On Mother's Day.
These days we stay up later than normal and get up later. This morning we all slept until 8:30. Way to start a kick-my-ass mother's day.
How vain I am. My weight frustrates me. Now in my late thirties, I can no longer binge eat and eat anything. I had a pretty good run of it, but it's over. And so that last 10 pounds...that last 10. I lose 5 - it takes me three weeks of no gluten, no dairy, no meat - and then I feel great and so I stop trying and gain it back.
The garden consumed my free time and energy for a couple of weeks there. I'm bubbling with projects and have trouble stopping. This past week I've been winding down and today, there it was, Mother's Day. Anneka said to me at bedtime, "Mother's Day is for Mum's, but on Mother's Day the kids kind of miss the moms and the moms miss the kids too!" Gawd, I love her! I'm the kind of mom that by noon on mother's day am ready to stop mothering and start just being me! Biked to the chief, hiked the chief with a friend during which we each had a catharsis of verbal output, and biked home. Paul happily made the day for me. We did all have a lovely time together in the morning. I was served cafe con leche in bed.
I want to blog about Halle and Anneka. Such amazing people each in their own rights. So, so lucky we are, but I don't even know where to start. They are as I have described them in the past just more developed. Anneka's doing some early reading. Sounding out words and playing with letters to create words. I'm sure if we worked with her she would be reading, but I like how it is just coming out of her as she is ready. During brunch she told us how to spell cat, so we went through rhyming words with her and she soon got the pattern and was pretty speedy with spelling them. I asked her if she sees the letters in her head and the word in her head (we do a lot of this stuff verbally) she thought for a while and said she does. Certainly, quite spatially inclined. She does simple arithmetic too, on her fingers. A technique she arrived at on her own. The kid goes to Waldorf School for goodness sake where there is no propensity toward early reading. But there she is - it is her. So like Paul in many ways. Perhaps it is why she and I are so close - we are a very good mix. Paul and I are quite similar in the way we learn, although the way that learning manifests can be quite different. We certainly have similarities in our cognitive strengths, which I see in both Anneka and Halle, but with Paul and I our emotional responses to our world and the way we deal with them different. Anneka and I are a great mix - her so like Paul cognitively, but with an emotional approach more like me.
Halle I just bang-on recognize at a basic level - as does my sister. It's like "I get you - I just do." There's a slightly odd but tangible and infectious intensity inherent on my side of the family which some of my siblings display and I feel but display a calmer disposition, without so much of the nervousness. She loves animals, especially dogs passionately. She is passionate and boisterous and loud and totally silly and wild, but also can become very nervous, stranger shy, angry and heartbroken. She is so much fun and some times quite a challenge. She can also really focus for a long period of time and loves to draw and read books. She's great at imaginary play and does it on her own and with Anneka or I. She definitely been a bit precocious in most areas of her development. Yesterday she drew circles, coloured them in in pink felt, then in red drew eyes, nose and a line for a mouth. She made a whole line-up of them. I think, but I'm not sure, that that seems pretty advanced for 27 months. She's very goofy, (tonight she made a four sided garbage bin out of her carrots, then started putting her salmon into the "bin" in little pieces, and in a goofy voice and laughing starting shouting "garbage" as she stuffed the salmon in the garbage bin). Anneka thought that was the greatest thing ever!! (Anneka loves to laugh.) I was a goofy little kid too.
And so was Paul - and he still is. And there we have it. Four bright, goofy people prone to emotional outburst inhabiting the same small space. Paul and I have learnt not to have emotional outburst (the negative kind we still have lots of the positive kind), at least not in the presence of the kids. He has his downstairs while he is editing. From the sounds of it he's lost everything, so I tread gingerly downstairs, only to be greeted by a smile and an assurance that everything was fine.
On this mother's day I can same I'm a lucky Mummy in a crazily sane family.
Was just reading through previous posts. I embark on graduate studies starting July (actually just a pre-req) then the real-deal in Sept. I hope it's not too early to still meet the needs of my children.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Transformed?
