Simple Joys in a Spring-like Winter

Well I think there's has only been one day below 50 within the past week. It's balmy! I keep thinking "What on earth will summer be like here this year" because of this bizarre and warm winter. No snow. No ice. No freezing. And it's almost the end of February! Though I'm not complaining too much. Being able to get out and about outside and take Lucy to the park without coats has been amazing (I'm so sorry Josh and Kristen!!! Poor folks are basically in Antarctica aka Iowa).

Luckily, with this warm weather and Lucy's recent walk-a-holic development, we've been able to get out and let Lu explore the world more! This has been a joy! She loves being outside more and more, and grass is becoming safer. For a while, any time we'd stick her in grass and move away, it was as if the grass turned into lava and the lava monster was approaching, haha. Now she's adventurous and curious, while cautiously staying near me and holding me for encouragement every now and then. :)

BEFORE: (courtesy of Valerie Abenroth Photography!)

AFTER:

Another joy in life is Lucy's LOVE of music and dancing. She dances in her high chair, she dances when she's playing, she dances when we hum or sing something. It is so much fun, and brings sunshine into our hearts. The keyboard is a favorite past-time for Lucy. Often she'll lead us over and motion that she wants us to hold her up to play with the keys and buttons. Sam was a kind daddy and lowered it so she could reach better and play on her own. She loves it!

We are all loving having a recliner, as well, including Lu! This kid knows how to kick back and relax. :) (This picture makes her little leggies look so long! She really is getting tall. We've had several people comment "Oh, she must be tall for a one-year-old!")

Okay, this is a HUGE simply joy in our lives: oven/stove knob protectors!!! I didn't know they existed until I went to Babies R Us the other day. LIFE SAVERS. Now Lucy can't reach up and turn on the gas/fire. Phew. Times a million.

For Lucy's birthday, Sam's aunt was so kind and gave little punkin some birthday money. This past week we finally spent it at Toys R Us (Lucy helped pick them out). She was ecstatic, and have been loving her two new toys daily! It is the funnest thing to see her snuggle her puppy and cruise around lightning speed with her walking toy. It actually converts to a ride-on toy as well, but we tried that once and Lucy seemed a little unsure about sitting on it and moving, so it's back to walking/pushing for now. Maybe when she's older . . . .

There are so many other joys and blessings in life I am grateful for as well. Lucy, first of all, being the greatest joy in our lives. Starting my job, getting my first paycheck, baking and cooking A LOT, and spending time together as a family and as a couple have been wonderful joys. Also, Sam and I were able to go swing dancing on Valentine's weekend, and we had a total BLAST! It felt so good to dance together again, and to learn a new dance (lindy). May there be many more times! Dancing is something we can't completely lose. ;)

Feeling happy and grateful lately. :) Life is good.