I took a NAP!!!!!!!!! today for the first time in awhile. Jake gallantly went downstairs to herd the herd while I slept and my new baby grew a bit. When I arose, I ate a few handfuls of M&Ms (stored under my bathroom sink. Shhhh don't tell Gracie), and headed downstairs. Jake began into a few tales of dozing on the couch while Grace "slapped" him, which word doesn't need quotations because she really does SLAP him on the face when he's napping.
Because what's a girl supposed to do on Sunday when her parents are asleep? Pee on the carpet? Check. Scream at Ruby so loudly you'd think Ruby was shaving Gracie's head against her will? Check. Play silently with her thousands of toys outside on the patio in the 75-degree sunshiney day? Check. But not quite enough. Must. Slap. Daddy. What in the world...?
So Grace and I had a talk about how that wasn't really very nice, during which she stared at the wall. When chastizing my girls, the biggest battle is making them actually MAKE EYE CONTACT with me in my ranting. I suspect little boys may not play this recoiling game, but my girls? They have found the most subtle and annoying ways to shun during a lecture. I'm still figuring that one out.
The rest of the evening consisted of a little bike ride past the lake and a little bit of swimming in the clubhouse pool in street clothing. I had nothing to do with this, it was all Jake's fault. My pregnant self was sitting on a lounge chair the whole time, after having walked almost a mile, and I was told the main purpose in the beginning was to "wash Ruby's feet off".
But what I want to emphasize this evening is how a loud orchestra movement of a day can come to a close so silently. It's dark outside. The girls are in their beds, asleep. I steal in their room for a few minutes after they are asleep every night for a little peace-filled nuzzling. These are the times I can barely describe without tears. Snuggled into their pillows, their bodies and minds have worked so hard throughout the day that seeing them still brings an extra spectrum of silence to my heart.
The past day flies by in my head in flashes- A dumped-out toy bin, a few peeled apples, clothes thrown on the floor, some screaming, Grace's voice, Ruby's profile, the smell of their hair, the bathroom practically flooded after their bath... so many things. All coming to a brief end for the night. And they look like they did when they were babies, their eyelashes resting on their cheeks, smelling like shampoo and baby sweat. Another night of growing bigger and smarter, only to wake in the morning with energy pulsing in their veins. Sometimes I just can't handle how old they already are. And it's almost Monday again...
12 comments:
keep writing, Sarah- it's priceless
i love the faces of those girls - so beautiful.
the craziness of childrearing never ends - it just changes a little - more slightly than one might think. i still steal into their rooms late at night so i can catch them at peace with the world - it's one of the few things that never gets old. those moments seem not to be a respecter of age...18 years or 18 months...they're still your baby.
What a lovely post. I love your posts that make me want to go kiss my sleeping babies. I DID actually have to get up half way through to eat a handful of M&M's I bought because they were Valentines colors-- I'd almost forgotten about them, thank goodness I read your blog.
I LOOVE going in my boys room at night. Sometimes I could stand in there looking at them forever. It is the best feeling in the world and you write so well! Great post!
I LOVE those photos with the green, green grass. She looks beautiful. Both your girls actually.
And I have the same Valentine colored M&M's. Yum.
I love it when you post. You are such a great writer.
Again,who is this annonymous fellow? I always agree with him/her...they crack me up being annonymous.
I completely agree about the priceless moments we steal when the kids aren't aware...isn't it nice? Pure peace, pure love. No ranting and raving and complaing and whining. It all just seems so far away...
My goodness girl you have got to keep writing and please write a book. Many books. I have never read someones words that describe the way I'm feeling or have felt at times in a way I can't describe. Okay not sure if that made sense.
I love that you feel the same way about our kids growing up entirely too fast. I do the same thing at night. Sneak into their rooms to hug, kiss and just stare at them. I find myself trying to freeze moments into my memory. Please let me remember this time! I started a journal a few months ago strictly devoted to writing the things my kids say and do everyday.
Your brother is now in my mother in-laws ward. She says he is great. What a small world.
a good post. Its good to be reminded how lucky we are - sometimes I just want to keep sleeping in and never move while the demands never stop!! But its perfect moments like these that keep you going and full of joy. good to remember that - thanks
Oh that was beautiful. Why do we seem to love things more when they're quiet. I remember when I was a teacher, feeling like I only actually liked my students when the room was silent and they were all reading. Great photos.
You totally have to send them to E.F.Y when they are older. It's the best ever. And they with both be gettin all the boys.
You totally have to send them to E.F.Y when they are older. It's the best ever. And they with both be gettin all the boys.
I tagged you.
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