Sometimes I hear grumblings or yearnings of greater freedom spoken by newish mums, especially those now onto their second child. Almost into the third year with my second child, I can not recall feeling such a need in sometime. I recall fantasizing about a trip away on my own, to get away from it all and just have my own damn space to move freely, think freely and follow my own rhythm to somewhere warm, tropical, spicy .... but that was a while ago.
Maybe that is because we no longer have a baby? Although I still nurse Halle two or three times a day, I have more of my body to myself. Halle likes to do things for herself: walk up and down the stairs, climb into her carseat, do up her seatbelt, put on her own socks and shoes, which gives me a bit more freedom of body. Freedom of mind tends to follow freedom of body. In some ways I feel I am obtaining this freedom I previously desired right here at home.
Maybe it is because my ability to find freedom has changed? Maybe I've become a better freedom-seeker. There's freedom in my thought, there's freedom in my choices; when I'm with my children, whether it be sitting beside them in the bath putting on goofy puppet shows, tented under the comforter with the star maker in the dark telling stories and singing songs, or walking in the rain as they stomp in the puddles, there is freedom. They invite me into their world of total freedom of thought; freedom of imagination. Who is more free from conforming to social norms - them or me? Who is more free from self-judgement - them or me?
Absolutely I still desire doing fun and healthy and fun and not-so-healthy things and that they are unable to participate in at my level - skiing, yoga and nights out, for example - but it is not freedom from them I desire. In some ways, they have brought me greater freedom. As with anything, it's all a matter of perspective.
Halle-luna will be two in two weeks. Her capacity for imagination is as big and round as the moon - imaginary things are so real to her. Still, she is a bit like a skittish foul - prancing, jumping, tossing her head, playing and startling. Jumping out of her skin with excitement and fear. When her little cousin is over she goes completely nuts. And she is so, so loud. She talks, shrieks and laughs (and cries) so much and so loudly she loses her voice! She has fantastic linguistic abilities. She is putting together completely articulate sentences of four, sometimes five words. We converse...in no time at all, her language will reach a point where she will be able to explain her actions. I can't wait to see her logic behind some of her lunatic actions. She is going through quite a defiant and aggressive streak. Her and her little cousin have hysterical fun together but since I now look after her two days a week I think Halle is feeling a little unsure of her postion - that combined with her adored Dada being away- may be cause for some off her difficult behaviour.
These two girls I love so much. They are, currently, a source of freedom for me.
Maybe that is because we no longer have a baby? Although I still nurse Halle two or three times a day, I have more of my body to myself. Halle likes to do things for herself: walk up and down the stairs, climb into her carseat, do up her seatbelt, put on her own socks and shoes, which gives me a bit more freedom of body. Freedom of mind tends to follow freedom of body. In some ways I feel I am obtaining this freedom I previously desired right here at home.
Maybe it is because my ability to find freedom has changed? Maybe I've become a better freedom-seeker. There's freedom in my thought, there's freedom in my choices; when I'm with my children, whether it be sitting beside them in the bath putting on goofy puppet shows, tented under the comforter with the star maker in the dark telling stories and singing songs, or walking in the rain as they stomp in the puddles, there is freedom. They invite me into their world of total freedom of thought; freedom of imagination. Who is more free from conforming to social norms - them or me? Who is more free from self-judgement - them or me?
Absolutely I still desire doing fun and healthy and fun and not-so-healthy things and that they are unable to participate in at my level - skiing, yoga and nights out, for example - but it is not freedom from them I desire. In some ways, they have brought me greater freedom. As with anything, it's all a matter of perspective.
