The spring is here and that gives me such relief in my mind that being stuck here alone in this town isn't quite so bad. I can leave the cabin fever behind and get out in the sunshine. This summer is more exciting for me I think because I don't have an "infant" per se and I am not pregnant. Walking while pushing a stroller isn't as much of a chore as it is just more exercise. Finally I can squeeze in and out of the wooden play ground without the excuse of a large bulbous belly. I have already been several times to the play ground with my girls. It's very exciting that this year Riley is also able to enjoy it. It's very amazing to see year after year, the way Cailen interacts with her surroundings when there. She is still very aware of keeping close to me (which I love) but she is far more adventurous of going down the slide by herself, climbing to get to the slide by herself and swinging on the big kids swing. All good things.
I am so enjoying watching these little ones grow up. Cailen is so creative and imaginative and blows my mind with the things she says and does and the songs she makes up. She is able to sing the alphabet in full now and she also knows most of the sounds that letters make and can give you example words. :)
Riley has been walking for a month and a half. Which is right on schedule with Cailen's growth and development. What I wasn't prepared for is Riley is talking. Not just "mama" and "dada." She's actually starting to say "no" when she's doing something she KNOWS she's not supposed to do. She repeats it when someone else says it. (This Cailen never did with NO.) Cailen has always called Play Doh "Doh Doh" and now Riley identifies the dough or the yellow can as "doh doh." Yesterday Riley brought a ball over to me and said "BAH!" and every time she plays with a ball since she says "BAH." It's almost scary. I really never expected her to talk so soon. Oh, yeah and she also mimics "Daddy-o" it sounds more like "day-yo." One night Cailen imitated the train and said "ducka dah choo choo." I can't remember what Riley did but it was clear to me and Kris that she was trying to copy the sound. Crazy right? I almost feel like I won't need to teach Riley the sign language that I did with Cailen. I may still, but....man!
Today I planted some wild flowers, mini sun flowers, lavendar, thyme, and oregano seeds in pots with Cailen. Riley ate a little bit of soil but I think she'll survive? :) We swept the broken glass (well most of it) from the driveway (thank you beer bottle throwing neighbors) and we are thinking about taking out the back part of the driveway to make more grassy play area for the girls. I am thinking of trying to get rid of the weeds that have flanked the back right side of my yard and perhaps put in at least a garden for home grown flowers. I am just so tired of my backyard being primarily asphalt. The lilac bush we planted on our anniversary a couple years ago has grown 4x and already has raspberry size buds on it. I'm SO excited. I think harvesting flowers with my Cailen who loves to say "WOOW! It's so pretty!" will be really fun.
Tomorrow is earth day and the town is going to be celebrating in some form. I seem to remember they had a little "plant a seed" thing for kids last year. I am hoping Cailen will be able to participate this year. So, tomorrow I intend on seeing what the town is doing for it's festivities.
Anyway, HAPPY SPRING. I hope you are all enjoying it as much as I am!
