Very Mary

4 People, 12 Times: February

 

I'm keeping it short and sweet, just like February:

This month, Derrick spent a weekend away for a a work-related conference, and while he was away, he spent time with his cousin and her family. He also ended the current intake with his students and was excited to start again on his solar projects with a different department. Work always keeps him really busy, and you know, I still am not entirely clear on the ins and outs of his job. I think I'm going to make a mental note to have him write up this portion of next month's summary. 

I've been really, really focused on photography. Learning and being inspired, which is so good for me and can also make me crazy. Just part of my personality - if it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing. That's my motto. I had my first photo shoot (outside the family) with a friend of Derrick's and the friend's wife. I was nervous to the point of contemplating a cancellation, but I'm so glad I went through with it. They were the coolest couple and so much fun! AND I learned a lot. 

For Sadie, the highlight of the month had to be Valentine's Day. Her preschool had a special Valentine's Day party, which included treats, songs, crafts, and cards all focused on the day of love. She was so pleased with her special Valentine's mailbox full of cards and candy from her little friends. And speaking of parties, she also went to a friend's third birthday party at TommyKPlay. It was her second time at the play centre, and this time, she climbed through the gym by herself and also went down the big slide countless times by herself. Big moves for a little kid! In other news, she gulped down her very first root beer float at A &W. She'd never tried pop before, but let me assure you, it was thoroughly enjoyed. Right down to that last straw-sucking drop. 

Caleb probably had the biggest month of all. He started cruising on any available furniture or, even, stationery parent. He finally cut his top two teeth for a grand total of four teefers. He was scanned for a cranial orthotic, which he tolerated like a pro. And most surprisingly, he said his first word: "cracker."

4 People, 12 Times: January

 

Ironic that we took our family photo outside this month since most of us really didn't spend a lot of time outside during the chilly days of January. (And when I say "chilly," I mean in the negatives.) There were a lot of those days. But, if I were to "make some lemonade," as we say around here, it meant those few sunny days were very much appreciated. 

Derrick turned 33 this month. We celebrated with a simple dinner at home: Sage Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella and Proscuitto. Followed by the Peanut Butter and Chocolate Masterpiece that I have renamed the Ugly Cake. Sadie made Derrick a birthday card, and I bought him several new books: Life, Bob Marley: The Untold Story, and Fight Club. (He likes to read about musicians, and the last one I just picked up on a whim.) 

For me, this month marked the beginning of several new projects, most of them photography-based. I'm excited about all of them, but I'm still trying to find that happy balance between projects and priorities. My immediate priorities are not necessarily my projects, but I still need that creative energy I get from challenging myself. I'm feeling really good right now about what I've been able to accomplish this month, but there are always things I feel like I need to work on: spending more quality time with Derrick, playing more with the kids, and doing organized activities (crafts,etc.) with Sadie. 

Sadie used to be somewhat quiet about her adventures at preschool, but this month, she's started telling us about her little friends, the snacks they had, what they did during "gym time." I love hearing about the part of her day that she doesn't share with me at home. One of the other mothers told me that her little boy told his Grandma that "Sadie is his girlfriend." I wasn't sure if I should say "Awwww" or freak out, but it's probably a little early for the freak out, right?

She's really started to enjoy ballet, and it was a fun experience to actually see her dance at Viewing Day. She is a true performer, which I knew all ready, but she's also turning out to be quite the dancer. She was intrigued with "costume measurement day," and was excited to learn that she gets to keep whatever costume they come up with for the recital. I hope it's a good one, but if not, we have a set of princess dress-ups to fall back on. Speaking of which, they were well-worn this month. Every day was dress-up day. 

Caleb started crawling shortly before Christmas, but he really figured things out this month, and he can move. He follows Sadie around as much as possible, but he's also started playing by himself for short periods of time. It didn't take him long to learn that he could use both of his parents as "guided walking devices," and now he's all ready pulling himself up to standing position all the time, everywhere. He gets a little frustrated, though, when he can't figure out how to get himself back down. He has two teeth, and two more arriving shortly. 

Until next month...