Summer has really been breezing by this year. And by breeze... I mean, literally... a breeze! Our weather has been all anyone has been talking about. It has been crisp and cool in the evenings and bright and sunny with temps in the mid 70's during the day. And it is August. AUGUST! This is not great swimming weather but being able to enjoy so many other things outdoors has been simply amazing. Also... Breezy happens to also be one of Brianna's many nicknames.
We finally have patio furniture for our big deck on the back of the house. It gets direct sunlight until the sun begins to set at night so usually we don't get to spend much time out there. This year we seem to spend time out there every single day. Ken (next door) built us a custom gate for the deck stairs that is gorgeous and looks like a continuation of the deck. Brianna has been able to confidently navigate stairs for quite a while but with all of her rolling cars, bikes and toys it is so nice to close the gate and know that she is safe and I don't have to stand guard the whole time we play. Out on the deck with our new table and chairs and grill, Brianna has the coolest water table (from her TT), her own picnic table, a little tikes slide, a cozy coupe, little tikes basketball hoop (pink!) and whichever ride on toy she selects to take out as well. We often grab some snacks and sidewalk chalk and we are good to go. I know that two year olds have a reputation of meltdowns, strong will, and can be incredibly egocentric... and we definitely deal with those things... but the way she faces each day as a new adventure, as a way to discover and absorb absolutely everything and everyone she comes into contact with is so much fun and is truly miraculous to see. The best part is that as her parents, Michael and I get a front row seat.
Another thing that has really developed this summer has been Brianna's relationships with people other than Michael and I. She has always had close relationships with family and friends but now that I see her actively playing with other children of all ages it is so exciting. Brianna has little neighborhood friends already at two and a half. I'm surprised that it has taken me this long to figure out that having a guest over to play with Brianna is such a benefit to all involved. That child's parent might get a little break, I can get some things done around the house without feeling guilty about not being engaged with Brianna, and best of all... Brianna has an absolute blast (and subsequently sleeps really well). The day after Brianna's first little play date with a neighbor I texted Tara with the realization that our friendship all of those years was just as much of a gift to our parents as it was for ourselves.
Brianna has spent the night with both Grandmas more frequently and these sleepovers make her so happy. We miss her soooo much when she isn't here (it is especially strange for me because I can literally count on one hand how many times I've been home overnight when she hasn't) but she has never been anything but ecstatic when its time to drop her off and leave. I love that our sweet girl is so secure in our love. I love that while she may have twinges of separation anxiety she has way too much fun with her grandparents that you would never be able to see anything but pure joy on her sweet face.
I continue to get my girl time with TT on Friday's along with a baby fix with Mr. Grahamjamin. These visits make my heart and soul happy and I wish we lived closer to each other so that our relationship could continue to be as effortless as it used to be when we were just babies ourselves. So tonight Brianna and I were playing on the deck when Shirley peaked around the back of our house to say hello and invite us to sit on the porch with her. So we did and then the magical weather brought a bunch of other neighbors out!
You see, guys... A couple across the street have a two year old little girl and E just had a second baby girl two weeks ago. Brianna has seen their oldest, M, at the library every week when Shirley takes her for story and music time. We have talked here and there and always say we would love to get the kids together to play and I obnoxiously always tell her how envious I am that she is able to stay at home with her babies. Anyway... another young couple from California just moved into the house on the other side of Ken and Shirley's a few months ago after he finished up his career in the Air Force and they also have two little girls (4 and 6 years old). I think they have similar setups to ours where they spend most of their time in the back of their homes which makes all of our interactions remain limited to when we are taking a walk or on our way in or out of the house. The couple across the street decided to take their first walk as a family of four and as I was able to see their adorable new baby and then the new neighbors pulled in their driveway. Brianna immediately began playing with their little girls because they had just left their soccer league games and were still full of energy. Michael ended up coming outside and miraculously all three couples...actually four if you count Ken and Shirley... were all outside talk to one another at the SAME TIME! And it was sooooo much fun! Even though the conversations weren't deep and our girls were all running around like crazies it gave me hope that Michael and I can continue to develop these friendships. Friendships that could be right here on our own street. Michael made fun of me after we came back inside because I was so excited. I think it is so fun to make new friends and we definitely need some more couples to hang out with!
So the theme of this summer seems to be that I am not taking a single thing for granted. I want everyone to know that I appreciate every single person that makes up our "village". I really think there is something to the old phrase "it takes a village to raise a child". I spend a lot of time stressing out about trying to make everyone happy but I've really been trying to look at this all in a more positive way. I'm so thankful that we have so many friends and family that we have to work to balance our time. This weekend should bring many more adventures and requires quite the balancing act but it will be fun! And I can't wait to make more memories for Brianna!
I've been great about enjoying every little moment with Brianna this summer but I have been terrible about documenting them. I took the camera with us to the park at the beginning of August and finally got some pictures that aren't from my cell phone!
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