I’ll start right out the gate and say that I’m not feeling like I have a ton to share tonight. Some days are just better for my mind frame than others, and as the day has gone on, I’m feeling more uncomfortable and less inspired. At least that’s an honest and accurate representation of where we are coming up on 36 weeks along.
Today had some beautiful moments in it for sure, and I don’t want them to get lost in the discomfort. E had a great day at camp and can’t wait to go back. C and I had the chance to head to the beach this morning with friends and it was so life-giving to see the kids running, laughing, playing and sliding down the dune together. A monarch floated around us and returned a handful of times as we all visited in the sand. The sun was shining, the temperature by the water was perfect, and the sky was 100% blue. C dragged a washed up buoy all the way home as a treasure, which was endearing to say the least. These sweetnesses are extra sweet with the opportunity to slow down, recognize and soak them in. I think it’s possible that we’ll never take visits with our friends for granted again–not after this past year–and that’s a gift in and of itself. Each time we take a picture of the kids together, we marvel at our very steadfast dreams materializing before our eyes. It’s the sacred in and amongst the ordinary, and the space feels thin between.
This afternoon, I was working in the baby’s room and C was reading from the stack of board books waiting to be stored in the closet for future reading sessions. He was talking about how much he liked Goodnight Moon and I asked him if he would help me to read stories to the baby sometime. His reply was so honest and I love him for it: “I know big brothers are supposed to help, but I don’t really want to do that.” I am loving my conversations with him these days. He has so much to say when it’s just the two of us, and he regularly uses words like “similar” and “injury” and vocabulary that still sometimes surprises me coming from his four year old self. I don’t think it’s just the baby coming that has this effect, but the timing feels ironic–C is growing up in a way that I can tangibly see right now, and it’s strange to have it be so palpable and permanent. He’s been my little buddy for so long…I’m certainly not ready to let go of that part of who we are together anytime soon.
We made tuna melts for dinner tonight and introduced the kids to Full House (the original). I don’t think I ever realized growing up just how quirky the whole show really was, but our littles seemed to enjoy it. A throwback to the 1980s and tuna melts and watermelon for dinner–that’s life in our house right now. H is away at camp all week and things don’t feel the same without him, but I’m grateful that he can be in his own element in this timing. I hope it’s functioning as a respite and refreshment for him. He’s craving friend time and I have no doubt that the changes around here pile up for a ten year old learning to stretch his wings. We are missing him while he’s gone and will be thrilled to see him and welcome him back in a few days. Meanwhile, we’re plugging along and doing life with our younger two here in the middle of summer.
I am eager to get some sleep tonight and also eager to put the final coat of paint on the dresser upstairs. We’re getting there, even with all of the middle parts that sometimes feel like trudging or crawling along. Maybe this is being still, in a way. If it is, I’m needing the practice and very glad for the moments when I can lean into it instead of resisting what’s best for me.
Tomorrow is another new day, probably ready with a handful of simple delights if I’m looking for them. I plan to be looking for them.
MM