Proud Mama

 I am a proud mama everyday.  I am proud of my children.  I am proud of their accomplishments and milestones. I am proud of their individuality and ability to have their own thoughts without fear of disapproval.  I am proud.  Just so dang proud!  Today was an exceptionally proud day.

    Rio wanted to do a snowman project today, so we dragged out the paints and q-tips (easiest clean-up ever!)  I let her dip into the little bit of paint that is on the inside of the cap, which is always just enough, and I figure worst case, that isn't enough paint to damage anything enough to warrant a silent melt-down in my mind :)  I was so proud of her initiative.  She is such a "go-getter."  I was also beaming at how proud she was of her own work.  As she should be!  


Another "proud mama" moment I had today was finishing my first crochet "garment!"  I stitched those buttons on in between a million other deadline type tasks today, determined to photograph her on this gorgeous fall day...of 75+ degrees!  Dare I say, I am glad it was so windy or I might not have gotten even one photo out of this little cutie!  Needless to say, she didn't last long in full gear.  But, we got some cute pictures for my Ravelry Projects Page and she got to show it off at Jude's school today.

The super awesome *FREE* pattern I used for the cardigan is from Yarny Days.  I made some minor adjustments to fit my kiddo, since the pattern was for itty bitties.  The hat was a "crochet-along" video by Meladoras Creations.  I am a visual learner, and though I am left handed, was able to play-pause-catch up-play some more-repeat!  The flower is from BobWilson123, my favorite YouTube crocheter :)

Today was a special day because it was our families first ever Parent Teacher Conference!  Of course, we typically keep up pretty closely with how Jude is doing in school, it was still so great to just sit and talk about his progress thus far and hear about how he interacts away from home!  It's a pretty new experience for me to be on the receiving end of a story about Jude, and now I see why I always get such a great response when I share about this kid!  He is hilarious and witty, but also tender-hearted and genuinely adorable.  I am so proud to be associated with such an amazing person.  I love that, somehow...I get lumped into some of the credit of his awesome self.

Can you guess which one is my cautious
one and which is my dare devil?

As a reward for getting such an amazing review from his teacher (and because the day was way too gorgeous to waste!) we went to the park after school and had a picnic.  We ate and laughed and chased after napkins flying away in the wind.  We played on the jungle gym, swung on swings, climbed and crawled everywhere we could fit!  Notice I say "we."  You did not read that wrong.  Even hugely pregnant, when I have my camera, I become "photographer," and I forget any obstacles that may ensue!  Win-win.  I get my photos and the kids get to laugh wildly at their mother stuck under the slide covered in wood chips!  I am paying for that now, by the way.  We had such a great day.  Have I mentioned how proud I am?

It's so wonderful that my children are best friends.  I don't know how long something like this lasts, or when the phase of "pesky, bothersome siblings" happens, so I am just soaking in all the love I see in them for each other like an addict!  It was so rewarding when Shane and I witnessed their first "non-parent prompted" interactions.  When they first started addressing each other, doing things like playing, talking and pretending, picking a movie or just plotting evil together!  I am in love with their love for each other :)  I realize it is naive to think that fights won't happen, and grudges won't be held.  It is sort of a "coming of age" thing to blow off the younger sibling(s) at some point, right?  I don't look forward to those days, but realize they may will happen.  I just hope they run their course and get past it quickly!  Until then, I am enjoying their friendship.

             
                                       

Let me tell you a secret...Just Kidding!  Big kiss on the cheek!

Are we done with pictures yet?

Sweet Babies <3