I have been working hard to get up before Florence wakes.

which by the way has been so stinkin hard 

I have found I am able to handle the days adventures if I start my morning quietly - time spent in the word, a cup of coffee without interruption and getting out my pajamas before she is up makes a world of difference.

 I also get to hear Florences chatter to her stuffed animals and to Mercy -who is sharing a room with Florence and kindly puts up with a great deal.  

Recently I heard from Florence:

I hear the birds!

Mercy! I hear the birds singing...

Do you hear them Mercy?

Auntie Mercy! Do you hear the birds??!

 

No response from Mercy.

I decided that it might be a good idea to get my girl up out of bed before her exuberance for something beautiful disrupted Mercy's sleep any further.

The daffodils are blooming...it's like celebration of Spring all over Syracuse!
Last Tuesday Florence and I picked one before it was in full bloom to watch it open.

Wednesday Caitlyn came for coffee. We sat in the kitchen with the daffodil (so bright and cheerful!). She held my boy and we talked about life - things like:  How's the meal planning going?and, how can we mix simplicity with beauty in our homes? (Caitlyn is reading The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer).  I got out my camera for the first time in ages and tried to capture the simple pleasures of the afternoon. I think I just about got it - almost.

Winter is long and cold here in Syracuse.

Florence is not fussed.  She LOVES the snow.
As consolation to Florence for telling her that it was just way too cold to go out and play in the snow
- often a treat she gets with Nathaniel, playing in the snow is not my forte -
I said we could have a picnic on the kitchen floor.
She pulled her quilt out and spread it on the floor, I made the sandwiches and we sat and munched away.
At some point Titus woke and Florence asked if he might join us - of course - just don't squish him I warned.

And she didn't.

I'm cleaning my house.
I try to clean my house everyday...but this is special cleaning.
Mercy is coming. She is not just coming for a short little visit, she is coming for a couple months.
Yay!....rather....YAAYYYYY!!! I am so excited.

She will be here soon - there is a list of things I need to do to be ready. My weekend list (That way I don't get overwhelmed!):
Today - I'm making space in a closet for her things.
Tomorrow - rearrange furniture to fit a bed.
Sunday - probably more of the same... these days jobs tend to take a bit longer then I think.

Welcome to the world sweet baby boy!

* We are so glad you are finally here! * 

Titus Newton Jackson - born the 10th of December. 

7lbs & 21in long.

just perfect.