Give me Adventure

It was my 1st towpath ride this year and it was so perfect in a sunshine and hot, everything is fresh and spring green kind of way.

Riding about 15 miles, I stopped several times to simply take in the scenery, spend time in nature, basking in fresh air and the open outdoors. It felt like a lifeline breathing in the scents and sounds of nature and I didn't want it to end.

I knew I missed it, but there is something magical being in nature that restores balance.

No running around, shopping, buying, or dining compares.

Give me adventure.

That is where my soul awakens.

Balcony Oasis

I am pleasantly surprised the new guy who moved into this community across from me has made effort with his balcony. Thank you.

Nice touch with the string lights and airy palm tree look. It has a fun, beach feel to it and I appreciate the view. 

Rule of thumb is, flowers cannot go outside until after Mother's Day because the nights can still be too cold. Every year I add something new and different and this year I've added the Hawaiian Love Plant as I am going with a pink palette for a splash of color this year.  

Several plants already potted and I've just begun. I love being on my balcony.

We met with the florist and selected the flowers for Brooke's wedding, I cannot believe it's only 4 months away. 

The baby is dropping in position and my poor Mariah is so ready. It's time to get my own bag together so no matter where I am, when the call comes, I'm prepared. 

I remember so vividly when I held Sofia for the 1st time and knowing that moment is coming again in glorious baby scent is exhilarating! 

Not knowing if it's a girl or a boy, having no idea what the name will be (that's always a secret), and wondering what color combination with this little one be. Yet, I am already in love. 

 *The 1st time I held my Sofia. 

The BEST Mother's Day Gift

In the hustle n bustle of a busy Mother's Day, time slowed down for a moment for the best gift ever.

As I was leaving, my Sofia in all her chubbilicous snugglicious glory, was watching me leave blowing me kisses as she stood inside the glass storm door. I am blowing so many kisses and telling her, "I love you, I do, I love you, I do", when she said, "I do!" 

I do means I love you. I said it to my Dad and I still do. Now my Sofia says it. 

What a Mother's Day gift!

"Whoa!"

Sofia, in all her sweetness, beauty glory hurls the funniest things.

Large brown, almond-shaped eyes open wide in surprise the moment something surprises her, "Whoa!" 

"Oh, wow!" 

And her favorite new word, "No." She doesn't miss a beat and will throw a very matter of fact "No" the second she hears something she doesn't like.

When Mariah was two years old and would do something disobedient, my Dad, her Papa, would say I need to talk and reason with her. Reason with a two year old? Was this the same guy who raised me?

Something happens when you become a grandparent. I felt the strong need to prepare my daughter that while Sofia's words are limited, to be extra patient when she says, "No", because she doesn't have a lot of words to use to express. Makes me think of the same conversation my Dad and I had when Mariah was two. 

Mariah is very patient with Sofia, Sofia is quite the force to reckon with. A Facetime call came through days ago, Sofia wailing and Mariah at her wits end asking if I could come over after work to help her. She was exhausted. Sofia woke up from a nap and because Mariah didn't put her new favorite pretty shoes on Sofia's feet fast enough, Sofia fell apart. Grandmomma to the rescue. 

Steadfast, determined, and knows exactly what she wants, I like to remind my daughter Sofia has strong leadership skills that will one day be her strength. Until then, "Whoa!" 

A Sprinkle

Mariah didn't want a baby shower, but she did agree to a small and intimate "Sprinkle". 

Spring mix salad with fresh berries and Poppyseed dressing, pasta, sparkling juice for a toast, and custom-made individual cakes with ganache icing, her Sprinkle luncheon was beautiful and her gifts lovely.

Wanting to get Mariah something special for the baby arriving, she picked out a pretty dresser with a changing table top she wanted so this baby has it's own dresser/changing table and I found her a pretty maternity nightgown & robe to wear now and for the hospital. 

May 1st. Her dad & I eloped and got married in Las Vegas this day. It's still surreal to think 26 years later, I would be preparing and celebrating the arrival of another grand baby and he's been gone almost 5 years now. 

Mariah stomach measures the same size as she was when she delivered Sofia and she has 4 more weeks to go. The baby is measuring 2 weeks larger than her due date. With her being really uncomfortable I decided to have her Sprinkle sooner than later ... just in case.  

This grandmomma is on standby and so ready for "the phone call".