Toddler to Kid

I can't believe this actually happens.  I'm in even more disbelief that this is ALREADY happening with Soren.  

Warning - this is one of those 'I can't believe how fast they grow' posts, but I seriously can't help it.  I have to get this out.

Soren isn't a toddler anymore.  I don't know what the technical age is on this, but he definitely doesn't seem toddler-ish at all to me.  The tantrums have changed - no more head throwing back.  Even throwing toys has dwindled.  Now he works on calming his body down and breathing exercises.  Definitely not a toddler-ism, right?!

Just watching him play and run around.  Emphasis on the watching because he doesn't need me and sometimes want me around when he is playing with new found friends.  His gait and how he climbs or that he can climb EVERYTHING has all changed.  

Or listening to the songs he sings and comments he comes up with ALL BY 'HISSELF!'.  We went from no longer having a baby - to no longer having a toddler.  

It's amazing, truly.  Parenting has been the most worthwhile and rewarding challenge.  I never thought I could be so grateful and love so hard in all my life.  And at the same time, worry and doubt what I am doing as a parent. 

It's fascinating to see yourself as a parent move from making baby food and folding cloth diapers to discussing how to handle emotions, why manners are important, how the universe works and identifying bugs.  All with the same child over the small period of 3 years.  Incredible.

and for the love of buying shoes!!!  These feet are growing CONSTANTLY!!

22/52

A portrait a week of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014'   

Serious no-brainer this week.  We went to the Zoo today and had so SO much needed, living in the moment - kind of fun.  We've gone several times and have asked Soren in the past if he wanted to get his face painted.  This was the first time he actually asked for it and absolutely HAD to be a tiger!   We found his fellow cat friends afterwards for some roars.  This was the first day it really felt like summer was approaching!! 

Citrus Juicer

This is one of Soren's new favorite kitchen toys.  We had to snag some new Chemex filters (although now, we are looking into getting one of these) - and Soren picked up a Citrus juicer and asked me, in true toddler form - 'what is this?'

I told him it was a juicer.  He said 'right momma - it's a juicer.  Can I have it?'.  8 dollars later and a bag of oranges - and Soren is now juicing his very own, fresh orange juice everyday!

He loves t and is so proud.  Love it!

21/52

A portrait a week of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014'   

This week was a tough pick, so here are the two contestants.  I feel like Soren is kind of genius with the goggles.  He may be the only one with them - but at least he can see where he's going!  He loves the spray ground at Washington Park, like last year - I am sure there will be plenty of pics and videos!!

Around Here - I miss this space!

Oh my goodness I miss this space!  Our schedules have been so crazy and I have had NO time to write or catch up on anything.  This space is definitely for other's enjoyment, but is even more cathartic for me.  

In between the crazy moments, we've managed to spend some time with my dear friend Micah and her minnie-me Evie.  Soren LOVES to hang with Evie, here he is at her first birthday party (he ran straight threw everyone when we got there.  They were opening presents, but he had to give her a big b-day hug and kiss.  Too much!).  The also got play in the sprinkler last week and eat radishes from Micah's garden.  Too cute!

And for the 'in betweens' (rehearsals) we snagged some time at the spray ground which led to some hardcore snoozing.  I love these movements - heart melting!

And then this face.  I took this while we were waiting for his babysitter.  He's so easy going and patient with us.  Our little buddy puts up with our crazy schedules and is the best side kick.  Thanks bubs for being so great with us. xoxo

And now - on to nursing my cold, Soren's first Carmen rehearsal (yes!!  He's a Super!) and wrapping up some projects in the next two weeks.  Can't wait to talk about those!  Cheers!