The Joy of a 2 1/2 year old

Christmas, a time to spend with friends and family. A time to enjoy the good things in life and reflect on the past year and dream for the new year to come. We spend hours and days searching for presents for those we care about, wondering if it will be enough ( in quantity and quality).

But the joy of a 2 1/2 year old is that they often get one present (the first one opened) and that is enough for them for the rest of the day. It really is a sweet and innocent time. They are not demanding or upset if they only get one thing or the wrong thing. It is the time when one is enough. It is probably the only time that it will be like this--next year might be more, more.

This year, Luca asked Santa for "Red" the firetruck from the movie CARS. Well that was the first present he opened and basically he was done. He did not seem very interested in opening anything else.

The look of joy on his face when he opened "Red" was amazing and wonderful to see. So innocent and full of wonder that Santa brought him the thing he asked for.

Allegra's Smile

I am completely enamored with Allegra now. She has the best smile and gives it up so easy these days. I love it when I pick them up at the sitter's after a day at work and she gives me the biggest grin imaginable--it really just makes my day.

It's a smile that melts away the stresses of the day and makes everything alright (I have to put in that when I go get the kids at the sitter, I can hear Luca saying "it's my mommy, yeah, my mommy is here" and I get the biggest hug and kiss from him too--that also makes my day wonderful).

I love looking into her eyes as I rest with her in the evenings before she drifts off to sleep, the way she looks back at me with such interest and "love". It is absolutely amazing!

The World of "Why?"

Having a 2 1/2 year old is quite interesting.....trying and frustrating sometimes, but definately interesting. Luca has entered the world of the why, as I like to call it. Everything you ask or answer to him, he seems to reply "Why"? Now, I like the fact that he is curious about the world around him and want him to always ask questions about everything and anything--that is how they learn about things and life. However, the humorous part (and sometime trying part) is the long string of whys.
For example:
Luca: The sun out today?
me: no, it's cloudy
L: Why, where's the sun?
me: The sun is behind the clouds
L: Why?
me: it is cloudy and rainy
L: Why? where's the sun?
Me: behind the clouds
L: is it getting dark?
me: no, just cloudy
L: why?
and on and on.....

It just is a bit interesting and after like the 10th why--I sometimes run out of answers.

It also makes me realize all the things I don't know and maybe (or not) should know.

too cute

Luca and Allegra were at Mary's yesterday (their sitter--yes I am back at work, yuck) and apparently Allegra was on the sofa and Luca decided that she needed some friends. He collected the babydolls from around the house, put them next to her, climbed up and said "take a picture".

Pictures of the kids

Some recent pictures of the kids. I love the on of Allegra's feet ( I think I have one like that of Luca). Luca really is a sweet boy, very kind to his new baby sister and willing to give kisses to her from time-to-time.

Thanksgiving

Well, we made it througth one holiday with both kids. We went to Bea and Poppa's house for a lovely meal with my family. Allegra got to meet her Great Grandmother Kaiser for the first time. It was a nice thing to see my grandmother holding my daughter. Aunt Kathy, Uncle Pete, Brittany and Greg joined us as well. A nice time was had by all. Luca played with his cars and entertained everyone with his charming way and winning smile.



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Poem

My Grandmother Kaiser recited this poem to me when I told her the name of my daughter Allegra. Love the poem and thought I would share.


The Children's Hour
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.


Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day's occupations,
That is known as the Children's Hour.
I hear in the chamber above me
The patter of little feet,
The sound of a door that is opened,
And voices soft and sweet.
From my study
I see in the lamplight,
Descending the broad hall stair,
Grave Alice, and laughing Allegra,
And Edith with golden hair.
A whisper, and then a silence:
Yet I know by their merry eyes
They are plotting and planning together
To take me by surprise.
A sudden rush from the stairway,
A sudden raid from the hall!
By three doors left unguarded
They enter my castle wall!
They climb up into my turret
O'er the arms and back of my chair;
If I try to escape, they surround me;
They seem to be everywhere.
They almost devour me with kisses,
Their arms about me entwine,
Till I think of the Bishop of Bingen
In his Mouse-
Tower on the Rhine!
Do you think, o blue-eyed banditti,
Because you have scaled the wall,
Such an old mustache as I am
Is not a match for you all!I
have you fast in my fortress,
And will not let you depart,
But put you down into the dungeon
In the round-tower of my heart.
And there will I keep you forever,
Yes, forever and a day,
Till the walls shall crumble to ruin,
And moulder in dust away!

working it out...

Well here we are a few days later and I am still lamenting whether this is a good idea or not--still not sure I have the time for the real follow-through I am hoping for.

Still off work right now and trying to enjoy the time home with Allegra. I am trying to remember that I don't have to get everything done everyday, even one thing is enough (wise words from a new mom herself--Gretchen). Remember that the time home with her is precious!!! I have to return to work in about a week and half--hope to work out some flexible time with them....we'll see.

Been going through Luca related baby things as well, as I try to keep up with Allegra (the time passes much quicker with No.2) and a baby book/calender thing. I got a Baby's First Year calender with Luca and did a fair job at keeping up (much easier that a baby book). I also received another one just like it that I can use for Allegra. Well, sorting through Luca's stuff to try an complete his, I came across many pictures of him at the same age as Allegra--wow do they look similar. See for yourself.

Luca at 6 weeks

mother's musing

Well....since have sooooo much time on my hands (speaking of hands, do you know how difficult and time consuming it is to type with one hand, while holding a baby in the other?), I thought I might start a blog about things, life, kids, what not. Musings or ruminations.....get it?
Aurora's Ruminations (Dawn's (in Latin/Italian)thoughts).

Might be interesting, fun, and worthwhile, but then again, might be dull and pointless. Thought I would give it go.

Hoping to post pictures of the kids regularly too!

Luca @ 2 1/2


Allegra @ 5 weeks