Halle-luna will be two in two weeks. Her capacity for imagination is as big and round as the moon - imaginary things are so real to her. Still, she is a bit like a skittish foul - prancing, jumping, tossing her head, playing and startling. Jumping out of her skin with excitement and fear. When her little cousin is over she goes completely nuts. And she is so, so loud. She talks, shrieks and laughs (and cries) so much and so loudly she loses her voice! She has fantastic linguistic abilities. She is putting together completely articulate sentences of four, sometimes five words. We converse...in no time at all, her language will reach a point where she will be able to explain her actions. I can't wait to see her logic behind some of her lunatic actions. She is going through quite a defiant and aggressive streak. Her and her little cousin have hysterical fun together but since I now look after her two days a week I think Halle is feeling a little unsure of her postion - that combined with her adored Dada being away- may be cause for some off her difficult behaviour.
These two girls I love so much. They are, currently, a source of freedom for me.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Never Mind, It's Not My Best Post
Today has been a low mood day which I tried to fight off all day but it just wouldn't go away - impatient, sleepy, irritable, grumpy. So I'm now sitting and unwinding with a glass of red wine.
Winter has hit in full force - blink and you missed fall. Anneka commented at the park the other day, that half the park was fall and half was winter. On and under the big deciduous trees were all the brightly covered leaves and in the open was fresh snow. Quite beautiful.
Yesterday was November 23 and I had my first ski day of the season with Charlotte. We had a great day - lots of conversation, great turns and a little hiking. My body felt good and quite strong even in the heavy snow. However, I think the constant desire to nap today is a result of the physical activity.
Very slowly I've been working on a psychology course (finally I'm half done) which has been quite interesting. I also have built a small tutoring cliental. My students so far are all middle school aged needing help with English/Language Arts - I am remembering how much I enjoy this age group. I've selected novels for all of them to work with and it has been a pleasure reading these stories with them.
I also took on a new pursuit last weekend. I've had a few people mention to me over the years that they thought I would be good as a maternity doctor or midwife. In fact, during my undergrad I made sure I obtained the prerequisites for both and volunteered at a veterinary hospital. My windy career path never turned in that direction and, still, I have other academic and career pursuits in mind. But, with the high proportion of pregnant women and young growing families in this community it occurred to me that serving pregnant women may be a welcome and rewarding service to offer in this community. I jumped into a birth doula course at Douglas College which was a lot more fun and well facilitated than I thought it might be. In retrospect I would certainly have had a doula when I had Anneka. I'm pretty busy but I think I will attend some of the Healthy Pregnancy Outreach meetings and volunteer my services.
I have applied for a M.Ed. program through UBC - Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology and am just waiting on my referees to send their paperwork. Yikes! It took me a long time to decide which program to do. This one is what it says - a lot of research methodology, a lot of statistics. As I said, Yikes! So why this one, I ask myself? Well, I could be up to date on all the latest research in any area of education or health I want to - how fun. I could evaluate courses/programs/assessments. I can design and carry out all kinds of research. I could devise ways to evaluate Adult Education programs, early education programs such as Montessori or Waldorf or studies into childbirth. What a way to contribute to areas of interest! This is what I hope, any way. I've applied for the M.Ed. option but am considering doing a thesis to receive an M.A. instead. Fingers crossed I get in!
OK...the kids! Yikes. They can be so sweet, polite, kind and loving and they can both be little hellions!!! Halle can be so destructive. She certainly has caught the "terrible twos" - part of the problem, I think, is she has access to a lot of toys that are not age appropriate. Like the felt pens with which she drew all over the floor; like the beautiful story cards with which she thought it would be fun to practice folding in half. If she gets a felt in her hands she draws on her body, paints likewise. She insists on doing everything herself which often ends up in disaster and if she isn't allowed she arches her back (I have to catch her so she doesn't smash her head on the floor) and shrieks! I honestly don't think Anneka was such a menace. She is full of energy and a lot of fun and also very funny - as Anneka was. Anneka, on the other hand, can just be rather ornery, stubborn and defiant. I tend to be pretty mellow in my reaction to all of this (with the occasional exception and then they just no it's gone to far). I try not to make it about me and try to phrase things like "it's not OK for you to treat people like this. Still they are both mush-buckets and smother me with kisses - Anneka likes to come up with new ways to tell me she loves me such as "I love you more than all the smiles in the world" or "I love you more than all the warm blankets on a winter day"! I think she's quite poetic! We get ridiculously mushy together!
