"Something About the Apple not Falling Far..." Personal Page by aphrodyte

NEVER in a MILLION YEARS did I think that I would be a mother. Maybe a glorified aunt or someone's fairy godmother! But, me? A mother??

That's a tall order for someone who's world revolved around matching accessories, revolving hair stylists and the next trip to somewhere fun.

But here I am...a MOM!

Admittedly, I was a bit selfish in the beginning. I thought this would be the end of my grand adventures as a "minute by minute", "no itinerary" traveller. From now on it was baby carriers...baby seats...booster seats...weight limits...bathrooms with CLEAN, adequate changing facilities..."no strollers allowed"...formula heaters...no one under 21.

It took me 4 1/2 days to realize that it didn't have to be that way. I wasn't thinking progressively. Instead of feeling constricted about my plans and our destinations, why couldn't I hand my daughter the world and a bowl of fried rice to go with it? Why couldn't I strap her into one of those infant backpacks and take her along with me? What's wrong with that?

Actually...nothing.

My daughter has seen parts of the country others could only dream of seeing. She has marvelled at things that I would have taken for granted. She has tasted salt-water air, scaled the mountains, and felt the sweat of the southern summer sun...and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Mind you...she's only 5 and really can't read yet.

This was taken in the subway station on Manhattan Island.

Mind you...we weren't lost...but since everyone else was looking at something she felt that she had to "fit in".

I know...I laughted at this one too.

Admittedly...I had been dragging her all over Winnipeg all day that day...

Normally she loudly protests having to go to sleep...

That was my very expensive jasmine infused night mask with seed granuals inside it.

come to think of it...it's missing...

She was smiling because she just told me "NO".

If there was a ever a choice of saving me from drowning or eating a big bowl of ice cream slathered with the richest chocolate syrup...

I would definitely be in trouble.

We lugged sparring gear all over the place, whether we needed it or not!

My cute little warrior!

Admittedly...I forced her to learn the flute. I firmly believe that music is the universal equalizer and statistics show that a child is much more successful as an adult when music is introduced at an elementary level...stats don't lie!

I have a great appreciation for art, history and culture and I'm very proud that my daughter has that same reverence for them.

Favorite meal-time Breakfast