We Belong in the Zoo

Written by Melissa
Pictures by Melissa and Heather

It was a gorgeous Saturday and was made even more glorious by spending it together. The A Team decided to go wild in the Zoo. We saw lions, and tigers, and bears - oh my! Course, we couldn't leave without a ride on the carousel and train, as well as petting our favorite, more docile, four-legged friends. We finished up with some yummy barbeque, which left our bellies full and our eyes heavy! Naptime came shortly after for all. :-) The perfect Saturday, indeed.

  

 

 

Time for Cultivating

Written by Heather

This long, cold winter has been unexpected as we work to settle down in Georgia. But it was quite a way to remember the year we moved closer to so many loved ones. It has also made it abundantly clear that mommy needs to add something to the repertoire. Staying in from the cold and receiving direction and teaching is okay for an occasion, but for a prolonged period it seems to have led to stagnated growth.

We and Ariana have been working with our therapist to encourage greater strength for walking and plenty of repetition and games to encourage speech. However, she has become a bit more resistant to both of late. So it occurred to me, as with anything, a person has to want to do these things for herself. So, if you want someone to walk, provide a destination worth reaching. If you want someone to talk, give them something worth wanting to share. For Ariana to bloom, she needs to be cultivated. The occasional sprinkling of fertilizer just will not do for this rare beauty.

And therefore, I should not be a stay-at-home mom, but a get-out-and-go mom. Experiences with new opportunities to see and do are what we need. Today we resume Kindermusik once a week. We have also been heading out to story time at the library weekly and have completed some gymnastics classes. But because we are new to the area, any input for fun learning experiences are greatly welcome. We also look forward to welcoming visits from family in the area, to you, or to us.

We feel so blessed to have this wonderful opportunity to raise Ariana in such proximity to so many loved ones. For those not close by, we miss you and love you all, and hope we will be able to see you again soon.

Geography and Mariachi

Written by Melissa

This past weekend we took on a new park and Mexican restaurant with ease (and our trustee GPS systems!). Thanks to our newfound geographic closeness, The A Team can meet frequently and freely. Asa and Ariana enjoyed time together on the playground - Asa mostly having high expectations of his sister's ability to get around the play structures (following his lead, of course)... and Ari mostly wanting to sit back and relax and take in all of her brother's silliness. Under a nearby pavilion, a family was throwing a big bash where they were playing mariachi music, so we all quickly got in the mood for cheese dip and guacamole! We headed to a nearby Mexican restaurant and were surprisingly greeted and serenaded by a mariachi band of our own! The kids LOVED it - and by kids, I mean Ace, Ari, and Jim! :-) Enjoy the many pics.