Choo Choos and Sharks

I talk a lot about our daily routine.  Where it is routine, it's often monotonous during the work week.  That's fine.  I think that is important, especially when raising a toddler.  She's getting old enough to know what to expect.  I am a woman of routine and order, so it makes my heart happy most days.

Routine is all fine and dandy, but sometimes I just want to play.  And sometimes, I quite assure you, so does Mia.

Last week brought us some wonderful spring like temps, so I took the afternoon off and me and my monkey went to the zoo and embraced every ray of mid-60's sunshine.

St. Louis has an amazing zoo and the best part - it's totally 100% completely free. There is a Children's Zoo that costs and the train costs, but you don't have to spend a dime if you don't want.

We had a great Mom & Mia day.  I needed it.  A day to spend outside of our routine.  Just the two of us goofing around.  I'm so proud of her.

She picked the shark...love it!

For such a long time I would always get nervous when she would want to walk versus be in her stroller or wagon.  The freedom made her like a little crazy person, running around in circles, having a blast, but totally not listening to her parents at all.  So I would avoid it by stuffing her with treats and toys and iPhones in hopes that I could keep her distracted enough that she would stop asking.

Shame on me.

She's a child with so many questions, so much curiousity and so much of the world to see and she just wants to run.  I've been better about this and for most of our time at the zoo, she was walking with me and mostly hand in hand.

Not because I was always asking her to (stay by Mommy, hold Mommy's hand, stay in front of Mommy so I can see you).

She asked.

She wanted to just walk and hold my hand.

There is a big piece of my heart filled up by that little girl.  It's truly amazing how much joy she brings to my (our) life.  I can't even explain it.

It was one of those moments I just want to bottle up and keep in my heart forever.

Somehow she will be 2 1/2 in just 2 months.