I actually love that my girls have spunk, even though today I would have liked to have....oh never mind!
Winter has hit in full force - blink and you missed fall. Anneka commented at the park the other day, that half the park was fall and half was winter. On and under the big deciduous trees were all the brightly covered leaves and in the open was fresh snow. Quite beautiful.
Yesterday was November 23 and I had my first ski day of the season with Charlotte. We had a great day - lots of conversation, great turns and a little hiking. My body felt good and quite strong even in the heavy snow. However, I think the constant desire to nap today is a result of the physical activity.
Very slowly I've been working on a psychology course (finally I'm half done) which has been quite interesting. I also have built a small tutoring cliental. My students so far are all middle school aged needing help with English/Language Arts - I am remembering how much I enjoy this age group. I've selected novels for all of them to work with and it has been a pleasure reading these stories with them.
I also took on a new pursuit last weekend. I've had a few people mention to me over the years that they thought I would be good as a maternity doctor or midwife. In fact, during my undergrad I made sure I obtained the prerequisites for both and volunteered at a veterinary hospital. My windy career path never turned in that direction and, still, I have other academic and career pursuits in mind. But, with the high proportion of pregnant women and young growing families in this community it occurred to me that serving pregnant women may be a welcome and rewarding service to offer in this community. I jumped into a birth doula course at Douglas College which was a lot more fun and well facilitated than I thought it might be. In retrospect I would certainly have had a doula when I had Anneka. I'm pretty busy but I think I will attend some of the Healthy Pregnancy Outreach meetings and volunteer my services.
I have applied for a M.Ed. program through UBC - Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology and am just waiting on my referees to send their paperwork. Yikes! It took me a long time to decide which program to do. This one is what it says - a lot of research methodology, a lot of statistics. As I said, Yikes! So why this one, I ask myself? Well, I could be up to date on all the latest research in any area of education or health I want to - how fun. I could evaluate courses/programs/assessments. I can design and carry out all kinds of research. I could devise ways to evaluate Adult Education programs, early education programs such as Montessori or Waldorf or studies into childbirth. What a way to contribute to areas of interest! This is what I hope, any way. I've applied for the M.Ed. option but am considering doing a thesis to receive an M.A. instead. Fingers crossed I get in!
OK...the kids! Yikes. They can be so sweet, polite, kind and loving and they can both be little hellions!!! Halle can be so destructive. She certainly has caught the "terrible twos" - part of the problem, I think, is she has access to a lot of toys that are not age appropriate. Like the felt pens with which she drew all over the floor; like the beautiful story cards with which she thought it would be fun to practice folding in half. If she gets a felt in her hands she draws on her body, paints likewise. She insists on doing everything herself which often ends up in disaster and if she isn't allowed she arches her back (I have to catch her so she doesn't smash her head on the floor) and shrieks! I honestly don't think Anneka was such a menace. She is full of energy and a lot of fun and also very funny - as Anneka was. Anneka, on the other hand, can just be rather ornery, stubborn and defiant. I tend to be pretty mellow in my reaction to all of this (with the occasional exception and then they just no it's gone to far). I try not to make it about me and try to phrase things like "it's not OK for you to treat people like this. Still they are both mush-buckets and smother me with kisses - Anneka likes to come up with new ways to tell me she loves me such as "I love you more than all the smiles in the world" or "I love you more than all the warm blankets on a winter day"! I think she's quite poetic! We get ridiculously mushy together!
I actually love that my girls have spunk, even though today I would have liked to have....oh never mind!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Back on the Blog
It's been three months since my last confession...er, I mean post.
