Deep Breath

My olfactory senses are very near to my spirit, or whatever you might call it. The slightest whiff of a particular smell can draw me in or spit me out, depending on the conjuring that follows.

One smell that will always bring fullness to my chest is described here: Yesterday, we finally enjoyed some above-freezing weather. Not only that, the sun came to visit. Sophia and I took the chance to get outside after she got home from school. A cruise downhill on her bike, followed by some digging in the mud, seemed like an appropriate welcome to the first springish day we've had.

After we were inside, I leaned over (not so far these days) to kiss Sophia on her forehead, my nose in her hair. There it was. Spring. Promise. Innocence. Earth. Combined with the scent of my daughter. The result was color and warmth. Memories of the same moment having passed between us hundreds (maybe thousands?) of times. How many thousands more can I manage before I'll have to conjure those memories from words like these rather than from a deep breath?

First Sleepover -by Sophia

I  had my first sleep over today.  It is awesome!

Fun comes first in my house.Friends,fun and opportunity is most important.

 Especially who you pick.   And every now and then you need a nap.

But it is good to smile at the camera too.  This is my friend!We are number 1!!!  The best part is she is on my basket ball team,and she is in my class!

"Every Shot is as Good as Gold"

Sophia is still playing basketball. More or less. With her cough and flu, she has missed a couple of games and practices. She was able to play in this weekend's game, and she had a wonderful time with her friends, as always. 

We've also been watching the Olympics. So much discussion of effort and excellence. 

During Saturday's game, Sophia did as she normally does, and she passed each time she got the ball. Her coach's advice to her (and to pretty much every girl) is "Take it to the basket when you get it. Then shoot." We have lots of great teammates on that team. Most of them prefer passing (and cheering one another on) to shooting. 

With just a little time before Sophia was coming out, she got the ball. I expected her to stop halfway and find someone to take it, but she...took...it...all...the...way. Shot. The ball kissed the glass. Girl Power scored!! All the parents cheered for her. She turned around with the biggest smile on her face and did the tiniest victory dance.

When we talked about it on the way home, we talked a lot about how she loves to pass. She told us that she loves to give other kids the chance to make a shot because, "for a kid, every shot is just as good as a gold medal." 

Flu

We have yet to have a normal week in 2014. Between holidays and snow, combined with the last week's worth of flu, Sophia hasn't been to school more than four days. This week, she'll be lucky to get two.

Anyway, it wears us both out. I love spending time with my girl. Especially when we can get outside for a little walk or play. But this weather keeps us inside. Playing Monopoly, Life, dominoes, American Girls, Legos, Wii, watching TV, reading.

Here she is writing a story.

She was pretty mad to learn that today was a snow day because I think she was ready to head back. Really, though, I think another day of rest couldn't be a bad idea.

Here's hoping for some health and normalcy.