Jeslyn's Journey...and Beyond: New Adventures

It's so funny how when you live in the Pacific Northwest, if its sunny outside, that means you HAVE to go outside. There's this unspoken rule, and, you feel real pressure to spend time outside if the weather is nice. So much so, that I actually made a pact with myself to take Isla outside if the weather is nice enough to play outside. ha I guess I feel like she doesn't get enough play time outside. So, when its sunny, not raining, and above 45 degrees (revised from my 50 degree threshold from last year)...we're at a park near you!

But, today is Saturday and that means we have gymnastics at 11:15a. It's not the best time for an activity on a Saturday because it doesn't leave much time afterwards to do anything but have lunch and a quick half hour of play before its naptime. But, whatever...Isla is a mover and a shaker, and, this girl needs an energy outlet like a gymnastics class gives. So, off to gymnastics we went.

Now that Isla is almost 3, she's in a non-parent participation class. When I first heard that the class Isla was registered for didn't include a parent, I was apprehensive. Apparently, rightfully so...the first week of class (this week will be her third) was a disaster. Isla was running all over the gym, not following directions, and generally being a butthead. Oh, and her teacher kept calling her "Lyla"...and as it was told to me by Alberto (I was at my Saturday math class, so I didn't get to attend the first class) all he heard all class was Isla's teacher yelling out "Llllllyyyyyllllllaaaaa!!" I guess I can see why she didn't listen to the teachers calls...she was saying the wrong name, after all!

Anyway, this week in class was great. Isla did so well with listening and following directions. She loved the swing (three kids could fit on this thing - it was massive) they did and as always, she adored the foam pit. It's so cute to see her little body jumping off the edge of the pit, fearless, straight into the abyss. I am so proud of the progress she's made in just 2 weeks! I'm sure it'll only get better from here. After class, we all headed home for a quick lunch, a little play, and a nap. For daddy, too. I however, didn't nap. I wrote...and wrote and wrote.

When Isla's nap was over, we decided to get our butts outside! When we arrived to Washington Park, Isla was beside herself with excitement. She just couldn't WAIT to get out and play. So, we did just that. There was a huge, old school aluminum slide and I thought Isla would be afraid to try it. But, boy was I wrong. She climbed that thing like a veteran and slid down it without the slightest bit of worry or fright! Cutest thing ever. We also played on the swings for a while...one of her favorite things to do. There was a cool statue there too (to commemorate the Louis and Clarke expedition) and Isla was delighted when she saw a depiction of George Washington's face on one of the sides of the statue...she exclaimed "look! A quarter!" It was so hilarious and cute. After a while, we decided to go and find the actual children's playground.

We finally found it, and, holy bageezus...it was an absolute madhouse. But, Isla loved it and I was happy to see her happy. Since we were already downtown, I suggested we go to a restaurant called Shandong. I'd forgotten that the last (and first) time I was there was when I was still pregnant (I went to lunch there with my friend J). I thought about that the whole way there and was sort of upset at myself for not remembering that (because I knew it would make me sad). I swear, it's like Isla knows things, because, she was an absolute joy at dinner. She ate everything, was polite and used her in-door voice. She was the perfect little dinner companion. And then...the best thing happened. She leaned over, put her head on my shoulder, and said "mommy...you're the best". Then she said "can I kiss your face?" and planted a sweet little kiss on my lips. It's amazing how our children know when we need their sweet kid love and they just lay it on us, unprompted and completely genuine. After that, all my hurt, sadness, and anger subsided for a while and I was able to enjoy a nice dinner out with my family.

Feeling thankful for my very sassy, but incredibly affectionate almost 3 year old.