Namaste

We decided to take this session off of Lydia's gymnastics for several reasons. 1.) Between my classes and some obedience classes for Stanley, two of our five evenings are already booked and 2.) we weren't sure how to manage the classes around the baby's arrival and thought that picking back up after his grand entrance might be a fun thing for Lydia--something just for her. The lack of physical outlet has been noticeable in her behavior, so a couple weeks ago, I decided to take her to Kids' Yoga at Blooma, the yoga studio where I've been taking prenatal classes. The class is for kids ages four through eight, but I talked to the instructor and we decided that since it was the only yoga option for Lydia and she turns four in less than two months, we'd give it a try. It is definitely an older class; parents do not sit in and are "allowed" to leave if we want. (I have taken to getting a coffee and reading in the lobby.)

Lydia seems to really like it. She comes home and shows us new poses every week, and today after class, she put her hands on my face and said, "Namaste." I realize that sending my three-year-old to yoga puts me in a whole new echelon of yuppie mom, but seriously--Kids' Yoga is pretty cool.

Lydia the Gymnast

Last Christmas, Robin's parents gifted Lydia with gymnastics classes. True to form, we didn't enroll her right away, and she ended up starting GymKids classes at TAGS Gym in September. My cousin worked there, and we are glad we took her recommendation. Lydia's teacher, Ms. Linda, is a miracle worker with preschoolers, and gymnastics has been a wonderful experience for Lydia. She continued classes through December, and we are taking this session off and plan to re-enroll her next session so that she has something exciting to start up after the baby comes.

Gymnastics has made Lydia a lot more confident with physical movement; she does more climbing and experimenting with her body in a way that is really fun to see. As a tall girl myself, it is important that we start early developing not only coordination but confidence for her so that she is comfortable in her skin even as she towers over her peers. I also like that preschool gymnastics class help kids work on following directions in a sequence, taking turns, etc. Genetically, Lydia is not predisposed to be an Olympic gymnast--we are not joking when we say we think she'll be six feet tall--but it's been fun to watch her thrive in her first athletic endeavor!

Top Ten Summer Moments - 2012

It makes me sad that the past year has gone undocumented on this blog, and as much as I'd love to say I'll go back, I know the odds of that are slim. As time allows, I'll fill in, but mostly, I'm hoping to move forward and keep blogging. Considering I've posted more in the past week than in the past six months, I'm going to give myself a pat on the back.

And with that, the Top Ten Summer Moments of 2012, in no particular order!

1.) Meeting Cousin Gloria, the beautiful baby of my cousin Becky and her husband Danny!

2.) Our trip to Boston and Maine. Getting to know the city of Boston, including a game at Fenway, Boston Commons, and the infamous Duckboat Tour!

 The trip included our "quaint" stay in Deer Isle, Maine to celebrate the wedding of Robin's cousin Daniel and his lovely wife Beth. This hostel was so unique, it might warrant its own backpost.

 3.) Lydia's first PRIDE parade! I have waited her whole life to take Lyds to a Minneapolis Pride. We strolled through Loring Park and visited Gallery Co afterwards.

 4.) Cabin time! We especially loved introducing Minnesota cabin life to Texas visitors and dear friends Jenny and Nathan (not pictured--he hates the camera).

 5.) Lydia's first Battle Lake Turtle Race. She wasn't so happy with her turtle's performance. It seems once he hit the shade, he got pretty comfy and wouldn't move. She was upset he didn't get to finish.

 6.) Playtime at home. As a working mom, this is a treat.

 7.) Celebrating (7!) years of marriage by eating handfuls of wild blueberries found in a field in Maine.

 8.) Getting to know the Minneapolis food scene. Yay, Farmers' Markets!

 9.) Taking advantage of the parks and lakes here. Lyds loves the wading pool!

 10.) Meeting Fousin Harrison, the adorable son of our friends-pretty-much-family, Mike and Britt. I was proud because I succeeded in getting him to sleep on me.

Sunday in the MSP

We have had some perfect fall Sundays during the past month. One of the best parts about moving back to Minneapolis has been rediscovering the city as adults; the last time we lived here was as college students. This past Sunday proved to be no exception. We scored great veggies at the Kingfield Farmers' Market, discovered a great food truck, stumbled upon a bluegrass band, and I made the first of what I'm sure will be many hot drink runs while Lydia and Robin played outside. The past few months have been difficult in terms of transition, but we love, love, love Minneapolis and have yet to second-guess our choice to move here.

My How Times Have Changed...

Last summer when we were visiting Minnesota, we took Lydia to the Minnesota Children's Museum. Last Saturday, the two of us spent a morning in St. Paul, and Lydia had a blast at the museum. Sometimes it blows me away how quickly she changes.