My Little Swinger

About a month ago, Don made Sarah a new big-girl swing to replace the enclosed toddler one we had.  After one small tumble, she remembered to hold on and has been working diligently to learn to keep herself going.  On Tuesday, she succeeded for the first time:

By yesterday, she was a pro.  She is some pleased with herself.

I'm Sew Excited!

Inspired by one of the moms in our China travel group who makes adorable outfits for her daughter, I decided to try sewing again.  I took a class in 8th grade and made myself a corduroy jumper that I was very proud of.  Over the years, I've struggled through various small projects with the ancient S*nger Touch & S*w that my grandmother bought me at a garage sale, but it was never fun.

I happened to mention my desire to get a better machine to my neighbor, and she generously offered to lend me her old machine, since she had recently upgraded.  What a gift!  I bought a pattern and material and set to work making patriotic dresses for Sarah and Sophia.  After a bit of a rough start, it was smooth sailing, and I was able to have the girls model them last weekend:

My interest affirmed, I decided to invest in a machine that will last.  On Friday, I bought a H*sqvarna V*king Tr*bute 140M.  It is rather basic as machines go these days (not computerized) but it has 22 stitches, a needle threader, auto up/down needle, and speed control.  It can sew through multiple layers of denim, and even leather, easily.  It's a completely different experience from my old machine (which had just straight stitch and couldn't sew two layers of cotton without binding).

While Don was gone fishing a couple of weeks ago, Sarah and I rearranged the spare bedrooms downstairs to create a bright, cheery craft room.  I have my sewing nook in the corner, and she has her table, with her art supplies in the closet.  We've developed a routine of spending an hour or so after her quiet time in the afternoon to retreat downstairs and create.  Such fun!

Our local library is starting a sewing group, so I'll be able to brush up on the basics and learn some new techniques.  My mind is spinning with potential projects.  There's nothing like the satisfaction of creating beautiful things for yourself and those you love.

Joke's on Me

Remember how well Sarah did in her first dance class last week?  And how I held off buying her dance clothes until I knew she'd participate?  Well, Tuesday I bought her a leotard and ballet shoes.  She was thrilled and wanted to wear the shoes all the time. 

On Thursday, however, she announced before dinner that she didn't want to go to dance class that evening.  I managed to cajole her into going, but she sat and watched the other girls, refusing to participate.  Ooooo, she's a stinker!  Always throwing curve balls.... 

Of course, when we arrived home, she excitedly performed all the moves that she watched the other girls do.  She reminds me so much of Michig*n J. Frog in the L**ney Tunes cartoons.

W*unakee Weekend

We headed east to visit Emily, Omar, and Sophia last weekend.  The fun started at the Farmer's Market in M*dison, which surrounds the gorgeous Capitol Building.  We bought lots of yummy things, and Sarah and Sophia got the biggest cookies I've ever seen.  While they were enjoying them on the lawn, a group of about 60 naked cyclists rode by, unnoticed by the girls, fortunately.  Gotta love M*dison!  Sophia showed Sarah her favorite tree, and Omar helped her climb it.  She was rather proud of herself.

After some yummy pizza for lunch, we went back to W*unakee to relax and play with our new granddog Lola, aka the Best Puppy Ever.  Aside from the usual nuisances like sharp teeth and claws, she is wonderful -- relatively calm and remarkably obedient for her age.  We were quite impressed.

It was Emily and Omar's fifth wedding anniversary Saturday, so Don and I took care of Sophia while they went out to dinner.  Unfortunately, she was under the weather, with a fever and sore throat.  She was a trooper, though, and trekked happily along to a nearby playground.

The girls got into a couple of scuffles over toys this visit, and Sarah would not back down.  When I stepped in, she ended up in screaming fits that put a bit of a damper on things.  Have I mentioned that she has a will of steel?  When she's in unfamiliar surroundings, her need for control overrides all else.  If she gets "stuck" in defiant mode, all you can do is hold on and ride it out. 

With Don gone most of the week before, a new friend coming for a playdate on Friday, and then the trip to W*unakee, I'm afraid she was primed for implosion.  Of course, it's all clear to me in hindsight. 

