I picked the berries and made jam

Today I took advantage of the gorgeous day outside. Instead of directing where Xavier and I would go, I let him take the lead. We walked around the car in the driveway for five minutes and climbed over the curb that separates the lawn and the gravel numerous times. Then we picked some "flowers" (weeds). We then took each other's hands (my choice, not Xavier's) and walked to the park. I made sure not to "help" Xavier climb the equipment. He gets very testy when I try to help without permission, so I watched and waited for his characteristic hand bob which means I am permitted to assist him. After throwing pebbles down the slide, Xavier sat his bum down about two feet away from the top of the slide and scooted his way to the edge. My heart broke a little just then because of the extreme cuteness.

He didn't want to go on the baby swings. He wanted to go on the big kid swings, by himself. When I said, "no, you're too little" (he is only 19 months old) he had a little tantrum, but quickly got over it when he saw more "flowers."

After picking the "flowers" he proceeded to leave the park and perch himself on the street corner (he was really on the corner of someone's lawn) and throw clover heads in the street. At this point, I thought it was time to intervene in his afternoon plans because we were getting weird looks from the neighbours across the street, and because there were cars coming. As expected, he DID NOT like this change of plan, but eventually agreed to go play with his "ba-ball" in our backyard. At this point, my favourite scene of the afternoon ensued.

I brought a stainless steel bowl out from the kitchen so I could pick the black raspberries. As I picked, Xavier held the bowl for mommy and ate the raspberries. Fortunately, I can pick faster than he can eat, but his blood red berry stained hands and face were absolutely priceless. My little nosferatu. He then decided to put the bowl down and have a go at the berries himself, eating them right off the stem. I decided that would be a good idea too, but I managed to keep the stains confined to my fingertips.

As I picked and picked (about 4 cups worth, which takes much longer than you think it does) Xavier ate and ate. When he had his fill, he started to unload the berries from the bowl to the ground. I stepped in and confiscated the bowl which resulted in a meltdown. Not to worry, however. My job was done. After some mashing, boiling with pectin and sugar, and stirring, I had black raspberry jam. It literally took 10 minutes and if anyone tells you different, they're lying through their teeth. It is the easiest thing I've ever done in my life. By the way, IT IS FABULOUS!! As a treat for helping me, I spread some warm jam on a baby cookie for Xavier. One was not enough.