Saturday, May 24, 2014

Our baby is one




It's barely believable that the tiny little squirmy thing that had a pterodactyl scream turned one this week.  I am sure every mother is in awe of this momentous occasion, how can they not be?  Every waking moment for the passed year has been concerned in same way with this little defenseless person.  The birthday reminds us of our pregnancies and the labour and delivery room; of life pre-baby.  Before this first child we could only guess at what kind of parents we would be and then she came and the trial and error began.    Every day since then has brought a new surprise and with it a new joy.  BabyBird's first birthday has helped me realise what a birthday really is. 

We didn't want to have a big party - there's nothing worse than a baby being put on the spotlight and finding it too overwhelming.  Instead we had four small celebrations.  I already shared about our trip to Michigan.  We also had a little party with some boys I look after, our own little present time here at home, and one with our bible study where she is the youngest member (and she sleeps through the studies).  These required three cakes and, as the American tradition required, three cake smashing ceremonies ensued.  Although normally there would only be one I assume.  Although she had been completely uninterested in her strawberry shortcake, she got the hang of things quickly and loved the other two cakes.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Off to the north for a weekend away

We snuck away for the weekend up to Kalamazoo, MI, to watch Jbird's teacher perform a solo recital.  Here's a review.  I recognised one of the Scarlatti Sonatas from a BBC Jane Austen mini-series, was fun to hear it in its entirety and live.  I loved the rest of the recital.  We have only heard him play concerti with different orchestras.  Although they are flashy and exciting, they always leave me wanting more.

The following day while Jbird was at a Master Class, my brother, sister-in-law, and I went for a 5 km meander through some farm land.  Their local farm-share is organising a fun run so we were checking out the track and looking for possible issues with it.  BabyBird slept happily on my back.  It's chillier up there, I was glad I had bundled up.  When she was awake she seemed to enjoy observing different farm animals.  

We had decided to celebrate BabyBird's birthday a few weeks early as we were staying with family.  It was a small affair.  We made it a party by having streamers, balloons, and party hats.  I was hoping for a good cake-smashing but she wasn't interested in her cake at all even though she loves strawberries and it was a strawberry shortcake.  I think the cream put her off.  There will be other opportunities to smash cake I guess.

She travelled well and slept well.  She also allowed others to hold her doesn't always happen.  I felt as though she might have recognised my brother.  We arrived home on Sunday afternoon feeling satisfied and happy after our short trip away.