I spent the morning with the kids while Julien did the bi-monthly run to Metro for L'OisiveThé. Maximilien has painting class on Saturday morning so while he's making art Alixe and I hang out and play. Since the weather has been cold and raining lately we have been staying inside and we read a lot of books.
Alixe loves books. Even ones without pictures. She loves turning the pages and it fascinated with how they are held together. She has ripped out her fair share of pages and she is learning like every two year old does that one must take care of their books. Luckily, at the Centre d'Animation where Max's painting class is there's a whole load of books that are new to Alixe so they keep her busy.
She's really started to become a much more social toddler. She will go up to people and see what they are doing. Today, she went and sat next to another parent while they were reading so she could listen to the story too. She also spent a lot of time siting on my lap cuddling me. I love this. She recently figured out how to give kisses instead of these went open mouthed stamps she'd leave on your cheek. It's quite possible the cutest thing I've seen all year. And she loves to kiss her Mama. As we were walking home we admired the decorations that are up in our neighborhood for Chinese New Year. We haven't gone to the parade in past years because it's rather noisy/scary with all the firecrackers but I think this year we'll give it a go.
I worked this afternoon at the tea house. The routine is Julien gets home from Metro and I usually run out the door to start my shift at 1pm. Lately, I've had rather heavy loads to take back and forth from home to the tea house. We've learned that our current bicycle isn't cutting it especially since most time we have a child strapped to the back.
Julien surprised me today with a new to me bicycle:
It's a bicycle the postmen use here in France. Apparently they retire them once they become too used. This one looks like an older model though the gear shifter looks brand new. Compare her to one I saw last summer (also this one is electric):
My bike had been refurbished and Julien found it on Le Bon Coin. This is the kind of bike I need. Something that can transport my precious cargo plus the extra stuff I tend to truck back and forth everyday. I have to say, it was love at first sight and how fitting that she's yellow.
She matches the yellow tea canisters at the tea house...
and the yellow mail boxes here in France...
And my kid's yellow raincoats...
and my newly knitted cowl. I'm really into yellow right now.
Doesn't my new bike look perfect parked outside l'OisiveThé? Gosh, I love her. Thank you, my dear sweet husband.
Here's my last Instagram of the day:
This is my first photo in my #growingitout2012 series with my glasses on. Looking forward to wearing them with long hair. The bobby pin has started making an appearance as my bangs are starting to get long and heavy. The thickness is coming back as my hair grows. I had forgotten how thick my hair is. Julien started making remarks that he has found my hair all over the apt. Oh, just you wait, Julien...
even your scarf in the last picture is yellow!
Posted by: dawn | January 22, 2012 at 18:46
Hi Aimee, we're moving to Paris next month, and I'm very excited to have found your blog. I love your blog, and am looking forward to going to your tea room too. I just recently started to crochet, so I'm excited to have found a group. I hope to see you later this month!
Posted by: Leigh | February 04, 2012 at 22:26
I have to say, I love coming across your photos of KU wear! Even tho I attended Marymount in Salina from '66 to '68, I have several connections with KU and it reminds me of home. Thank you for writing - always a pleasure to catch up on your life.
Posted by: Melinda | February 10, 2012 at 07:50