Mini Mommy

Parents of young children (and old, I suppose) take great pride in finding similarities between themselves and their babes. You, my dear, are almost a carbon copy of me. At least for the most part. Right down to your analytical side, weighing your options, very rarely the first to jump into any situation. I am the same way. Take swimming for example: you are never the first to jump off the wall or attempt to swim by yourself, but as soon as you see someone else give it a try, you go for it! And once you see that you can do it, your confidence soars and you charge full steam ahead.

A funny example of your "wait and see" side showed up the other night. We were downtown walking around after dinner. A street musician was playing his guitar and singing, and it was really fun. Berit immediately kicked off her flip flops and started dancing in the middle of the mall. You, on the other hand, weren't so sure. You sat down on the bench with daddy and decided your time was better spent at that moment feeding Tabitha (your baby). After about 3 minutes, however, you realized how much fun your sister was having and you jumped right in.

It was a great night.

iloveyoumadly.
mama

Pre-Bath Naked Baking

How Do Daddies Make Babies?

I was tucking you in last night when out of the blue you asked "Mommy, how do daddies make babies?" Now I have always been told to answer a child's question simply and exactly - don't elaborate, and tell the truth. So I did. I responded, "Daddies don't make babies - mommies do. Mommies have eggs in their bellies that turn into babies."

You got real quiet, and then in a very sad, sad voice said, "But mommy, I really thought daddies made babies!"

So clearly we were going to have this conversation. I responded, "You're right - daddies have to be a part of the process to make babies. They have something special inside them that works with the egg to make the baby." Clearly at this point I was hoping I wouldn't have to take this any further, and for the night anyway we could just move on.

But then you started crying. And I thought FOR SURE I had totally freaked you out, and I was going to have to keep explaining this process to you. But then - in a choking sob - you said, "I just want to move to Florida!"

What?

I asked you to explain. You went on to say, "I just want to live where there are princesses ALL the time!"

Clearly I didn't scar you with my first attempt at The Birds and The Bees.

Moving On....Moving Out?

I was tucking you in the other night, and on my 2nd check you opened your arms and decided it was time for you to hold me and rub my back. I love it when you do this. At that moment I realized that one day you weren't going to even want hugs from me, much less want me to lay down and snuggle with you. It was such an overwhelming feeling that I almost started to cry! I love you so much. You are growing up so fast I feel like I am not taking advantage of every moment you need and want me. I promise to relish in these moments moving forward.....

On the way to school yesterday you got really emotional. Out of the blue. I asked you what was wrong, and you said, "I don't want to live all by my big self when I grow up." I asked what you meant, and you said you never wanted to leave my house. I have no idea where this came from! So I spent the rest of the car ride to school reassuring you that a) you have about 14 years before that even comes up as an option, b) by that time you might be running for the hills to get away from me. You didn't seem to think that would ever happen.

It looks like you and I are pretty fond of each other baby. I think I can live with that - for now, and at least another 14 years.

iloveyoumadly.
mama

China

We survived! yay.

But not without some challenges. Let me say this first, however, before I go into those: you are amazing. You have risen to the challenge of being the 1st Born/big sister. You were my little helper, and for the most part without complaint. I love you so much for so many reasons, not the least of which is I am not sure how I would deal with your baby sister without you! (Ok - I'm being dramatic). But really - because she worships you down to your core there are times where we can just leave you two alone for a long time to play because I know you're watching out for her.

Ok - so onto the challenges. Main thing: mama didn't get much sleep during this trip. Aside from Ba helping every evening (hallelujah!!!!) the only overnight help I had was during one of the weekends when Nana came to stay with us. There were many nights I spent either in your bed or on the floor next to Berit's crib. Neither of you like it when one of us is gone, and it really reflects in your sleeping habits. But the worst night was when you both woke up AT THE SAME TIME! At 2:45 a.m. And. Never. Went. Back. To. Sleep. For real. After multiple attempts to keep you separated, I finally gave in at 4:30 and we went downstairs to watch a movie. I have never been so exhausted. That was the only night that happened - but there were many where you both woke up in the same night, just not at the same time.

We function best as a whole family. No questions asked. And when you guys saw daddy standing in the garage waiting for us last week when we got home from school - MAN did you faces light up! You were both so excited. It reminded me how awesome we are when we're all together.

iloveyoumadly.
mama

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I'm a day late. So sorry. I'll get into that later....

But HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY my sweet angel. I can't believe that 4 years ago I became a mama. You make my life so bright, and my days so unbelievably wonderful. Every day I get more and more glimpses as to what kind of person you are going to become.

You continue to amaze me with your generosity - especially when it comes to your baby sister. She wants to be wherever you are, do whatever you're doing, wear whatever you're wearing ALL THE TIME! And most of the time you have incredible patience with her. You love her so much and it makes me so happy. The ups far outweigh the downs. I couldn't be more proud of who you are as a sister. And it's not just me who notices. Almost everyone who sees you interact with Berit comments on how gentle you are with her, how giving, how forgiving, because she can be an outright turd. (Shhhhh....don't tell her I said that!) You're never harsh with her. Never. And we rarely have to ask you to share your things with her because you readily want to show her everything. This has to be the most beautiful thing about having a family, seeing my children interact and laugh with each other. Yes, the laughing the two of you do together is second only to watching you lead her by the hand into the playroom. Daddy thinks I am Berit's favorite person in the world, but I'm going to share a secret with you: Berit may call out for me when she's scared or has an OWWWIEEEE, but she squeals when she sees you climb up those stairs in the morning. She runs to be by your side. She imitates your every move. I think you are Berit's hero. As your mother I am blessed to be able to witness this. Thank you for being such an amazing older sister.


You struggle with wanting so desperately to be independent and yet still needing us. We struggle with it too. We want for you to be able to do certain things on your own (like fall asleep!) and get frustrated when you won't. But we also love it when you need a hug to "put you back together" when you're feeling low, or that sometimes you just need to hold our hand as we watch tv. It's those moments I try to breathe in and just hold there.

The other weekend Daddy was gone, and you had a rough night. I knew Berit was sick and would also probably wake up at some point, so I offered the rare opportunity for you to come sleep in our bed. You crawled in under the covers, and even though we have a huge king bed, you snuggled right up against me. I just smelled your hair, and listened to you breathe and absorbed every ounce of it. Even though I knew I wouldn't get much sleep, I didn't mind - it was exactly where I wanted to be at that moment.

Daddy is going to leave for China again in a few weeks. I always dread this trip. It's a long time for him to be away from us. I know I am going to count on you to help more this time - and I know you are going to rise to the challenge. You are my Hadley, and I can't wait to see what this next year brings us.

iloveyoumadly.
mama