So much is changing with my little people every day. They are artists and musicians, actors and detectives, scientists and mathematicians. They want to see and learn and hear everything. They bounce all over, soaking it all up. And they are becoming the slightest bit more trustworthy and independent. They are finally (FINALLY!!!) starting to play together for short periods without screeching, so from time to time, I get a moment to myself. Sometimes I can pee without an audience, you guys! It's a miracle!
And I can talk to them. I can talk with them, and it is such a pleasure it catches me off guard sometimes.
The Little One's speech is growing by the day and he's able to tell me so much more about what he thinks about and observes around him. He can tell me what "fwaired" him in the shadows behind the door. He can explain his nightmares to me (in simple terms, but still). He can tell me when and where he's hurt. And he tell me when he's excited about something. He can tell me me loves me, or wants a kiss, or wants to "cwimb on yap and wead a book." He surprises me on a daily basis with his new tricks, and though he also surprises me with the depth of his stubbornness and willingness to test me, I adore that little boy to pieces.
The Big One. So big! He is so expressive now. He's picking up words left and right and- to my delight- is using them. Correctly! His context is spot on, and he gets it. My English teacher heart soars with every new word. He's picked up gorgeous, humongous, enormous, and glum. And he's used them all. I cannot tell you how much I love it when he asks what a word means, and I watch him absorb the meaning as I explain. My wonderful little word sponge.
They are so big already. It happens so quickly. I've found myself drawn to pictures of them both as babies, as though I can preserve that tiny part of them if I just remember. If I only remember. But they're no different. They are bigger, more capable, naughtier... but they are still the same babies that I held and cuddled back then. I look at the pictures and I see the same expressions, the same mischievous grins, the same goofiness, the same heart-breaking quiver when they'd begin to cry. They are the same. My babies. Always my babies.
Here's a bit of their latest adorableness. Enjoy and swoon with me at their preciousness, won't you?
Little One:
Thomas = hummus (this may tell you where his loyalties lie...)
Frinkle far = Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (That one took a while to figure out. I kept thinking about Farkles the Unicorn.)
Fwaired = scared
Fweep = either sleep or sweep, depending on context
Big One:
After seeing a picture of me at my wedding, the Big One said, "Mommy, why are you wearing a blanket on your head?" Touche, little dude.
"Mommy, you're a real superhero." Damn skippy.
"I feel glum." Well, then.
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Also, in case you don't follow me on Facebook (HEY! YOU SHOULD FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK!!!), here is an article that is in beautiful opposition to all the "lean in" and "opt out" articles popping up all over the place. It rings true for me, and likely rings true for many of you, too.
"For the average married mother of small children, it is often cheaper to stay home - even if she would prefer to be in the workforce. It is hard to "lean in" when you are priced out."
