Many of you know that I am a person who prefers things to be neat and organized. I thrive on having a schedule to follow (most of the time) and like to know what's going to happen (some may call that a control-freak...I'd rather think of it as being on top of things).
Anyway, having a baby, and now a toddler, can really throw people like me a curve-ball. As much as I've tried to make a schedule for Ella's napping and bedtime, plan for all of the "what-if's" when going out with her, and try to prepare ahead of time, I've learned the hard way that it doesn't always work. Kids poop as you're about to walk out the door (sorry, promised I'd never talk about poop on my blog), throw up in the car halfway through a two hour ride on the turnpike, have a temper tantrums in the middle of the Philadelphia Zoo, and hide stickers in your hair or on your back for others to notice when you are walking around a store. Other times those unexpected moments are refreshing, like sitting patiently and pleasantly in the grocery cart when you are shopping or readily climbing into the stroller when it's time to leave the playground.
My point is that having Ella is teaching me to expect the unexpected, to roll with the punches, and to try to let go a little bit when things don't go as I've planned---much easier said than done. But I have to make these changes because when Ella gets older, I want her to remember me as fun and lovable, not uptight and rigid. So, in the spirit of learning to let go, here are a few pictures of us making coffee cake today. We made 2 different kinds---raspberry and cheese coffee cake, and another with blueberries. Both we and the kitchen were a huge mess, but when I relaxed (and remembered that I could easily clean it up later), I was able to enjoy watching her concentrate on mixing the flour and sugar, laugh at her when she flung raspberries onto the floor, and smile when she beamed with pride at our culinary creation. Letting go may be difficult, but it certainly has its benefits.
Anyway, having a baby, and now a toddler, can really throw people like me a curve-ball. As much as I've tried to make a schedule for Ella's napping and bedtime, plan for all of the "what-if's" when going out with her, and try to prepare ahead of time, I've learned the hard way that it doesn't always work. Kids poop as you're about to walk out the door (sorry, promised I'd never talk about poop on my blog), throw up in the car halfway through a two hour ride on the turnpike, have a temper tantrums in the middle of the Philadelphia Zoo, and hide stickers in your hair or on your back for others to notice when you are walking around a store. Other times those unexpected moments are refreshing, like sitting patiently and pleasantly in the grocery cart when you are shopping or readily climbing into the stroller when it's time to leave the playground.
My point is that having Ella is teaching me to expect the unexpected, to roll with the punches, and to try to let go a little bit when things don't go as I've planned---much easier said than done. But I have to make these changes because when Ella gets older, I want her to remember me as fun and lovable, not uptight and rigid. So, in the spirit of learning to let go, here are a few pictures of us making coffee cake today. We made 2 different kinds---raspberry and cheese coffee cake, and another with blueberries. Both we and the kitchen were a huge mess, but when I relaxed (and remembered that I could easily clean it up later), I was able to enjoy watching her concentrate on mixing the flour and sugar, laugh at her when she flung raspberries onto the floor, and smile when she beamed with pride at our culinary creation. Letting go may be difficult, but it certainly has its benefits.
examining the lemon that we're about to zest
using a spatula to mix the flour
Ella surveying the mess we made
the aftermath of our baking
raspberry and cheese coffee cake
I'm coming to your house for dessert...that looks so wonderful the cake you and ella made.
ReplyDeleteand yes, life is way to short to stress over the household chores and schedules...ella is already an intelligent and beautiful toddler so just relax and enjoy the ride!!!!
Boy, that Raspberry and cheese coffe cake looks wonderful that Ella and you made. It's true Jennifer, just sit back and enjoy the ride. Ella will grow-up before you know it. Enjoy each and every moment with her. You are such a great Mom and Ella really loves you and what you do for her. Just relax. The house work and other things are not important, the most important thing is "family". We really enjoy your Blog more than words can say.
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
ReplyDeleteThis past year with Frank's health issues I, too, have found life is too short, the dust, laundry, cleaning,etc. will be there when I get to it. When Frank asks what are my plans I say what would you like to do and out the door we go. So be warned when you come to visit there may be dust, and carpets unswept, but we will have fun and memories to enjoy later. Now when do I get to come for those yummie desserts? Love Auntie Carolyn
good for you, Jennifer! Here I am in St. Louis without my Lucas and I, too, hope he remembers the times we laughed together and did fun things...wow, I love the looks of those cakes! this blog is wonderful for your Ella bear to read through when she is older and thinks of the fun things her Mom and she did together....I'm so happy you have this time with her.......the blessings and treasures of life! Love, Sissy Susan
ReplyDelete