Baby Girl and Mama's Summer!!!!

So Baby Girl turns the ONE next month, one people. Where has the time gone. In the past year, I have been amazed with her "evolution". I think back to when I found out I was pregnant and to the day she was born. Each one of those events changed me for the better. But, the greatest privilege though has been watching her grow into a cheerful and lovable little girl.

Though motherhood has been challenging at times from trying to juggle work, being a wife and spending enough time with Baby Girl. There are times when it would just be easier to come home and just plonk myself on the couch after work and watch show after show, and not even spend quality time with my daughter. But I have come to realize that in the hussle and bussle of life it is really important for me to make time for myself, for my husband and Baby Girl or life would just pass me by. So in the spirit of living a fully life I have decided that this summer would be filled with lots of activities. So here is Baby Girl and and my summer bucket list:

1. Take up swimming lessons

My hope is when we move back to Zimbabwe, Baby Girl will not be one of those kids who always has to swim in to shallow end because she cannot swim. Growing up it was so rare to find a black child who knew how to swim. Many of us used the oh my hair will get wet excuse, when really none of us knew how to swim.

2. Go to a petting zoo

Black Zimbabwean town children are taught from a very young age to FEAR animals. And I mean really fear, as in if your dog approaches me I will probably kick it. So when we went to visit my sister in law and her dog came racing my instinct was to pick Baby Girl up so that dog would not have any contact with Baby Girl. But much to my surprise, Baby got down and headed straight for the dog. Touching the the dog's nose, it's eyes and at one point laughing when the dog was licking her face. It was at that point that I realized it would be unfair for me to pass my fears onto my daughter, and hence we are headed to the petting zoo this summer.

3. Kids Science Museum

There is really no back story to this choice of activity. I would just like us to get into the routine of doing educational activities.

4. Go to the beach

I hate the sun and really would prefer to always walk under the shade. But the beach is such a wonderful family outing and would be a wonderful bonding experience for our little three man family.

5. Have a picnic in Central Park.

So this is still a work in progress, and as more things come to mind I will update the list. Also, if any of you have any suggestions of activities that you think would be fun, please let me know. And I will keep you posted on our summer adventures.