Baby Hein 2010: Picking Flowers

I was cleaning the kitchen this morning and found a weed on the counter top. It was from last night, when Sydney came running inside from playing with her Grandpa to give me a "flower." Sydney almost never goes outside without picking flowers for me. Isn't that sweet? I held it in my hand and realized just how thoughtful it is that she always picks a flower or two for me when she is outside. She gets really excited when she finds a purple one because she knows that is my favorite color.

After yesterday's negativity I received a lot of positive support from several friends and family. Very touching and I hope you each know how much it means to me. For those that have said I need to go back to work, I almost feel like I'm failing them if I don't go back. But Nick reminds me often that I need to let go of what others think of me. I know that the fear of judgment is so strong in my own heart, but in these early years I want to try to not instill that same fear in our kids.

Sydney has a lot of wonderful traits and I try to encourage them as much as possible. Her teachers at school always remark she is the most helpful kid in class. It reminds me of her second birthday party when she wanted to help her friends with their drinks.

Sydney helping her buddy Landon with his drink at her 2nd birthday party

Sydney can be really fun and silly sometimes, and she has the most contagious laugh. Right now she loves to pretend to hide somewhere and wants to hear you call out her name, pretending you can't find or see her. Lately I have been forcing many smiles because when you smile, even if it's not for something specific, it's hard to feel too bad. I remember a long time ago someone told me when negotiating via telephone to smile while talking, and it almost automatically makes you sound more pleasant. Sydney is always quick to ask me if I have had a hug for the day and I love it. I know this is just a rough patch that will pass, hopefully quickly. I'm really feeling quite good today. :) Here are some recent photos of Sydney.