My second Mother's Day

I suppose technically yesterday could be counted as my third Mother's Day, since I was pregnant during one of 'em.  But it's so very different to celebrate the day as a preggo--the reality of being a mama hasn't quite sunk in yet at that point.  At least, it hadn't for me.  So I count yesterday as my second, and that's what it'll stand as. :)  And it was a lovely day.

The weather was just right--a little breezy, gorgeously sunny, but not so hot that we couldn't do anything.  Daddy thought it would be just the right kind of day to visit the Botanical Gardens north of the city...and he wasn't the only one with that idea, either.  So after about 15 minutes of waiting in line to enter the parking lots (as our car tried to overheat because it suddenly was low on coolant--such timing), we were able to pay our entrance fee to park, drove past some obviously filled-to-capacity lots nearest the entrance, and finally found a spot hidden away in a corner of the 3rd lot.  It meant a bit of a hike to the garden entrance, but there's one thing about this place--EVERYWHERE is a garden, not just the area beyond the main building.  So it was a pleasant walk, even if it was crowded.  Once past the main entrance, though, the crowd thinned considerably, and we had a lovely time walking around, taking in the scents and sights and sounds. 

We kept Munch in the stroller for a good part of that first time, and she was relatively content with that.  Eventually though, she started making some 'let me out' sounds, so I stopped the stroller and helped her out...and she was off down the path, ready to explore!  And explore she did...she met and touched various flowers, tried to copy some other kids, saw a number of small wild creatures, and threw lots of temper tantrums...yes, my sweet child has full-blown, throw-self-to-the-ground tantrums.  In the very public public.  But despite that, we had a good day, and Daddy now has a better understanding of what happens when I take Munch to various special events, which is helpful.  Munch definitely (if inadvertently) aided our parenting discussions on this day. ;)

Some pictures of our day:

Resting under the trees

Touching a 'Fwa-wah' 

Pretty water background 

Daddy took a turn pushing the stroller, but when I ran around to the front to get a picture, Munch was suddenly VERY unhappy.  Temper tantrum #1 of several... 

 In a curious reversal of habit, Munch now prefers walking on grass instead of trail.

 She was delighted with the noise this metal table made when she hit it.

Loving her grass. 

Munch saw some other children doing this, and immediately wanted 'Uhp!'  But then she refused to hold my hand, only Daddy's.  :) 

Sharing a moment. 

 Another place she wanted 'Uhp!'

Munch saw more grass, and of course had to traverse it...all the way to the water's edge.  She also wanted to go in the water, and was *very* upset when Daddy wisely told her 'no.'

It was a beautiful day, and a lovely time with my little family...



Happy Mother's Day to all of you!