A Walk in the Park

So today was pretty much the perfect Saturday.  We spent the afternoon at Webb park, having a picnic and enjoying some of the local wildlife.  Ducks, turtles and a couple where I'm pretty sure the girl was topless.  Love public parks, not so much public nudity.  Oh well, I don't think J noticed.  Scott on the other hand...

The folding chairs in the background are a nice touch.

His new thing:drooling.

Only J can manage a scowl at the park.

A couple of mother ducks.

Bellie really wanted to eat this duck.

We found this baby turtle.  We named him Filbert.

Make way for ducklings!

I Miss Zoo Already

Today J and I visited the education department at the Zoo.  It was so wonderful to see everyone and to introduce them to the little guy that has been keeping me busy at home.  I joke that I am J's personal Zoo keeper...some days it feels like that.  And although making the decision to stay home with J instead of returning to work has been a difficult one, I know that it is not a decision I will regret.

With that said, there is no doubt I am going to miss the Zoo everyday.  Not only did I have a job working with animals, which is a dream, but I was blessed to work with the most wonderful people.  It is a time of my life that I will cherish forever and for which I will be forever grateful.  

I can't wait for the day when I can teach J about the amazing animals that I had the privilege to work with so that he too will develop a love and appreciation for them.  And just think, one day I'll be dropping my little man off at Zoo camp!

Love them kisses!

Spending some quality time with Yapper.  Loved her!

slimy and sweet

Feeding the girls, Zara and Karima

Good ole Victor

You Fill Up My Senses

I have always been a big John Denver fan.  There is something about his music that makes me feel so happy and a little bit country, which I like.  I haven’t listened to him in a while but he seems to make his way into my life every evening as I rock my sweet baby J to sleep.

Since I was the baby of my family, I never had to sing anyone to sleep at night.  I remember a couple of songs my mom used to sing to me but unfortunately I only remember the first few phrases and then I find myself making up the words (which makes me feel embarrassed, even though I know J has no idea what I’m saying).   So, as I rock J to sleep, I sing songs that I know.  I sing “Ani’s Song” by John Denver. 

It begins with the recognizable verse, “You fill up my senses….” What I’ve found is that James loves this song.  It immediately calms him down and makes his eyes heavy and finally shut with sleep.  As I sing the verses over and over again, I watch my baby close his eyes; I smell the top of his sweet head and give him kisses.  I listen to his breath go in and out and I feel his little frame against my own and I sing “You fill up my senses”.  Which he does, he fills every single one.