Navigating the hilly terrain of motherhood
Wow. That was one excellent weekend. And today was one of the most perfect days ever. I will never forget the sight of those three sweet souls running down the trail ahead of us, full of pure joy.
[I'll be sharing more photos and stories with you as soon as I can — in between the gardening, school activities and general chaos we have going on this week. Stay tuned!]
This afternoon I arrived a bit early to pick Grace up from school. All of the students and teachers were outside for their weekly school-wide assembly. They were standing in a circle around the school vegetable garden, holding hands and singing, "Inch by inch, row by row, gonna make this garden grow…"
Seriously?! How sweet is that? Reason number 247 why we love this school.
This evening, in an attempt to get Tess to try some broccoli (for the 400th time), I said: "Broccoli is really good for you."
Tess replied: "I know that! I know everything about everything!"
Oh, dear.
It has been HOT here the past two days — in the 80s and all the way up to 93 degrees today! So yesterday, in a flash of brilliance, I filled up the kiddie pool while the girls were at school. By the time they got home, it was nice and warmed up. They were both beside themselves with excitement, and Grace went crazy running through the grass and crash-landing in the pool. This morning, Tess wanted to get in the pool right away. At 8 am. I was able to get her to wait until 9:30, when the water was a bit warmer. She splashed around for over an hour, and would run across the yard to the pool, then gently step in — a sharp (but not surprising) contrast to her sister. I also found it hilarious that she insisted on wearing her swim cap. It's going to be a fun summer.
As we were leaving a birthday party today (our second of the weekend!), Grace's wiggly front tooth started bleeding. This was traumatizing for the poor child, and although a friend offered to yank it out, Grace refused to let anyone touch it. Thus began two hours of heart-wrenching fear and discomfort as the tooth tried its hardest to fall out all by itself. Then, in the middle of a salt-water rinse, out it came! And the joyous, celebratory part of the evening began — finally!! We headed straight to Toots with our relieved, grown-up feeling girl. Losing teeth can be hard work, but a little ice cream and a new smile makes it all worthwhile!
Today was "Commute Another Way Day" at Grace's school. Most of us live too far away to bike to school, so a bunch of students met at the beginning of the causeway and biked (or walked!) across to the island. Grace was thrilled to be able to participate, and we were proud of our new little cyclist.
[See Grace above on the left, with her dress tucked into her rainbow tights — so cute! Thanks to Adam for the photo.]
What have we been up to, you wonder? About a million things — I'll try to update you soon. However, I can tell you that we recently acquired an addition to our backyard extravaganza. And the girls been out there every day after school, jumping and jumping and laughing… and getting very tired.
On Sunday, the weather was forecasted to be in the mid-70s, which sounded lovely. So we went to the beach. When we got there, though — loaded down with shovels, buckets, and beach towels — there was a chilly ocean breeze. Of course, that did not deter our little mini-Mainers, who so badly want it to be summertime. I have to admit, I'm right there with them (although I still refused to put on my swimsuit).
To my sweet four-year old,
You are my constant buddy, my calm in the storm, my helper, my "rememberer." I love your hugs, your smiles, and your contagious giggles. I love how you hug and kiss your sister every night, and every morning before school. I love that you are so quick to forgive, so patient, and so full of joy.
You are so excited to be four, to be big enough to reach the front doorknob yourself. I keep telling you to stop growing, to stay just the way you are forever. I'd like to bottle the three-year-old you, and carry you with me always. But then again, I know I'll say the same thing about the four-year-old you.
I love you more than the stars and the moon and the whole world,
Mommy
Travelingjenny 