"Look at the Child"

Sorry for the delay in posting... computer was being repaired. Here's a morning in October. Both girls nearly ready to get out the door and I so wanted to just look at them.. take a moment and see them. Montessori has a phrase "Look at the child." This is helping me cope with the waves motherhood brings, the sometimes crashing and the sometimes rolling waves. The phrase is the basis of Montessori philosophy, and translates into seeing the chid for what and who they are. For instance, if I can catch Tessa in a moment that might be for her challenging, (which, of course, translates into a challenging moment for me) and look into her eyes, really look at her and see her for a tiny little person in this great big world, just trying to communicate in words what she needs. If I can see that she is such a little person, still very much a baby, with countertops that she can't reach, a toilet that comes up to her chest, a bed that is nearly as tall as she is, these things and looking at her help me to see her and in turn, help her through whatever developmental phase happens to be taking over her body and mind at that current moment... then... I can breathe and then I can help her breathe and then "I have truly "Looked at the child." http://www.amazon.com/Look-Child-Expression-Montessoris-Insights/dp/0960101624.

Just a thought

Truly Happy For Her Happy Birthday

Teagan finds such delight in Tessa. How lucky I am to witness such a bond

On her actual birthday, Tessa's best friend came over for lunch. We had an impromptu party and instead of cake, I put 2 fig newtons on a plate and put candles in them. The girls LOVED the "little happy cakes."

Here is Tessa, first thing in the morning on her bday... opening her gifts from her aunt Christine and her cousins Kaylee and Allison... Tessa thought the butterfly wings were "nice!"

Tessa opening her presents from Grandma Kathy. She finally got some play doh (Sp???) When she opened it, along with all the markers and crayons, she ran to get Teagan..."Teagan see... markers... oh my... play doh... Teagan see??.... oh my... wow!"

We went to Cooks, Inc. in Abacoa for Tessa's family party. It was so nice to all be together. It's super cool there, you get to go into the kitchen and make your own pizza. (Thurs. is Pizza Night) abacoacooks.com

Here's Tessa's great aunt, Doreen.

Tessa and her 2nd cousins, Claire and Ayla
Here we are with Tessa's other 2nd cousin, Kelli. We are putting on our gloves to get the pizza making started.
Tessa chose red sauce, olives and monzerella. And using her fork very intently.
My dad and Tess