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Sometimes the day holds no other plans. Sometimes the kids are eager to get out. Sometimes the weather is unseasonably warm.
Sometimes they let me dress them up without argument. Sometimes the light is just right.
Sometimes you don’t even have to bribe them with candy to get them to smile.
Sometimes it is just so effortless. Those are my favourite days…       My kids have mastered bickering. And tattling. And complaining about either not sharing. Some days it’s from the minute they wake up until they go to bed they are at each other’s throats. And those days have me wanting to pack up my stuff and hop on the first train to a little place called ANYWHERE ELSE. But honestly, though I complain about it, I’m not actually giving them enough credit. Those terrible fighty days are easily outnumbered by the days that have them loving on each other. Jaia spends so much of her time mothering Wes and trying her best to make him laugh. And make him laugh she does. Deep, breath-stealing belly laughs. The best kind. For the last six months or so, Wes has really begun to show his attachment to his sister even more so than before. If we are in the car and she’s not with us, he’ll throw his hands up and ask ‘Mama,where’s Jaia?’ with a sad look on his face. My absolute current favourite though is the simple ‘Hi Jaia’ and the wave that accompanies it any time either of them enter the room after being away for even a few minutes. He just adores her. She can make him so mad one minute, but the next he’s her shadow again, copying her every move (which she says drives her batty – though I think she secretly likes it). When I pictured having a second child, this is the kind of relationship I hoped for my kids. I hoped that above all they would like each other. Really like each other. That they would be kind to each other and that they would enjoy being with each other. It’s been all that and more. And it almost makes me forget the days that they are plotting each other’s demise. Now that Wes is a little older and talking up a storm, he is able to interact more with Jaia. Instead of playing beside her as she plays, he can now join in the game. And their game of shared interest for the last few weeks has been….Scooby Doo. It is ridiculous and hilarious. Jaia always gets to be Daphne and Fred, while Wes is Shaggy and Velma. Scooby is MIA…but maybe that’s a good thing.
These are the moments I live for. The sweet sound of them playing. Together. It has been WAY too long since I last put together one of these posts. And it is no way related to the level of goodness kicking around. Quite the opposite in fact, things have been lovely lately. Really, really lovely. So much so that I’m feeling the need to gush about all the things making me smile. Here goes: 1. THE REURN OF MAD MEN! Yes, this deserves all caps and an exclamation mark.
After a full season hiatus, the brilliant AMC show is finally making it’s much anticipated return to television on Sunday night. I am SO excited. Dan and I talked about having a Mad Men inspired viewing party for our friends, but decided that no one would actually show up on a Sunday night at 9 pm. We are so old. But no matter. We’ll tune in. We may have hors d’oeuvres. We may dress up in our fanciest. We may even enjoy a whiskey neat. (Ok, I won’t. Glass of red wine, maybe.). We’ll party like it’s 1965. 2. SPRING!! Number 2 is also deserving of all caps and exclamation marks. Out of nowhere we went from snow, wind and ice to summer-like temperatures requiring shorts, t-shirts and sandals. Though my feet were far from ready to be displayed publicly, I donned flip flops happily. That warm sun felt amazing. The HOT days of this past week also scared me a little if it is any indication of what July/August will feel like, but I’m ready for the challenge. I have a pool in my backyard, so I come to battle armed. Bring on the heat. 3. Hardwood Floors. This deserves a post of it’s own, which is coming after the few last minute touches are taken care of so I can take a proper ‘after’ photo. But nevertheless, my new AMAZING floor looks too good not to mention. Dan worked hard and should be proud. I can’t stop staring at them… 4. Catching up with old friends. In Virginia last week I had the opportunity to meet up with two friends I hadn’t seen in some time. They were the among the first friends i made when I moved to Virginia 12 long years ago. In fact, to date us, at the time that we first started hanging out together, Survivor was airing its first season, you know, when it was good. Anyway, there’s just something so therapeutic about spending time with people you adore and telling of stories that begin with, ‘remember the time when…’. We had so many of those that night. Thanks R and K, until next time…May? 5. Babies. March seems to be the month of babies. I know 784 people who turn a year older this month (happy birthday, btw) but I also know a few people who have already had babies and a couple of friends who are about to welcome their first tiny ones this month. New littles make me smile. What’s making you happy today?
March 23, 2012 - 1:12 pm
How about an upcoming visit of your parents and sister??? I’m pretty happy about that!! Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
March 20, 2012 - 3:07 pm
that there is a sharp dressed man! While Dan worked fingers to the bone at home, the kids and I took a trip to visit Nana and Papoo. It had nothing to do with the fact that they’ve been experiencing summer-like temperatures. No, nothing at all. But man, it feels good to get outside and soak up the sun. I may have even noticed one or two of my freckles come out of hibernation just for the occasion. Time at my parents is always lovely. Their house backs onto a forest of sorts and the kids adore exploring the enormous circuit of trails, but maybe not as much as Papoo enjoys leading their exploration.
Papoo was the one to take them out in the morning, but Nana and I always joined in the evenings after supper. After supper. Can you imagine it being warm enough for shorts and t-shirts after supper…in March?
And do I even need to get into how cute Wes’ sweatshirt is? No, I didn’t think so.
I realize it was a vacation, and living at my parent’s house is FAR from reality (I mean, gourmet meals, two extra sets of hands to help with the chickens, company all day long…) but no matter, it made me crave the lazy, hazy days of summer that are fast approaching.
I don’t care how warm or short this winter was. There is nothing like throwing on your sandals and playing outside in the warm sunshine for hours on end. No hot cocoa needed upon your return inside. But until then, we always have Virginia.
March 19, 2012 - 2:27 pm
Looks like a nice visit!
April 5, 2012 - 4:05 pm
Shan, |
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Aunt Ellen - It is so wonderful to see these pictures!
Aunt Ellen - It is so wonderful to see these adorable pictures!