Roots, Wings, and Prayers: Our Stories and the Phenological Happenings that Surround Us: February 2014

This winter has certainly been brutal with the cold temperatures and wind here in the Northland. But as I type this the sun is shining and the temperature is 16 degrees. Leo, Farrah, and I are trying to soak up as much of the sun today as we can. And for those of you really itching for the season to turn, I heard my first spring chickadee song on Sunday morning as we were leaving church. There's my phenology for you this month. We also just ordered new seeds and plants for our garden yesterday. Don't give up hope, change will soon be upon us.

Speaking of change…Leo is growing like a weed. He is already in 12 month and some 18 month clothes! It saddens Jon and I every time we put away the too small clothes to take out the bigger boy stuff. But as I open that bin of bigger boy clothes I know that we have more and more adventures ahead of us. Leo is a very efficient army crawler. He often reaches things much quicker than I want him too, such as Farrah's water dish. Oh boy, is that fun! His two bottom teeth are well in. He continues to enjoy an array of veggies, some fruits, and chicken. He recently had his first taste of Alaskan sockeye salmon as well as yogurt. We have yet to discover a food he does not like. In addition to his infantry style of crawling, he is now pulling up on EVERYTHING, including our sliding glass door. Oh, Mama's starting to get nervous. He is still a ham, but is reaching his bashful stage when he sees people he doesn't know well. Leo did a great job meeting a new baby this past month, his new cousin, Graham (Wade and Rita's 3rd).

We are looking forward to warmer weather. I can't say I mind the snow, but teens and low 20s would be nice. Farrah and I have started skijoring a bit this winter, but the weather has kept us in more than our liking. Farrah and I do get out and work together from time to time. We get out for walks with Leo when the temperature reaches at least 12 degrees. That's my cut off. And when there is little to no wind, Leo gets to be pulled around the yard in his sled as Farrah trots alongside. All in all we are healthy and happy and that is what matters! Love to all!