Learning to love a "mess"

Kate's wariness about getting herself "messy" seems to be waning, which is a great thing since she likes to spend every waking minute outside. On Friday, when I took her to climb on and dig in the rocks, she discovered something she likes very much: puddles. It didn't really occur to me that she would be interested in them at all since she's never shown interest before. She wasn't wearing appropriate rain shoes at all since she's never needed them. Well, she accidentally set her cute Mary Janes smack in a deep puddle, soaking herself past her ankles. I thought she was going to freak out, but she just looked at me as a wide grin spread over her face. Pretty soon she was seeking out every puddle, stomping in them like crazy. Then she sat right down in one and started splashing around. I had to strip her down before she got back in the car! All weekend she's been asking to "buy rain boots" and "stomp puddles." Yesterday was really sunny, so her wish didn't come true. She got to play at the park and in the backyard, though, so she was completely content. Today, on the other hand, was a rainy mess, perfect for stomping in puddles. Since she still has no rain boots, we spent a bit of time outside and then went to the Marine Life Center in downtown P.A. Again, Kate surprised me by loving playing in the sand and sticking her hands under water to touch the starfish and anemones. She was completely captivated by the fish, and just kept looking at me, saying, "mommy, FISH." I guess it's a pretty big deal when you see one up close for the first time. All in all, a great weekend, despite (or because of) the weather!