That's too much time to cover. I'll just say, I've been busy with work - working at being a mum to Halle and Anneka. It was an adjustment returning to full-time parenting during which, I must confess, I sometimes felt quite blue; however, it has been a special time with the girls this summer. Who wouldn't feel a little blue with the July we had? The latter part August and September have been spectacular and filled with outdoor time particularly at a beautiful bay just south of here...shhhh...it's a secret. I've been fairly active running and hiking and am feeling quite fit - well the last week I have let that slide and here I am tonight eating chocolate and drinking beer.
I feel close and connected to the girls and am happy with how they are developing. Namely, they are joyous, inquisitive, active and creative. They socialize, play hard and are healthy. What more is there at a year and a half and just four? I am happy that I have the time to pack picnics and get down on the floor or on the beach and play. I am also happy that I don't always have to do this and I can leave them to their own devices in their room or in the yard. I am thankful that the days of night time feedings are well in the past and I have my health and the energy to do this. (Halle was really a dream baby in retrospect - I was able to be so busy during her first year and didn't have to implement any sort of sleep training program - how lucky to experience this)
Although the summer weather was short, I am also glad that fall is underway and that we have now have a weekly schedule. Anneka is back at Cedar Valley Waldorf preschool Monday and Tuesday mornings. This is not a lot of time, and although she is loving it and could certainly cope well with a lot more time, it isn't necessary. I'm here; I can provide activities and plan play dates. Soon enough, she will be in kindergarten. Halle and Anneka are scheduled in gym programs and music which start next week. Come the winter Anneka will begin ski school on Sundays, during which I will either nordic ski with Hal, or switch baby duty with C and ski myself. It is satisfying to look at the calendar and see it all laid out.
A funny, sweet anecdote. Anneka has been playing "boyfriend and girlfriend" with a little boy in her preschool. I think they played the game a couple of times at the end of the school year last year. She says he asked her! I don't even think she knew what it means, and I'm not sure she does now, although she may be beginning to figure it out. This year there are 3 boys and 2 girls - very little class. Last year was girl - dominated 5:3 and there was not as much intermingling. It sounds like the little group this year has been having a lot of fun playing all together. She told me this evening (I had barely seen her all day as her school went on a field trip and then she had a playdate) that yesterday at school they played the game a little differently. Just her and her little friend played. She said she had been waiting for him to ask her all morning to play "boyfriend and girlfriend" and then he did! Funny she was waiting because she is not reluctant to offer an idea up to her friends, but I guess she wanted to be asked? Hmmm, that's interesting. When asked how they play that game she said they just hold hands and go places. I asked where, and she told me just places like the basket of bean bags. I remember preschool and how I really liked to play with certain boys. I wouldn't really call them crushes but it did seem like a bit more of a special event then inviting a girlfriend over. I don't recall using the terms boyfriend and girlfriend and holding hands, but it is kind of cute in it innocence. I love how candid she is and how she shares all sorts of details. Maybe if I always remain non-reactive, if I discuss rather than dictate, if I question rather than scold, if I respect rather than demand respect, if I learn rather than teach, she will continue to share with me as the years go on. Maybe I am overly naive or optimistic to think this is possible but I am hopeful. I hope the same of Halle and I wonder how our relationship will unfold. Yes, this time with these beautiful souls is not always easy, is not always fun, but I hope it is building a strong beginning.
It is nice to have the time to just watch and follow their lead. It would be great to be simultaneously taking a course in child development and have others to discuss with. Ah well....and life goes on.
That's too much time to cover. I'll just say, I've been busy with work - working at being a mum to Halle and Anneka. It was an adjustment returning to full-time parenting during which, I must confess, I sometimes felt quite blue; however, it has been a special time with the girls this summer. Who wouldn't feel a little blue with the July we had? The latter part August and September have been spectacular and filled with outdoor time particularly at a beautiful bay just south of here...shhhh...it's a secret. I've been fairly active running and hiking and am feeling quite fit - well the last week I have let that slide and here I am tonight eating chocolate and drinking beer.
