Ballantrae Park

We had a glorious time yesterday at Ballantrae Park in Dublin, Ohio. Cooper lost himself in the water play. Every time I glanced at him he was talking to himself, his imagination taking him on all sorts of adventures. Ellery was more timid with the water than I would have guessed, but she too loved the park. We will definitely be heading back there this summer!

Being Creative

I'm feeling quite pleased with a bit of creating I did last night. I wanted to make a little thank you gift for a wonderful woman who has cared for my baby girl on Monday mornings since September while I participated a parenting group. The group takes place at the church where Cooper attends preschool. This woman has been more of a friend to me than I'm sure she realizes, but most of all she has loved my Ellery. Any mother understands that those who love your babies are held closely your heart. So, a little handmade love was needed.

Three hand decorated Moleskine notebooks, for accomplishments, hopes and dreams, and creating, along with a set a Flair felt tip markers.

In gratitude.

{this moment}

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Inspired by Amanda Blake Soule

{this moment}

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Inspired by Amanda Blake Soule

Happy Friday!!

Try Something New Tuesday (a day late)

I'm a day late getting this post up, seeing as it's now Wednesday. This is due in part to getting a much needed last minute therapeutic massage last night.

Here are all the new things we tried yesterday:

• Classical music -- No, classical music isn't new. But what is new is I left the local public radio station on all day yesterday. They play nothing but classical music and have DJs with the calm, soothing voices distinct to classical music stations. It resulted in some impromptu "ice skating"/ballet dancing by Cooper and I. It also resulted in a calmer mood in our house. Perhaps it was just a coincidence, but I'm going to continue with the music and observe the effects. Even if it just keeps me calmer, then it is a very good thing.
• Bike riding -- Cooper very recently conquered riding his two wheeler. We purchase the Trek Float for him for his 4th birthday. This bike starts as a push bike with the cranks removed. Then, when the child is ready, the pedals are replaced. Cooper mastered balancing and "floating" quickly and took off when we put the pedals on last Friday. Yesterday I took Cooper and Ellery to Antrim Park in Columbus. This is a 1.2 mile loop around a pond. Cooper road his bike, I pushed Ellery in the stroller, and we enjoyed a glorious spring day. I'm working on putting together a movie of Cooper's biking skills. Stay tuned for that!
• Massage -- While I've gotten massages in the past, this is the first time I've gone for a therapeutic massage. My primary care physician is part of an Integrative Medicine practice where they practice a variety of western and eastern medical modalities. The massage was very helpful for my chronic hip/back pain. I really wanted to get an assessment to learn whether the running I've been doing is a good idea or not. Looks like it is okay, for now. I just need to stretch and warm up more. I always love learning more about how my body works and what I can do to feel my best.

Have you tried anything new lately?