Spring Sunshine

Last Thursday, as the temperature was a beautiful 70 degrees, we went to the playground with some of our best friends- Kristen and Elijah. Hannah loves being outdoors and we plan on taking full advantage of the early springs we are blessed with here in Nashville.

Enjoy the pictures!

She loved crawling back and forth through the tunnel-- this was a new, and exciting activity for her.

Elijah actually pushed Hannah along on the riding toy for a minute! What a gentleman! (Sorry I missed his face.)

Hannah's all time favorite activity-- Swinging!

Family Love

This morning when Hannah woke up I brought her to bed with me for her morning nurse. I love having her all snuggled up between Shawn and I. There's nothing that feels more cozy, especially on such a rainy morning-- it's the definition of contentment for me-- the two people I love most next to me in our comfy bed with the sound of thunder and rain outside.

When Hannah was finished she popped up and realized that she was next to her daddy. She burst into her sweet, coy smile and patted his back so gently. When he turned around she leaned in for a big hug. Then she leaned over to me for a big hug. She kept going back and forth between us with big smiles wanting hugs and kisses.

We have been showing her the "love" baby sign ever since she was tiny. It's been one of her favorite games since she was about 2 months old. Shawn says "Daddy LOOOOOVES Hannah", makes the love sign then puts his hands on her chest and gently wiggles her. This has always gotten smiles and coos and now that she is older, giggles and reciprocated hugs. This morning she just couldn't get enough hugs or kisses. We were playing our love game, saying "Mommy loves Hannah", "Daddy loves Hannah", and then all the sudden she leaned back, made the love sign and then hugged her daddy!

Priceless!

Yeah for Consignment Sales! (Or Once a Preschool Teacher, Always a Preschool Teacher!)

Last weekend was the big spring consignment sale at Otter Creek. (They hold an amazing sale every spring and fall.) I went armed with a list, a laundry basket to fill with my selections, and hard earned money from baby sitting to stock up on toddler toys and clothes for Hannah. I had volunteered before the sale to help with the set up so I could get in at the pre-sale and have the pick of the stock. I had a lot of fun-- probably too much fun but I did stay under budget! A rocking toy, duplo table, nesting cups, soft blocks, toddler puzzle, books, ball toy, a cozy chair just her size . . . . I couldn't believe the prices and selection! I got everything I wanted plus a lot of cute spring/summer clothes and a couple pair of shoes for her to grow into.

After the sale I stayed up late sorting through all Hannah's baby toys and packing up the ones she is no longer interested in so I could set out the new ones I had bought. I proceeded to set up a little "toddler room" in our dining room complete with music center, cozy center, manipulatives, blocks, gross motor toys . . . . I love getting to provide my little girl with all the kinds of activities I used to provide for the kids in my care. It's such a joy to me to see my own child growing and learning and changing and to provide her with activities that nurture and stimulate her. I am so grateful for all the ways God has provided for Hannah-- one of them being cheap, used toys and clothes!

The following are some pictures of Hannah enjoying her new activities!

Gotta have tools just like Daddy!

Hannah enjoying her new book on her cozy bean bag.

She loves her new blocks!

The Duplo table complete with Duplos from Grandma.

The duplo table also acts as a great place for sensory activities-- Hannah loves the water!