I feel close and connected to the girls and am happy with how they are developing. Namely, they are joyous, inquisitive, active and creative. They socialize, play hard and are healthy. What more is there at a year and a half and just four? I am happy that I have the time to pack picnics and get down on the floor or on the beach and play. I am also happy that I don't always have to do this and I can leave them to their own devices in their room or in the yard. I am thankful that the days of night time feedings are well in the past and I have my health and the energy to do this. (Halle was really a dream baby in retrospect - I was able to be so busy during her first year and didn't have to implement any sort of sleep training program - how lucky to experience this)
Although the summer weather was short, I am also glad that fall is underway and that we have now have a weekly schedule. Anneka is back at Cedar Valley Waldorf preschool Monday and Tuesday mornings. This is not a lot of time, and although she is loving it and could certainly cope well with a lot more time, it isn't necessary. I'm here; I can provide activities and plan play dates. Soon enough, she will be in kindergarten. Halle and Anneka are scheduled in gym programs and music which start next week. Come the winter Anneka will begin ski school on Sundays, during which I will either nordic ski with Hal, or switch baby duty with C and ski myself. It is satisfying to look at the calendar and see it all laid out.
A funny, sweet anecdote. Anneka has been playing "boyfriend and girlfriend" with a little boy in her preschool. I think they played the game a couple of times at the end of the school year last year. She says he asked her! I don't even think she knew what it means, and I'm not sure she does now, although she may be beginning to figure it out. This year there are 3 boys and 2 girls - very little class. Last year was girl - dominated 5:3 and there was not as much intermingling. It sounds like the little group this year has been having a lot of fun playing all together. She told me this evening (I had barely seen her all day as her school went on a field trip and then she had a playdate) that yesterday at school they played the game a little differently. Just her and her little friend played. She said she had been waiting for him to ask her all morning to play "boyfriend and girlfriend" and then he did! Funny she was waiting because she is not reluctant to offer an idea up to her friends, but I guess she wanted to be asked? Hmmm, that's interesting. When asked how they play that game she said they just hold hands and go places. I asked where, and she told me just places like the basket of bean bags. I remember preschool and how I really liked to play with certain boys. I wouldn't really call them crushes but it did seem like a bit more of a special event then inviting a girlfriend over. I don't recall using the terms boyfriend and girlfriend and holding hands, but it is kind of cute in it innocence. I love how candid she is and how she shares all sorts of details. Maybe if I always remain non-reactive, if I discuss rather than dictate, if I question rather than scold, if I respect rather than demand respect, if I learn rather than teach, she will continue to share with me as the years go on. Maybe I am overly naive or optimistic to think this is possible but I am hopeful. I hope the same of Halle and I wonder how our relationship will unfold. Yes, this time with these beautiful souls is not always easy, is not always fun, but I hope it is building a strong beginning.
It is nice to have the time to just watch and follow their lead. It would be great to be simultaneously taking a course in child development and have others to discuss with. Ah well....and life goes on.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Anneka and Halle
Overdue for an update.
Current life is pretty steady and unfettered. The girls are growing and learning and we are both home with them. Paul is working against deadlines in the man-cave downstairs but summer also lends itself to visitors and celebrations which also must be fit in. On top of that, without work (I've been very part time and my last day is tomorrow) I don't have as much mental stimulus and I find I need a break from parenting more frequently).
Anneka is sick - it's rare for her so I really feel for her when she is. Still, she is a trooper. Her voice is very smokey right now, she would make a great lounge singer! Halle is better and is full of energy today. She is good for about an hour in the house in the morning and then needs to be set free or she gets irritable. Anneka on the other hand can stay indoors for hours working on "projects" and playing make-believe games. I'm a bit more like Halle in this way and so I find our day goes best when we get out early, come back for lunch, nap Halle (2 - 3 hours) and then Anneka and I can get into something and I can clean up from the morning. Basically at around 9 I open the door and off goes Halle bee-lining it out the gate and we follow. She continues to be very active and excitable. She is pretty loud also and her number of words, although still fairly unclear, is growing exponentially.
