First of all I want to thank you all for
your love and support. Your emails, calls, and kind words go a
long way towards making me feel like less of a crazy person.
Thank you for sharing your own crazy moments too. It’s nice to
know I’m not the only one who struggles with this kind of
thing. Julie made a great point about how we are not really
meant to do this alone. These days we are so isolated in our
own little worlds and children are so exhausting and
all-consuming. Dads are great, but usually working full-time
and can’t always come home when things get rough, family is
usually far away (and working as well) and friends are dealing
with their own children and lives… It’s tough and I guess we
just do the best we can each day.
Anyway, after the kids fell asleep last night, Alan came
home and we had a chance to discuss. In addition to all the
craziness, I found myself telling him about three bright spots
in our day. I thought I’d share with you all as well:
1) When I was writing yesterday’s post,
on paper, the kids were sitting at the table with me having a
snack. At one point Eve asked what I was doing and I told her
that I was writing. Of course she asked why and I said it made
me feel better. A few minutes later Lex piped up and said, “Yes
Eve, you’re right, Mom is angry at me and she’s writing to make
herself feel better.” It made me laugh. I love that he
processes information and then tells Eve. Such a great way to
learn.2) When I let Lex come downstairs
after his 40 minute break, I asked if he wanted to go outside
and get the mail for me. I’ve been thinking for awhile that he
might like that job, but we’ve never done it before. I gave him
three rules (be careful on the road, get all the mail, close
the box) and sent him on his way. Eve and I watched from the
screen door. It was drizzling, but he was super excited to go
out. He was very careful by the road, slowing down and looking
both ways about half way down the driveway. Then he opened the
box and was even more excited to see a Highlights magazine! He
promptly opened it up and started reading! Right there in the
street, in the rain! Crazy kid. I had to call out to him to get
him to come back. He grabbed the rest of the mail, closed the
box, and came back. Once inside he dropped everything on the
floor, including himself, and started reading the magazine.
There was also Pampered Chef magazine in the mail so Eve sat
down next to him and started reading that! I ran for the
camera, but sadly missed the picture. I have the memory though
and that helps.3) After dinner the kids
decided to play hide-and-seek. I love it when they play
together. Eve always hides behind the curtain, giggling and
peeking out. Lex is getting really good at hiding, and by good
I mean he hides! And he stays in his hiding place until you
find him! Giggling all the while :) After a few minutes they
asked me to play, so I counted and seeked, while they hid. Then
Lex decided to seek and did a great job saying, “Where’s Eve???
Is she under the table? Nope! Is she in the cabinet? Nope!” Of
course he knew where she was (can’t miss the giggling!) but he
did a great job playing along. I makes my heart happy when they
play so sweetly together.
Amazing
how one day can be filled with so many highs and lows!
Today was peaceful. We went to the playground
this morning, had a nice quiet time/nap time this afternoon,
then went outside to color on the street with chalk (which
reminds me, there is still plastic wrap in the mailbox and
sidewalk chalk in our newspaper box… hmmm… I guess the mail
lady and newspaper lady will have a little surprise tomorrow).
Then we planted green beans and carrots along with the garlic
in my haphazard garden. I had the best of intentions, but
apparently no motivation, so we’ll do a simple garden again
this year. A good day was had by all.
In
other news, this morning I went to meet with a guy from my old
company (where I worked when Lex was a baby) and he very
happily offered me part-time work. So as soon as I can find
daycare, I’ll be working two days a week. I think this will be
good for all of us. Lex played hard with kids at the playground
today, which reassured me that he needs more interaction with
kids his own age. I’m looking forward to it. Wish me luck!! And
thanks again for all the love and support. I’ll see if I can
get some photos up here soon, the blog is looking a little text
heavy!