Hugs and Kisses

We are so affectionate these days. We give lots of kisses before bed, all through the day, and even as soon as we get up. She kisses her babies good night and good morning, giving them lots of hugs and cuddling them close (when they are not engaged in elaborate scenarios or being rushed around the house at top speed in their stroller). I think this means we are doing a good job - she is mimicking all the love that we give to her.

I think it is the cutest thing I have ever seen.

She smiles much. much more than she cries. She can be a drama queen, but those episodes generally pass very quickly. As long as she is interested in something, she is happy, even long past her bedtime. Now that it is nicer out and we are spending more time around kiddie friends, she is doing much better with sharing, being gentle and just being around other kids. She still loves monsters and things-that-go-BOO, which makes us all laugh and one great-grandmother a bit concerned.

Penny is just lovely. As we head toward summer, I am missing her so much on the days that I work. I just want to play with her on nice days, blowing bubbles on the deck and running around the playground. I am trying to get my sewing back to snuff, so that I can do that through the summer and spend more time with just her.

On the other hand, I adore that she gets to spend two days a week (and generally one night on the weekend) with her GREAT-grandparents who have created a toddler-sized wonderland at their house just for her pleasure. She has everything she could desire - toys, DVDs, snacks that her parents would never buy, and even two Whippet puppies bought specifically to be gentle with her. Her favorite person is her Gigi, her great-grandmother, and her great-grandfather is her hero, especially whenever he makes her a new woodcraft, such as the specifically designed craft table and counter-high stool.

She is the luckiest girl in the world. Which makes me the luckiest mom. I just need to write about it more - I don't want to forget anything.