The Birthing Month. Birthday Time Capsule.

One of my favorite things that we did for Nye-Nye's First Birthday, was to make her a Birthday Time Capsule of sorts. 

I wrote about it here when I was thinking about doing a Christmas Time Capsule.

It took a while to explain it everyone at the Birthday Party, but once all of the Indian Aunties understood my Odd-ball Idea they ran with it.

We handed out a letter form and a number to each group (we decided that it might be a little to overwhelming for each person to fill out their own, so we asked people to find a partner). The number was the Birthday they were suppose to write about on the paper they were given.

On Nye-Nye's 2nd Birthday, we opened the first letters. It was so sweet, I can't wait until she actually understands the concept. I have a special box where all the unopened letters remain.

Originally I wanted to do this for our Baby Shower but I wasn't able to get it together in time.

Here is an example of one of the letters.



Dear Bright Eyes,

Happy Birthday! Today, you are turning 5 years old. I am Catoctin Mountain Mama, your Mama.

My favorite memory (of when I was 5 years old) was when I was playing Soccer and I looked up from where I was standing and realized my Aunt and Uncle were on the side-lines. They had drove over an hour to come and surprise me. I felt so loved.

I loved playing soccer, going to my Ballet class, playing dress-up with Aunt Mimi, cuddling with the many, many kittens on our Farm, listening to my Mama sing, sitting behind Daddy when he drove the tractor in the fields, eating oatmeal in the Morning, listening to my Popop play the piano, learning how to read and playing with my Mama's long hair when I was your age.

Don't forget to spend many hours outside playing in all sorts of weather.

My wish for you is that you will always be fearless and willing to take chances (and fall flat on your face), that you will have faith in your ability to adapt to any situation, that you will learn to always listen to Your Inner Voice, that you will come to see Life as a Journey and not as a Race, that you will always treat others with Kindness and share that gorgeous of your yours and that you will be comfortable in your own skin.

I would also like to say that I want you to question EVERYTHING, especially when you are told that it's the only way (even if the person saying that is me).

Enjoy today. Greetings from the year 2014!

All My Love Forever and Forever,
Mommy

Happy International Women's Day. Free Streaming of "Lost in Living"

Mamas (and Mamas who make Art) this one is for you.

My favorite writer, Karen Maezen Miller, alerted her readers about this wonderful opportunity that is available just for today.

"About a year ago, I recommended a documentary called Lost in Living that follows the lives of four artists in different stages of work and motherhood. You might have caught a screening of the film in your community, purchased a DVD or attended a house party viewing. Now, Lost in Living will be available for free streaming for 24 hours beginning Saturday, March 8 to coincide with International Women’s Day. This global Web screening event is an opportunity to share Lost in Living with women around the world."

"I hope you can find a quiet corner sometime Saturday to watch the film, not least because you’ll spending a few hours with yourself. That opportunity alone is worth cherishing. As you watch the film you’ll see beyond yourself into the connection women have with one another in every phase of life, and how motherhood transforms our aspirations. It’s poignant, funny, powerful and oh so good."

The trailers look great and I've been meaning to see this movie for awhile.

Free streaming right here.

Friday: This Moment.

The Birthing Month. 2014.

This Month's Theme?

Birthing.

I won't be as literal this year, I promise.

Last year, I was revving up for the Birth of my 2nd Child, so there were a ton of Pregnant Mama posts. (You can see last year's Birthing Month's Round-up right here).

I plan on sharing some oldies but goodies. Plus, I have a few more posts I never got around to posting (Dealing with Afterbirth Pains, Post-partum Care: Reality Check).

My Nye-Nye will be turning 3 at the end of March, so I'm be sharing a few Birthday Party Ideas.

And, yes, I will FINALLY get around to sharing more details about my Belly-Binding Herbal Paste.

Spring-time is coming. I can't wait!

Happy 10 Months! Anala.

Today has been ONE OF THOSE DAYS.

So, no letter was written in time. But, I will get to it soon. How I love this Darlin' of mine, even if one of her favorite things to do right now is slap my face with excitement. Life is never boring with this one around.

10 Months.

I just want to squeeze her and squeeze her and squeeze her some more.

Snow Jewels.

It's still snowing. When it stops, we'll try these puppies out.

Giant Snow Jewels.

They look much prettier in real life. Can't wait to see what Nye-Nye's reaction will be to them.

Making them was easy. I just filled up balloons with water and some food dye and then put them in the freezer.

I put them in over-night, but you only need 5 or 6 hours for them to freeze.

Then, all that is left to do is cut a small hole in the balloon and peel it off.

And, enjoy!

Here are some Tips (I learned the hard way)...

1. Put food dye in FIRST. I attempted to fill up the 11 inch balloons with water, before I put in the dye. The water just sprayed about and the balloon deflated.

2. Use a bathroom faucet to fill them. It's been way too long, since I've made water balloons. You need to make a seal and my kitchen faucet just wasn't cutting it.

3. Remember they will freeze however you lay them down. Whoops...space is at a premium in our freezer, so I squeezed two of them in an awkward spot. When they were frozen, I couldn't get them out. Papa Bear had to work really hard to yank them out of the door shelf.

4. Be careful peeling over the balloons, your hands will get messy. The food dye dyed my hands, which wasn't a big deal. But, if it is for you, I should recommend you wear gloves.

I was inspired by the wonderful Growing a Jeweled Rose's Post on Snow Jewels. 

Looking forward to putting them into action!

Activities for Babies: 9 Months. Light and Shadow Baby.

This activity took exactly two minutes to set-up.

When the box from Amazon arrived of transparent folders for Nye's Light Box, I decided to hang them temporarily for the Baby. I added the packing pillows, since they are so fun to touch.

I used my favorite....electrical tape to stick them to the door.

The shadows were so beautiful!

Now, I'm not going to say this kept her captivated for an hour. But, five minutes here and five minutes there is fine in my book. Especially at this age.

I'll leave them up for a few more days and then cut them into different shapes for the Light Box.

I'm sure they will make another appearance (in a different form) on the door soon.