Friday, August 31, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
her words
A couple years ago, I was frustrated with my toddler who had no words. It was maddening to not know what he needed or felt like or thought. Now, I have a very vocal two-year-old, and sometimes knowing the mind of a toddler can be just as....well, interesting.
For example:
Today she told me my bottom looks like a pizza. Let's hope she meant 'thin crust' and 'personal size'.
One of Lea's favorite phrases is "I don't know!" used after questions like, "Why did you dump sand in the car?" and "What happened to all 5 pairs of your shoes?"
Another favorite is when I call to her from another room, "Leeeeeea, what are you doooooing?" and her response is, "I making a mess!" (in the same sing-song way I called to her, of course).
She loves to argue. Loves it. Sometimes, she argues with herself.
She tells me she's stinky, demands everything be PINK (already!) and thinks she owns the iPad.
Lucky for me, all this craziness is also mingled with my girl who can count to ten, say her ABCs, sings all day, says "I love you" and "Oh, sorry!", who thinks every building is a temple and loves to say, "I see the temple, mom!"; my girl who 'helps' me read books, still loves naptime, asks to be rocked, and likes to show off her dance moves.
Love this little thing!
For example:
Today she told me my bottom looks like a pizza. Let's hope she meant 'thin crust' and 'personal size'.
One of Lea's favorite phrases is "I don't know!" used after questions like, "Why did you dump sand in the car?" and "What happened to all 5 pairs of your shoes?"
Another favorite is when I call to her from another room, "Leeeeeea, what are you doooooing?" and her response is, "I making a mess!" (in the same sing-song way I called to her, of course).
She loves to argue. Loves it. Sometimes, she argues with herself.
She tells me she's stinky, demands everything be PINK (already!) and thinks she owns the iPad.
Lucky for me, all this craziness is also mingled with my girl who can count to ten, say her ABCs, sings all day, says "I love you" and "Oh, sorry!", who thinks every building is a temple and loves to say, "I see the temple, mom!"; my girl who 'helps' me read books, still loves naptime, asks to be rocked, and likes to show off her dance moves.
 |
| Lea on her birthday! Happy #2! |
Thursday, August 9, 2012
the best kind of day
The warm, star-filled night beckoned and the big kids took Dad up on his summer-long offer to sleep on the deck. Air mattresses were filled and bags were laid out as the kids settled into their slumber party, right outside our bedroom window. I was surprised (but shouldn't have been) when Daddy jumped into his own bag out there with them instead of into the 'real' bed, with me. I listened to their giggles and their gradually slowing breathing through the window as they drifted off to sleep. Then, I did, too.
Mid-night, I was awakened by voices out on the deck: Kate and her Dad were in deep conversation about stars and satellites and planets and God's creations. I couldn't help but listen in, and smile.
The morning broke, beautiful and cool. The babies and I dragged our oatmeal to the porch to eat and we watched as the 'campers' gradually discovered morning. When everyone was awake, we all gathered on the sleeping bags, giggling and wrestling and savoring the morning. I can't think of a better way to start the day.
Oh, how I love summer!
Mid-night, I was awakened by voices out on the deck: Kate and her Dad were in deep conversation about stars and satellites and planets and God's creations. I couldn't help but listen in, and smile.
The morning broke, beautiful and cool. The babies and I dragged our oatmeal to the porch to eat and we watched as the 'campers' gradually discovered morning. When everyone was awake, we all gathered on the sleeping bags, giggling and wrestling and savoring the morning. I can't think of a better way to start the day.
Oh, how I love summer!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
being there
She is nearly two, which means sometimes life is just too much for words. And when she can't find her words, a tantrum ensues.
Like today, when, for no apparent reason, she threw her little body onto the floor, kicking and flailing and sobbing. My coaxing and prodding and pleas for her to tell me what was wrong yielded nothing. So, I scooped her up and laid down, putting her on my chest.
With her head under my chin and her feet nearly reaching my knees, she calmed down and we lied there together, breathing in syncopation.
IN in
OUT out
IN in
OUT out
Her little chest moved up and down against mine, her breath brushing lightly on my arm. Her curls tickled my face; little toes wiggled on my legs. For a few minutes it was just me and her, in a moment that no calendar or to-do list can create. She was mine. And I, in that place, with nothing else begging my attention, was what could calm her troubles.
It is good to be the mom.
Like today, when, for no apparent reason, she threw her little body onto the floor, kicking and flailing and sobbing. My coaxing and prodding and pleas for her to tell me what was wrong yielded nothing. So, I scooped her up and laid down, putting her on my chest.
With her head under my chin and her feet nearly reaching my knees, she calmed down and we lied there together, breathing in syncopation.
IN in
OUT out
IN in
OUT out
Her little chest moved up and down against mine, her breath brushing lightly on my arm. Her curls tickled my face; little toes wiggled on my legs. For a few minutes it was just me and her, in a moment that no calendar or to-do list can create. She was mine. And I, in that place, with nothing else begging my attention, was what could calm her troubles.
It is good to be the mom.
 |
| my girl, on the merry-go-round |
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Our Summer in Pictures: June 2012
Here's what's been goin' down...
 |
| sweet, cool treats |
 |
| entrepreneurial endeavors |
 |
| make-your-own amusement park rides |
 |
| ...and then ride, sans pants. |
 |
| cub scout day camp |
 |
| lots of monopoly |
 |
| neighborhood go-cart riding |
 |
| gardening |
 |
| cousins! |
 |
| pool time |
 |
| crazies |
 |
| best cousins |
 |
| fearless giraffe feeding |
 |
| yes, her hand IS entirely in that giraffe's mouth! |
 |
| birds |
 |
| grandma-great walked through the ENTIRE zoo! |
 |
| tie-dye t-shirts |
 |
| up close encounters of the Grizzly kind |
 |
| wheeeee! |
 |
| discovering our city |
 |
| mom and dad's 13th anniversary, with Kate as model |
 |
| Tragedy in our city. We are fine and grateful that so many people and places were spared, but our hearts ache for the 350 families who lost their homes. |
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
