Snuggle Time

Katherine, tonight, as we do many nights, we snuggled up on the couch after dinner. Sometimes we watch a little TV together (yes, usually your favourite show which you negotiate to put on) or like tonight we read a story together. Well, ok, not one as one is never enough when we get started, but a whole book filled with stories. I love that when we get started with a good book, you always ask for more, and I love that I can never resist reading you “just one more”.

Snuggle time on the couch in the evening is my favourite time with you, we get to spend time together, “hanging out”, cuddled up close to each other. Lately as the days are getting colder outside, you bring a little blanket to the couch which we settle underneath. Some days a plush bunny, bear or doll will join us and many nights we’ll have some crackers or apples as a little snack. You always make sure to share your snack with me (sometimes you’ll feed me) and if daddy sits in the dining room reading or working, you’ll climb off the couch and bring him a cracker or slice of apple too. Snuggle time is our favourite time together and I look forward to it every day.

You are teaching me that it’s not always about the quantity of time we have with the people we love, it’s about spending quality time in the time we have together. We can never predict what life brings, and I treasure every moment we get to spend together, right here, right now. I love you always and forever.

Colours, Shapes and Building Blocks

Katherine, as you grow bigger, smarter and more curious, I am always looking for toys for you to play with that are fun, but challenging at the same time. One thing I have learned about you is that your eyes light up when you get to figure out “how to”.

There is a little secret I want to share with you… I love Rubik’s Cubes! I have, ever since I was a little girl and my mom (your grandma) gave me my first Rubik’s Cube for my birthday. I couldn’t figure out how to solve it, so she went out, got a book and solved it for me. Then she gave me the book and I learned how to do it on my own... and I loved it! I have solved that cube many, many times over the years, and still do once in a while (even though I have to admit, I haven’t  in a while as life is busy) – there is nothing quite like taking those jumbled squares and putting them back in the right order with a few well calculated moves.

So a few days ago I was at the toy store (to get your doll a fall outfit, but that’s a story for another day), and I walked by a whole shelf of different toddler Rubik’s toys. Of course I couldn’t resist bringing a little something home for you – a shape sorter… no, not an ordinary shape sorter, this one has 18 colourful shape openings around an octagonal sphere (ok, I admit, I couldn’t wait to open the box with you). And sure enough, your eyes lit up as you began to explore how to get all the pieces inside.

You are teaching me that it’s ok to still feel like a kid, even when I am all grown up. You reminded me to pick up my Rubik’s cube again once in a while and just get lost in the game. As for you and me… we keep having so much fun sitting on the floor playing together with “our” new toy. I love you always and forever.