She's regained her emotional equilibrium for the most part over the last week, but she is still sensitive to separation.  When Don or I leave the house for an errand or meeting, she asks us not to go.  She actually cried when he left yesterday.  I think all his travel this month has shaken her sense of security a bit.  Her world just isn't right when we aren't a unit. 

And you know what I just realized?  He'll be gone fishing the week that she starts school in September.  Not good.  I will certainly fasten my seatbelt for a bumpy ride (and expect to spend some time in four-year-old kindergarten).

My Little Ballerina

Sarah had her first dance class last week.  Since we attended a mom-and-tot music class for about a year and she never left my lap, I wasn't willing to make a long-term commitment, so we're trying a six-week summer class.  She was very excited as the time drew closer, and I was pretty sure she'd participate, but she still wanted me to be there.  I assured her I would.

When we arrived at the studio, I was surprised to see a bunch of moms in the lobby sitting and chatting, while they occasionally glanced at their daughters on a TV screen on the wall.  Uh, oh...I started to worry that I wouldn't be allowed in the studio.  When the young (maybe 12?) assistant came out and led the students back to the studio, I went along and asked if I could stay.  Fortunately, she said yes.  Another mom stayed for a few minutes, then left.  A couple of the girls left the studio during class to get their moms, too, so I guess Sarah wasn't the only one feeling uneasy.

It took Sarah a few minutes to get the hang of listening to the teacher, but then she did great.  They started with stretches on the floor.  When they all stood to continue stretching, Sarah remained seated and just did the arm movements.  I started to wonder....  When told to line up on the blue line, though, she followed along, choosing to stand at the end.  She did a great job of mimicking the teacher and the other kids and had fun. 

I think by the end of the session, I'll be able to stay out in the lobby, although I have to admit, I'd rather be in the studio.  It's hard to say which of us depends on the other more in social situations.  :)  You'll notice that Sarah was one of the few girls not wearing a tutu and ballet shoes.  Oh, the burden of having a sensible older mom.  We may have to rectify the situation before the next class.

Roll Call

Sarah has appointed herself Toilet Paper Czar in our house.  On my monthly mega-shopping trip, I buy a 12-pack, and she unwraps it and stocks each of the bathroom closets.  Although she distributed the rolls equitably at first, she's gradually increased the supply in her bathroom and taken control of one of life's most important commodities.  I now have to plead (and substantiate the need) for another roll for our bathroom.  The other day, I asked (somewhat urgently) for more TP, and she returned with a few sheets in her hand. 

Last trip, I bought two packages, thinking this would assure a steady supply for our bathroom.  She unwrapped and distributed one, as usual, then put the other, untouched, in her bathroom.  She is going to be either a shrewd business person or a benevolent (I hope) dictator when she grows up.

On a serious note, I do think she's developing a bit of a scarcity mentality.  She often tells me not to eat all of something (nuts, pretzels, etc.), and asks if there is more of what she's enjoying, even though she has plenty.  This is a common trait in kids who spent time in an orphanage, where food can be scarce.  As far as we know, however, Sarah did not, so I'm not sure where it comes from. 

Curiously, I started to notice it right after we returned from our trip to M*ssachusetts, where she observed her three cousins squabbling over things.  Perhaps she picked up on their competitiveness, and it hasn't occurred to her that she's an only child with everything she needs, and plenty of it!

A Special Season

Strawberry season has long been one of my favorites, but it took on added meaning three years ago, when I burned much nervous energy picking and processing berries while waiting for Sarah's referral.  I will always associate the red, ripe fruit with the sweetness of seeing her face for the first time.

The season is a couple of weeks early this year and will likely be over by the time the actual anniversary rolls around on the 22nd.  And, of course, Sarah now joins me in the patch and is an able harvester herself.  She checks carefully to make sure they're "red all around" and picks about a pint before indulging herself, then repeatedly asking, "Mom, can I have just one more strawberry?" 

When we're done each day, we have a "little picnic," either on the back deck or at her table under the Grandfather Tree (our huge, old silver maple).  Our patch is past its prime, and we should have put out new plants last year, but there's still nothing like enjoying a freshly picked strawberry, knowing it's been touched only by sunlight, rain, and your very own hands.