Anneka remains her social, inquisitive self. Her ability to start and hold a conversation with just about anyone - young, old, male, female - is impressive. She will talk to anyone and always has something to say. Her and Paul often lie in bed at night talking until way past her bedtime. She asks questions and he explains all kinds of things.
I've applied for a couple of interesting jobs and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I am still loving Squamish (when the sun shines which is rare these days) and am looking forward to all the music festivals starting this weekend. There is no point in making plans until Paul finishes up this film. He has taken our visitors and the kids to Vancouver today and I am heading out for a run and then some gardening. I adjusted to a new baby very quickly this time, mentally and emotionally, and when I look back over the first year sleep deprivation is hardly even a memory. We were very lucky that way this time. However, physically it has taken me a lot longer to recover. Finally, I am into my last five pounds to get back to a range I feel good in. After having Halle, I was the heaviest I've every been by far for a good year. I can do a forearm stand again and no longer dread running. Here we go!
Current life is pretty steady and unfettered. The girls are growing and learning and we are both home with them. Paul is working against deadlines in the man-cave downstairs but summer also lends itself to visitors and celebrations which also must be fit in. On top of that, without work (I've been very part time and my last day is tomorrow) I don't have as much mental stimulus and I find I need a break from parenting more frequently).
Anneka is sick - it's rare for her so I really feel for her when she is. Still, she is a trooper. Her voice is very smokey right now, she would make a great lounge singer! Halle is better and is full of energy today. She is good for about an hour in the house in the morning and then needs to be set free or she gets irritable. Anneka on the other hand can stay indoors for hours working on "projects" and playing make-believe games. I'm a bit more like Halle in this way and so I find our day goes best when we get out early, come back for lunch, nap Halle (2 - 3 hours) and then Anneka and I can get into something and I can clean up from the morning. Basically at around 9 I open the door and off goes Halle bee-lining it out the gate and we follow. She continues to be very active and excitable. She is pretty loud also and her number of words, although still fairly unclear, is growing exponentially.
Anneka remains her social, inquisitive self. Her ability to start and hold a conversation with just about anyone - young, old, male, female - is impressive. She will talk to anyone and always has something to say. Her and Paul often lie in bed at night talking until way past her bedtime. She asks questions and he explains all kinds of things.
I've applied for a couple of interesting jobs and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I am still loving Squamish (when the sun shines which is rare these days) and am looking forward to all the music festivals starting this weekend. There is no point in making plans until Paul finishes up this film. He has taken our visitors and the kids to Vancouver today and I am heading out for a run and then some gardening. I adjusted to a new baby very quickly this time, mentally and emotionally, and when I look back over the first year sleep deprivation is hardly even a memory. We were very lucky that way this time. However, physically it has taken me a lot longer to recover. Finally, I am into my last five pounds to get back to a range I feel good in. After having Halle, I was the heaviest I've every been by far for a good year. I can do a forearm stand again and no longer dread running. Here we go!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
My Domicile
I chose the name of this blog to encapsulate all facets of my life that are serving to bring me 'home' or to the place that I reside. By reside I don't mean in time and space although this dwelling and this community I live in are facilitating the process. The title is broad enough to focus on family, community, work, anything I am involved in that is both grounding me and feeding the fire.
Up until now I have mostly been a sampler of culture, a cultural spectator and soaker-upper and a learner. Never before have I wanted in such a way to be a creator of culture, or a contributor to culture. I want for this town, I want for the people here and it feels good. I want for our common vision and direction and for the betterment of our most marginalized. Less and less do I want to go away and contribute; more and more I want to stay and contribute. This is my community; it is the community of my children and hopefully they will learn from it and contribute to it by simply being allowed to be their beautiful selves.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Collectively Called Halleka
Was just surprised by Paul. They have called it quits and will be home tomorrow! Anneka has been really missing him and will be stoked. I am fully back in my groove today so would be fine with another week or so but it will be great to see him. He is going to be very busy though and I hope all the editing goes smoothly!
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