Wednesday

Why do we have such a strong attachments to trivial habits? Why, for instance, am I incapable of buying flowers in even numbers? In Poland, it was absolutely essential to always purchase an odd number. Three roses, seven tulips, 1 carnation. But why have I carried this habit over here, so that I cannot imagine buying an even number of blooms for my daughter's table? It has to be odd, or else! (Or else what?)

(Breakfast with Primrose...)

(hey, how about me? I can't eat granola, but I sure like to keep you company!)

I'm in Chicago just for the half day. The mom is back at work, the dad is taking the older girl in for a check up, I'm with the babe. And of course, it's a school day, so after her check up, this big girl will be heading out to school.

Two sisters, each following her path on this beautiful if a bit chilly spring day.

Oh, and speaking of habits, is there ever a visit where I do not take this timed release selfie with the big girl?

How full of smiles and giggles she is! I have grandchildren whose default expression is one of joy, at the smallest thing.

(Me too! You should see me laugh when mom or dad blow soft puffs of air on my forehead!)

Yes, a happy babe with a sweet and gentle disposition. 

(Mom breaks for lunch with me and for a fleeting check-in with Juniper)

It's a short visit for me this time, but a longer one is coming up in a few weeks, when both parents will have resumed work and the day care has not yet started for Juniper. Like her sister, she'll start "school" when she is just shy of six months. How fortunate these kids are to have it all -- great parents, good schools, and all the joys of each season right there before them!

(Or, am I the one who is endlessly fortunate? Like the woman in Japan who lived until her 117 birthday, celebrating her small passions every day -- in her case, a love of chocolate and coca-cola. I have my share of wee passions, that's for sure, though some of them are growing up to be big kids pretty fast!)

Home again tonight. Plants are still indoors, safe from tonight's hovering temperatures, right near the freezing point. So, instead of gardening thoughts, I have grandkid thoughts. Beautiful and warm grandkid thoughts.

With so much love...