before church

I always want to take a photo of Maren before church, when she is freshly bathed and dressed up, but usually I am too rushed to remember. Couldn't help myself today...she looked too pretty!

National Museum of Natural History

Since I found out we were moving to the Washington, DC area, I have fantasized about mother/daughter trips I would frequently (and with ease) take to our nation's capital. Since moving over six months ago, we have only taken one trip into DC. Unfortunately, reality can put a damper on ambitious plans. Besides living further away from the city than I anticipated, the roads and traffic are notoriously bad. It has also been a very cold winter. In summary, our happy little DC trips are not the 15 minute Metro excursions I envisioned.

But, that is all just an excuse. I don't know how long we will live out east. I also know I have a small window of time with one child who is old enough to enjoy the sites without being too difficult. I would be very regretful if I didn't seize the day.

I decided to be adventurous today and drive into DC! Our trip was flawless. We visited the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The weather was unseasonably warm. The traffic was manageable. I found a parking space in front of the Natural History Museum and only paid $4 for 2 hours. The museum wasn't busy...we even had the butterfly pavilion all to ourselves! I just pushed an empty stroller and let Maren lead the way. She visited the Hall of Mammals three times and held a caterpillar. Happy to report that the trip was worth the effort and I am feeling super confident about the whole thing!

To be continued at the Carousel...

Smithsonian Carousel

After visiting the Natural History Museum, we walk out onto the Mall to find the Smithsonian Carousel. I wanted Maren to ride on the dragon but she refused and we both agreed on a zebra.

Happy Balentine's Day

Maren has wished me a sincere "Happy Balentine's Day, Mama" at least fifteen times today. On Saturday, Chris took her on a secret errand without me (home alone for an hour...I forgot how nice that is) and Maren announced to me later, "Getting a Balentine's Day present. What is it?" I was pleasantly surprised with flowers and chocolates (and also this tote).

painting

One of my favorite things about motherhood is "getting to know" my daughter. As Maren grows, I have fun discovering what she loves and what she doesn't seem to care for. Maren is very creative and social and prefers doing things like building a fort out of sofa cushions, role playing with salt and pepper shakers while we wait for our meal at a restaurant, making a mess with me in the kitchen, or dancing to Spanish polka music in her room. I am learning that a new toy doesn't always entertain her as well as some of the simple objects around the house or, even better, mom's attention. Tonight, we dug out all the paint supplies (which we haven't done in a while) and had fun making a mess.

A Mermaid named Maren

Disney Princess Polly Pockets are a favorite around here. Little Mermaid is queen of the bunch and lately Maren has a little obsession with all things mermaid. It's one of those few toys that gets played with every day...and taken in the car and in the bath and to bed. And most nights before bed, Maren requests the story "Mermaid named Maren" which goes something like this...

Mom: Once upon a time there was a little mermaid.
Maren (whispering while tightly closing her eyes): Named May (Maren)
Mom: And she lived in the sea with her mommy and daddy. She had a little friend name...
Maren: Flowher (Flounder)
Mom: Maren Mermaid and Flounder liked to explore and find treasures.
Maren: fork
Mom: And then mermaid swims to her little bed under the sea and falls asleep. The End.
Maren: More. More stories.

Getting her beauty rest.

(Speaking of The Little Mermaid, Chris likes to make me laugh by misquoting King Triton, "I consider myself to be a reasonable Mormon.")

Dish Scrubbers

A few months ago, I took a beginner's crochet class. I have been wanting to make dish scrubbers since I saw it on Design*Sponge and was pretty pleased when I finished them last night. I have loved my nights of crocheting while watching The Good Wife, but I have decided to try something new...I took my first knitting lesson yesterday! Hopefully, I will be able to post something I knitted.

And, a little Maren moment.