Steve and I ran away from the children this weekend and hid at the coast for our 14th Anniversary. (Luckily my parents showed up to take care of them so they didn't have to fend for themselves. Thank you Mom and Dad!)
There was surprise sun, zero bird attacks, and dinner that didn't involve bibs, highchairs or the hour of 5pm. And, when we got home, The Princess told me that Mamo and Papa had been here for at least six or seven days and that we should definitely do it again. So, it was a success all around!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wearing the proof of a game
During soccer season I am typically covered in bruises, usually I don't even remember getting them. I've come to the conclusion that I just bruise easily. This one, however, is rather spectacular.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Too, Too Sweet
Facebook post the other day:
ARRRGGGHH!!! Ungrateful children, I'm trying to make muffins so you don't starve to death. Leave me alone!
But, they gobbled them down gratefully when they came out of the oven so I forgave them.
ARRRGGGHH!!! Ungrateful children, I'm trying to make muffins so you don't starve to death. Leave me alone!
But, they gobbled them down gratefully when they came out of the oven so I forgave them.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
A Real Parent
So this whole bike riding thing really stopped me short. There she was, riding down the sidewalk with Steve riding behind her, both of them with helmets, her long legs pumping, steering with intensity... And suddenly I really felt like a PARENT.
Yes, I've managed to keep her alive for 4 1/2 years but this felt different. We teach our kids lots of things but often the steps are so small that we're just holding on with the hope that we'll see the results in 20 years. But this, this flying down the cement a sparkly, pink and purple blur, it was such a tangible thing - this skill that we're teaching her. I could see her go from uncertainty to confidence in a matter of minutes and, instead of hopping off every few seconds to alleviate her nervousness she was challenging daddy to races.
It's the result. And it's breathtaking to watch.
Yes, I've managed to keep her alive for 4 1/2 years but this felt different. We teach our kids lots of things but often the steps are so small that we're just holding on with the hope that we'll see the results in 20 years. But this, this flying down the cement a sparkly, pink and purple blur, it was such a tangible thing - this skill that we're teaching her. I could see her go from uncertainty to confidence in a matter of minutes and, instead of hopping off every few seconds to alleviate her nervousness she was challenging daddy to races.
It's the result. And it's breathtaking to watch.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Future Pride
I've watched American Idol off and on over the years. I always thought "Wow, can you imagine living out your dream like that? That is so amazing."
This year, though, I realized that I've crossed a line when, rather than identifying with the contestants, I was thinking "Can you imagine being a parent and watching your child explode into a dream? That must be so amazing."
Then I blink away vicariously proud parent tears and imagine the future.
This year, though, I realized that I've crossed a line when, rather than identifying with the contestants, I was thinking "Can you imagine being a parent and watching your child explode into a dream? That must be so amazing."
Then I blink away vicariously proud parent tears and imagine the future.
Monday, May 21, 2012
The Birds Series: The Runaway
So, I was over at my friend's house the other day. (Yes, this JUST happened - in case you were thinking that the bird problem was simply one from many years past!) The four small children were playing outside in the backyard and we were happily sipping coffee at the kitchen table. Life was grand I tell you!
There was a small happy commotion outside and I got up to take a closer look, basically checking to see if there was any blood to be honest, because that's the bar for interrupting a long overdue conversation with a friend. The two smallest ones were bent over, eyes to the ground, chasing something. Something small, yellow, and peeping...
"Oh, a chicken!" I exclaimed trying to sound completely sane over the very small chick that had wandered into the yard. My friend has heard and read my bird stories but I try to keep my insanity under control when you meet me in person...
Curious, she came over to inspect the happenings outside the door - which was slightly open and, if I might point out, a beacon of safety for the chicken being chased by small beings who show their love by crushing objects...
The two year old bent down to try and pick up the chick and, sensing danger, the chick fluttered its wings. Well, that was it. I lost all rationality and slipped into hysteria. Still standing behind the sliding glass door, I shrieked "Protect my children!" and then skedaddled to the corner of the kitchen, waving my hands in a panic as my friend, in the midst of her laughter, went out and rescued...THE CHICK who was being pursued by all four children intent on loving it to a quick death.
The cat and I watched from the protection of the house.
Go here for more in the birds series or see the link on the side bar.
There was a small happy commotion outside and I got up to take a closer look, basically checking to see if there was any blood to be honest, because that's the bar for interrupting a long overdue conversation with a friend. The two smallest ones were bent over, eyes to the ground, chasing something. Something small, yellow, and peeping...
"Oh, a chicken!" I exclaimed trying to sound completely sane over the very small chick that had wandered into the yard. My friend has heard and read my bird stories but I try to keep my insanity under control when you meet me in person...
Curious, she came over to inspect the happenings outside the door - which was slightly open and, if I might point out, a beacon of safety for the chicken being chased by small beings who show their love by crushing objects...
The two year old bent down to try and pick up the chick and, sensing danger, the chick fluttered its wings. Well, that was it. I lost all rationality and slipped into hysteria. Still standing behind the sliding glass door, I shrieked "Protect my children!" and then skedaddled to the corner of the kitchen, waving my hands in a panic as my friend, in the midst of her laughter, went out and rescued...THE CHICK who was being pursued by all four children intent on loving it to a quick death.
The cat and I watched from the protection of the house.
Go here for more in the birds series or see the link on the side bar.
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