  We catch up on the day as we walk the 20 minutes back home.

Day Off

Two days to tend, then a day off!  Sounds pretty good, huh?  Miss C went to work with her mom today for a "family picnic."  

I started the day with a bike ride along Wissahicken Creek to Philadelphia's only covered bridge, and back.  The cool air of the shady Forbidden Drive were perfect!  I could do this every day, and I probably should!!  I'm looking forward to seeing Forbidden Drive with snow.  

This afternoon, I found a nail salon for a bit of a pedicure including hot stone massage, and found the stores to shop that I had intended.  The part I did not intend was getting lost on the way back.  And me with frozen food in the hot car.  If you get a little off, the roads go in angles rather than grids, so the farther you go, the farther off course you are.  EEEK!  I did get back, and am here to write this.  

I am missing the "getting ready" stage of the almost-fall at home.  I'm not missing the cold and rain and wind.

I love hearing from those of you who are reading this.   

A New Life for a While

Miss C loves her books!

Please read THIS one.

Today's my first day to tend to this beautiful Miss C.  She's a little confused -- I usually go to the shop with Daddy, but this is different.  

We were going to sit on the front porch for a while when it was cool, but the city maintenance workers were up earlier to jack-hammer the street.  Too Noisy, so we played on the living room floor, read books, ate breakfast, had the "baa-baa", and a little nap.

More later, Miss C is calling from her crib. . . .

Her favorite activity is reading books: The Foot Book, Where's Baby's Belly Button, If You're Happy.  Any book with flaps brings great glee.  She also loves her empty plastic cartons used as blocks, and the pop up puppets that I brought for her.  We are having fun, and she wants to have someone play with her all the time.  I know if I sit in one chair, it's book, book, book, book.  What could be better?

Longwood Gardens

Water Lily Pads

The Italian Garden

Topiaries 

Miss Tea and Miss C in the Children's Water Garden

Longwood Gardens near Philadelphia spread herself at our feet today.  The water fountains, the water lilies, (the biggest water lilies I've ever seen) the water garden for children delighted us.  Miss C was a trooper keeping up with the whole day; captivating many people with her charm.  

B and I said good-by after Longwood.  My last Left Hand Coast connection is gone. . . 

Hello, Right Hand Coast!

Still Here

We're not going ANYWHERE today.  No miles.  No car.  No seatbelts.  No wondering if we're on the right road.  No wondering how the water will taste.  Just being still.  Here.

Miss C smiles and PFTS at Gma La La.  Those teeth come in handy: can't make the FFF without them.  Toys on the floor, books on the lap, cups and balls and a cute wheeled doggie.  Can't get any better than this.  

Mr Tea had a famous person in the shop this morning!!  Well, semi-famous, depending on your TV viewing habits . . . . .  Cool.