Classic

I love this. 

So typical of what happens around here. 

I love watching my children interact when they are getting along.

It is one of the most rewarding things to watch.

But as they are learning how to interact appropriately, we often have mishaps.

This is one classic example.

My favorite part: "Sthoor-wee" (sorry).

And then the hug.

Sometimes he gets so excited and gets a little physical.

That little body is filled with all sorts of energy--not to mention strength.

Memory Loss

Time, they say, is a good healer. And it is true. 

Time is a good healer because memories fade and emotions grow faint.

And time can be a real blessing.

But what about the moments I never want to forget?

Moments--right now--that will soon be a memory.

Sometimes I don't want time to allow memories to fade and emotions to grow faint.

I want to remember my children's faces:

Henry's guilty, yet innocent face,

Maggie's closed-eye smiles and her cough-laugh.

I want to remember my children's interactions:

Maggie's smile when she sees Henry in the morning or after a nap,

Henry saying, "Maggie!" with a smile and offering a hug.

I want to remember my children's developments:
Henry learning new words and phrases,
Maggie saying, "Mamamamama" with a fish face.

I want to remember moments with Brendon,
When we laugh at the new things our children say and do,
When we smile at each other while watching our children.

I don't want time to take these memories.

I don't want time to take these emotions.

I don't want to forget.

Today & This Month

Today we stayed home all day.

I fed Sister and folded laundry before Henry woke up.

Henry didn't want to go on a walk, so I ran on the treadmill while he watched a movie and Sister napped.

We ate together and played before afternoon naps.

I cleaned and read while the children were napping.

It was a peaceful two hours.

After naps, we killed a dozen flies in our house (after leaving the doors open to let in a cool breeze).

The kids went on a short basket ride together.

Dad was awake so we played with him for a little while before he left for work.

Dad is working night shifts, so we don't see him much these days.

We miss him. 

Only three days left of this rotation.

After Dad left, we played in our backyard.

We threw the ball on the roof (Henry's latest favorite game).

Henry squished a few of the hundreds of beetles (no exaggeration) in our tree and laughed when I yelled, "Eww!"

Maggie played in the Bumbo contently and smiled at me when I talked with her.

We came in for dinner. 

Henry hates dinner these days and so I'm pretty sure he went to bed hungry tonight.

I wouldn't let him eat a pancake or cheese or pears until he had a bite of soup. 

And he never took a bite.

{today's photos}

{sister was this excited during the entire basket ride}

{squish, squish...complete with bug guts on finger}

{laughing at mom's reaction...opposite effect of what was intended...boys}

{love this face...it melts my heart}

Despite Dad being occupied with residency, we've had a good month.

I have been reminded that putting Henry to bed is quality time with him, not a chore.

I have been reminded that I should seize the opportunity for one-on-one moments with Maggie.

I have been reminded that Brendon needs a break, too.

I've been cherishing small moments with my children:

moments when I squeeze and kiss them,

moments when we laugh together,

moments when we are all together, playing.

I've been thinking a lot about who I am and who I want to become.

I've been assessing what I do with my time and how to use it better.

I've been more contemplative and more willing to change.

Yes, it has been a good month.