My darling

This is how you admire the trees. I try my best to instill a sense of wonder about nature. After all, we are nature. Nature is us. I want you to appreciate the trees, clouds, Sky, sun, moon, dirt, mud,rain,wind,and anything else that Mother Nature offers us. I want you to know that there are lesson for us in nature if we are quiet enough to listen. 

Natural play

We live in a world where most people spend way too much time staring at screens. Children under the age of two spend just as much time playing with smart phones as their parents do. Our attention spans are diminishing as we as we click tap and prod away at our electronic devices. 

As I observed Aminah playing, I noticed something. No one toy kept her interest for too long. She picks up a toy, shakes it rattles it, pokes it, and within two minutes she's on to something else. This isn't too out of the ordinary, I don't expect her to focus on one task for too long. I noticed most of her toys are battery operated. This got me thinking. 

I don't want Aminah to grow up expecting everything she picks up to entertain her with flashing lights and mechanical voices. I want her toys to inspire her to think and create. 

I don't usually buy her toys that are electronic, however for her birthday that's the majority of the presents she received. Aminah loves to grab and use her tiny chubby little fingers to manipulate her environment. And so I shall oblige. I will start by getting her wooden toys and help her play with her stacking cups. 

I eventually need to create a designated okay space for her. Her childhood is so important to me. I want her to be a child   I want her to play, imagine, create and get messy :). 

 

Your Elias

Aminah, 

You are surrounded by people who love you. You are loved and wanted. 

One of the people who love you so much is your big cousin/brother Elias Mylo. 

Elias has a sparkle in his eye when he looks at you. 

There was one time where Elias you and I were sitting on the floor in the living room when I stepped away for a moment. In that moment you fell backwards and hurt your little head. Your cries filled the whole house. I felt guilty and awful. 

Now, whenever you sit on the floor, Elias tenderly grabs the nearest pillow and cautiously places it behind you. 

Happy BEarthday

Happy birthday, my love. 

You had a very special first birthday this year. 

We woke up together and sang happy birthday to you. We continued to sing happy birthday the whole day. When you wanted to hear it once more you started to clap and sing. 

I happily obliged. 

Our little family. We went to iHop for your celebratory break-fast. That whole day. I savored every moment of it. 

I made a cashew, date, strawberry frosting for the chocolate chip cake I baked. I put you in the beautiful black dress with the roses. To my surprise it still fit you. You looked so cute in it. 

We had a little photoshoot. I could tell you felt so special and loved. 

You blew out the trick candles. Afterwards you and I went to Van Cortland park. We walked the tracked and made our way to the playground. You enjoyed watching the runners make their way to their perspective finish lines. I did too. 

While swinging, I got a call from Masiel. Your great grandmother passed away. I broke down in tears and mourned for my sweet grandmother. 

I also cried because of your innocence. 

Carrot Crown, lemongrass bouquet

Spontaneity

Yesterday your titi, cousin Elias, you and I went on a surprise walk at Van Cortland park. 

It was spontaneous; a word I love to live. 

Since you were born my love, I've struggled to keep spontaneity in my life. After all, you love your schedules. You wake up around 7-9 go back to sleep at 10 and then stet to get sleepy at 5. I like to be at home or at Mamis so that you have a safe place to sleep. If I am not, I am typically wearing you so that you always have a safe place to sleep :) 

This is your second time in Van Cortland since you've been born. I want to take you to where the air is crisp and fresh as much as possible my love. I've waited all year for seasonable weather. Walking weather, hiking weather.  

Safe

Yesterday we had to spend yet another night at a hotel because our apartment smells like mildew. 

It's not safe for you, little one to inhale that. 

One upside of staying at the hotel (other than duh,staying at the hotel) was hoping in the pool for the first time with you. 

Angie and Elias tagged along too. We all had quality time together which makes my heart melt. Quality time is the most important to me. Otherwise how else will we get to enjoy each other and create new memories together ? 

Lamont taught Elias how to kick while holding on to the noodle all the way to the other side of the pool! Elias loved the water. 

You on the other hand baby didn't like it too much. It was a bit cold for you. I dunked you under the water to appease your daddy and you started to cry. 

After a little while your daddy came to the rescue and held you so that you could paddle and kick. 

Afterwards you and I hung out on the edge of the pool watching everyone splash and splash while you peed and pooped on me. 

Today I bought you a swim diaper. 

Here's to many more moments filled with family, pools and laughter.