Inspired

A bowl full of Eden

My Mom managed to raise three hooligans, my sisters Ais, Mel and I while single, working full time and with scarce resources. She's TRUELY AMAZING--a hero of mine! I now find myself in the lucky role of Eden's Mom--an honor which humbles me daily. As a new mom, I've been reflective and full of inspiration. Even more so lately after my friend, Natasha who is a fiction writer, sent me this flattering e-mail congratulating me on becoming a Gyrotonic instructor. She wrote, "I think it's amazing that you're doing something like that. I always think about the role model mothers set for their daughters. My mother was far from perfect, but she did teach me to keep going forward, even through rough times. So I find it impressive when mothers (esp of girls) do things for themselves, for their bodies and/or spirit because I believe (for whatever it's worth) that they are teaching their daughters to be positive and confident. That is something I truly admire." Wow, I thought, Natasha has the power to inspire! Clearly, that is what good writers do, but her words left me feeling like, yea, I really have to make Eden proud!

Now, here are all of the things Eden has been doing that make me proud. She is making connections of all sorts. She connects ideas and she connects with people. She gets Sera's collar every morning before our routine of going up to the park and playing ball. Yes, we still take our little dog's collar off for bed at night =). Eden used to revel in putting the collar on the back of her own neck or the metal tags in her her own drool-filled mouth but that's history...she is now more likely to grab the collar and then go show it to Sera or follow her around with it until I put it on. She asks to get "up" on her high chair and the bed these days and feeds herself finger foods pretty well. When I say, let's go see the baristas at Cafe Vita I think she knows what to expect now. She waves to all of the baristas and customers from atop her pack while I drink my coffee (I've learned that this is the best way to get my morning buzz). The other day, while throwing the ball for Sera at the soccer field, she pointed to where there is an upper-level park which was out of eye sight from where we stood. By way of grunting and pointing, she insisted we go up for some play...she knew which direction we needed to go.

(Eden climbing up to the computer to check her e-mail like Mom and Dad)

So it sounds like I am bragging about Eden. Maybe I am... a little bit...but more so I find these things miraculous. It is usually just Eden, Sera and me who witness these feats so it is my pleasure to recall them again.

(At the Ballard Locks with Kai and Kay last week)

So it is 1:45 a.m. and and I am having a can of PBR (Sean is smiling to read this). I find it fitting to get some words down tonight and be up at this hour because it was last year at this time that Eden Jolie came into the world.

(Getting her first bath last year this time)

(It's hard to believe all of the black hair she had when she was born)

The following pictures were earlier today when Eden opened a package from our sister on Sean's side. Aunt Mimi...how did you know that she's been fond of dollies lately?

(Eden with her musical birthday card)

(A fancy puzzle to play with)

(Prior to this video, just after opening her present Eden was walking around with her new dolly saying, "WooWoo Baby....woowoo baby." She was soooo excited. I think the baby's name may end up being Woo Woo.

(This cute birth certificate came in the box with Eden's doll)

Tonight when we were in bed. Eden held her doll and said, "baby." Then she looked at me and said, "Mimi." It was an awesome moment and connection made.