Almost Summer

Admittedly, adding Sophia to my blog has been a mixed bag. Part of the reason I blog less often is because she says that she wants to blog about certain things, but she gets too distracted to follow through. I could just go for it, but her posts always add such a great perspective, especially as it relates to things she's doing that I really want to give her the chance to do it.

This is the last week of school for Sophia. It's been a lovely year for both of us. Last night, as I was putting her to bed, Sophia said, "I'm just sad about it because first grade has had such an impact on my life." I kid not. That's what she said. I could say the same thing, I suppose.

Like most parents who are at home full time, I have mixed feelings about summer. Most of me is excited. I truly like spending time with my kid. She's a hoot. However, I've gotten quite attached to my routine. So I'll fill this week with all my favorite activities and look forward to my days with Sophia to come. I do realize how lucky I am. 

Naturalist

Sunday was a lovely day. One of many lovely days we've had this spring. My family was nice enough to let me choose what to do with our day, so I chose to go for a hike. I was surprised to find (on Facebook) just how many moms chose hiking for their day. I wonder what that says about us.

Anyhow, Sophia was happy with my choice because she has recently become the owner of a Scat, Tracks and Signs book to help us determine what wildlife we might be near.

We stopped at ever poop pile and hoof/paw print to analyze it. Pretty sure there are coyotes out at Howell Island Conservation Area. I know that because we found some poop. 

I'm also sure there's a fawn in the woods there because we found just the cutest little hoof print. I did not point out to Sophia that we should hope they stay on opposite sides of the woods...

The binoculars were a good idea, but not great in practice. But she's just so cute using them that I keep recommending it.

It really was a beautiful day to enjoy nature together as a family. I'm grateful, as always, for my allies in adventuring.

Girls

Last weekend was packed full of family, friends and celebrations. This weekend will be more of the same - only different. Sophia and I went to Columbia for a quick visit. Our main reason for choosing the weekend was to celebrate the impending (sounds ominous) arrival of a baby girl into the family of some great friends. 

This little girl is going to be so loved and well taken care of. She's also going to be cute. I cannot wait to meet her. Sophia's excited about it, too. 

At the baby shower, Sophia was befriended by an adorable and charming little girl. The two of them had a wonderful time walking that delicate sparkly line between being girly and being wacky.

I was so happy to get to celebrate with my friend. I could not be happier for them to get to start this new book (too big to be a chapter) in their lives.

At some point in the celebration, I got a little distracted by my own feelings. Maybe because we're reaching the end of another school year. Maybe because Sophia made me tell her the story of her baby shower. Maybe just because thinking about my friend mothering a daughter makes me think about my own daughter. Whatever the reason, I just couldn't help but be a little distracted by my gratitude for my own girl.

I love her to distraction.