There's a creamery not too far from where we live that sells the best ice cream. Love their Butter Pecan. It's a fun place to visit. They have a pen outside with a calf and some goats to entertain the little ones. It's one of our favorite places to go as a family.
It's been a rough week. Sara has been getting up 1 1/2 hours earlier in the morning than she usually does. So there's been a lot of cranky days. Bedtime has been a nightmare lately. It's getting more difficult for me to be patient and I end up feeling like a crappy mom. I'm just exhausted from it all. Hopefully things will get back to normal soon. 

On the weekend, I...

ate at my favorite Thai restaurant; painted my nails orange; heard my daughter say "Happy Mother's Day" for the first time; planted cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, and celery; read a good book; bought vintage paper dolls for myself; spent too much time in the sun; watched Sara play with her great grandma; received a lovely card from my husband; made a wasp trap; felt very grateful to be a mother. 
Hope you had a wonderful one as well!

          5 months old

My little peanut is now a 3 year old. Where did the time go? Look at that cute baby chub :)

Happy Birthday Sara! 

Boy, this is the fourth day in a row that I've blogged- a record for me!
I'm a little bummed out right now. This morning Sara and I went to an open house for a mom's group. I feel a little uncomfortable going to events like this where I don't know a single person. But, I thought this would be a good experience for my daughter. She enjoyed playtime with other kids, which she doesn't get enough of at the moment. Before we left, I was told we probably won't be allowed to join because we live 10 miles outside the club's territory. So that's disappointing. I need to figure out other ways to meet other moms and for Sara to meet other kids. Time to get creative...

I've been thinking about how I manage my time. Being a stay-at-home mom with a toddler, it feels like I have a hard time getting things done (or even started). Not just the chores. There's my long list of things I'd really love to sew, crochet, quilt, etc. Maybe I need to create some "me" time. If only I could do this without feeling guilty about it. But I suppose if it makes me feel a little more balanced, that's good for my little one in the end,right?

Oh how I wish it were spring. Frigid weather and my fear of slippery roads has kept me and Sara home a lot. She just started walking in November. She didn't have a chance to get outside, walk around and explore. We've tried short walks around the yard in the snow, but like mommy she doesn't care much for cold or snow. I try to keep her busy and entertained, but sometimes I wonder if she gets bored. I get bored. I can't wait to take her to that cool playground at the town nearby or walk with her at the park near the lake. Soon...

A lot going on around here! Sara hasn't breastfed in almost a week.Yay! I'm relieved, but also a little emotional about it. A big milestone for us. Tomorrow is our 4 year wedding anniversary. Now that Sara has weaned, we can finally have a date night. I'm looking forward to some Mexican food and especially a margarita. Or two. And of course time with my hubby!

I have a confession. It's hard for me to refer to my 16 month old as a toddler. I can't let go of "baby" yet. Where did the time go? Where did that cute little baby chub go? Her face is changing, more like a little girl. My sweet baby girl...

I rediscovered a beautiful quote today that I wrote down from a book I read a while ago, the wonderful The Gift of Motherhood :

"Within each child is a tiny seed. That seed is the origin of who he or she is. With careful tending - attention, love, nurturing - that seed can one day grow into the bloom it is meant to be. If you pay attention, you can discover the seedling within your child."