Somewhere in there, we also squeezed in a birthday party for our goddaughter Rosie. Marie had been talking about it all week and then the day finally arrived. We even got to meet Rosie's new little brother, Leo, just two weeks old! It was a great party and by the time we were headed home we were all pretty tired.
Who needs presents when you can play with bubble wrap??
To completely change subjects, as some of you might have gathered, one of the aspects of our bedtime routine is to share things that make us thankful. Joey's response almost inevitably includes sunny days and cars. Marie tends to look around the living room and respond with whatever her eyes happen to land upon...walls, windows, chairs, and of course the many toys that are (not so neatly) put away. One of the things that I occasionally share is that I'm thankful for "days at home with my kids." (Though I have to admit that sometimes after a long or challenging day at home, this is my own reminder that I am and should be truly thankful.)
This past month, we have spent a good amount of time at home. We definitely haven't been traveling and unless there was something that we needed to go out for, I haven't been ultra-excited about bundling the kids up, packing the car, and heading out in the snow while 8 months pregnant. I've reflected on this for the last couple of weeks and even though we've still had our challenging times, I've really enjoyed spending days at home with Marie and Joey. Perhaps a part of it is due to the fact that I know those days are numbered. I know I will be spending quite a few days at home with my kids in the next few weeks, but it won't be with just Marie and Joey.
Perhaps it is just the pregnancy hormones making their presence known, but there is something bittersweet about getting ready for a new baby. We are SO excited to meet the newest member of our family, to see who he looks like, and to welcome him into our home. But, at the same time, I'm saying farewell to the "days at home with my kids" as I know it. Marie and Joey will have to adjust to less attention, an exhausted and likely distracted mom, and altered schedules and routines. I'm sure they will be fine and that in a few weeks we won't even be able to image how our lives were before baby brother. But, appease me for just a while longer while I reflect upon those "days at home with my kids."
Joey: "Dis-ter. Do you love me?"
Marie: "Yeah."
Joey: "Why?"
Joey and I sometimes go to Mass while Marie is at Atrium. Right before communion, while the priest is partaking of the Precious Body and Blood, Joey turns and whispers, "He's hungry!"
While talking about St. Valentine and how while he was in jail...Marie: "What's jail?"
Peg: "It's a place where sometimes people have to go even if they don't want to and they can't get out."
The story goes on about how children visited St. Valentine and brought him food.
Marie: "How did she get out?"
Peg and Jon are talking.
Joey (interrupting very urgently): "Mom! Mom! Excuse me, Mom!"
Peg: "Yes, Joey."
Joey (pauses): "...I can't remember."
Joey was talking to Grandma Shibata about coming to visit when the baby comes.
Grandma: "What should I bring when I come?"
Joey: "A present for ME!"
Marie: "Mom? Does drinking Crystal Light always make you pregnant?"
Here's to you, Marie and Joey. Thank you for being such great kids, for bringing me such laughter and joy, and for all those "days at home with my kids."
2 comments:
FABULOUS post Peg! Days at home with the kids are awesome- jealous :) Glad you're savoring those moments before the new babe.
And I LOVE the comment about Crystal Light making you pregnant. Hilarious.
I hadn't read this great post until just now, and I'm pretty sure you wrote it just for me :) You have handled this life transition so beautifully and gracefully Peggy, just like you do everything, and I'm inspired to be so much better because of you :) Thanks for being such a wonderful example! I hope all is well on the home front, and that you aren't too sleep-deprived right now!
Post a Comment