My girls and I are having a sleepover tonight. We spent all afternoon and evening, just the three of us. It was beautiful outside so we spent lots of time walking and talking. I was struck by how refreshing it was to have an uninterupted conversation with Julia. Sam and Julia talk over each other much of the time. Today was a wake up call for me. I need to spend more one on one time with each of my kids.
Our conversations were about everything and nothing. My JoJo is a problem solver and a chatter box! We hiked at least two miles and not once did she ask for a break. To me that's a clear indication that she was having fun. No complaining? oh. my. goodness. It was a hike I won't soon forget.
This is what else I want to remember about it:
short French braids with stubborn curls at the ends, hands stained with wild grape juice, big Hello Kitty sunglasses, and the remnants of chocolate chips around her mouth, the sound of her singing "What a Beautiful World", and the giggles when we accidentally let go of the grape vine and whap ourselves in our faces...
And then there's my youngest daughter, Elsa. Oh baby girl your eyes light up my whole world! I get lost in the deep blue and marvel at the way they catch the light. You don't like to be set down very often but will sometimes ride in the jogger and smile up at me with your big gummy mouth. Your little tongue wiggles and your mouth opens so wide with happiness. You have even started to squeal when you are on the changing table. Your favorite place is nestled in my arms but at 15 pounds I can only do that for so long!
Tonight I wrapped you in your swaddle blanket, ran my fingertips over your forehead the way you like and listened to your breath even out as you calmed down. Those final moments of our evening together are so special to me. The connection I feel to you is so strong. A touch. A single feather-light touch is all it takes to help you drift off to dreamland.
Sweet dreams baby girls. Mama loves you!
Our conversations were about everything and nothing. My JoJo is a problem solver and a chatter box! We hiked at least two miles and not once did she ask for a break. To me that's a clear indication that she was having fun. No complaining? oh. my. goodness. It was a hike I won't soon forget.
This is what else I want to remember about it:
short French braids with stubborn curls at the ends, hands stained with wild grape juice, big Hello Kitty sunglasses, and the remnants of chocolate chips around her mouth, the sound of her singing "What a Beautiful World", and the giggles when we accidentally let go of the grape vine and whap ourselves in our faces...
And then there's my youngest daughter, Elsa. Oh baby girl your eyes light up my whole world! I get lost in the deep blue and marvel at the way they catch the light. You don't like to be set down very often but will sometimes ride in the jogger and smile up at me with your big gummy mouth. Your little tongue wiggles and your mouth opens so wide with happiness. You have even started to squeal when you are on the changing table. Your favorite place is nestled in my arms but at 15 pounds I can only do that for so long!
Tonight I wrapped you in your swaddle blanket, ran my fingertips over your forehead the way you like and listened to your breath even out as you calmed down. Those final moments of our evening together are so special to me. The connection I feel to you is so strong. A touch. A single feather-light touch is all it takes to help you drift off to dreamland.
Sweet dreams baby girls. Mama loves you!
beautiful! what a lovely time.
ReplyDeletebrittany
awesome! My kiddos are best friends and I love how great they get along (most of the time) but, I too, notice how very very different they are when you have one child one on one...
ReplyDeleteAmazing little creatures they are when they have the space they need to express themselves!
Awww so sweet! And what beautiful memories =) One on one time truly is so important!
ReplyDeleteNow that sounds like a wonderful day!! I love taking one on one time with my kids, I really get to see their personalities come out.
ReplyDeleteHow fun! What a sweet sweet memory. She is seriously almost 15 lbs? We are TRYING so hard to get Hannah to 18. Heavens. My children are just scrawny.
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