Cleaning the tub

While reflecting on the growth of my oldest child, I am struck by the simple fact that children are always doing the absolute very best they are capable to doing. This is a not to commonly held belief of main stream parents. I remember thinking it was was particularly insightful the first time I read it. It immediately resonated with me as an idea. However, as I see the natural changes in my eldest daughter, I am blown away by the simple concept. It actually saddens me to think of how often we expect children to be able to do something that is beyond their capabilities. As ridiculous as it sounds, they just can't do something until they can. One example was brought to my attention this evening. My children enjoyed a long and entertaining bath together until Audrey decided she had been splashed enough and wanted to exit the tub. I dried her off as she checked out her reflection in the mirror. I finished dressing her and turned to help her sister get out as well. I helped Morgan into her pjs and brushed her hair. I turned my back to her to begin cleaning up the toys that I assumed were still strew all over the tub and almost fell over. The bathtub was spotless. Morgan had already stored all of the toys away in the basket and placed it on the side. As I stood staring down at the white porcelain and thanking her for cleaning up, she had already picked up all of the dirty clothes and diaper that had been in a pile behind me. At that moment, I realized that she had never been able to do this before tonight. These simple acts of cleaning up after yourself require more than the ability to lean down and pick something up. They also require a certain amount of foresight, understanding, and cognitive ability. As I notice this change in my daughter, I am reminded to be patient and gentle as I watch my children grow. If I can slow myself and expectations, I will give them the gift of time to allow themselves to unfold into the beautiful beings they are.

Snow to sleep

It actually snowed yesterday. It was absolutely beautiful and felt very surreal. Amy was home and Morgan spent most of the day playing outside with her, Chris, and Karen. Audrey hung out with Mark and me and asked many times where Morgan was. When she returned, both girls took a shower together and played with their toys. They dried off next to the fire before a quick dinner of Chinese food.
Lately we have been listening to some guided meditations for children before sleep. They always relax Morgan and put her right to sleep. As soon as they are over, Audrey stops nursing and tells Morgan to hold her. They snuggle and drift off. Their closeness warms me and is something I hope lasts a very long time.

still here:)

My little family is still here. Growing, learning, and loving life. We went away to RI for the holidays and stayed with Mark's family for 10 days. The girls were in heaven playing from the moment they awoke until they went up to bed. Mark and I enjoyed visiting with everyone and I spent the trip truly relaxing and being a bit introspective.
My father and step mother came for a visit and we spent the weekend with them the day after we returned. My aunts, sister, and BIL were, of course, there as well. It was unexpectedly calm considering the girls were absolutely exhausted.

Our life is just now getting back to a normal schedule. Though we had a great time, I am glad to be back to our everday life. My girls are happy and peaceful right now. Morgan and I have an ongoing game of Monopoly currently on hold until we can grab some more moments alone. It was her idea to get the game out and I held in any comments about the game being for "older" people. I am so glad that I did because she loves it. We have a blast buying up property and she loves to put hotels up! Her beautiful caring personality shines through as she plays and offers me money or tells me to keep the rent I owe when I land on her property. I see her changing and growing up every day. Right before we started playing the game today I mentioned that I was tired. Immediately she said, "We don't have to play if you don't want to." She has also really started to ask if I need any help at different moments throughout the day. She is a joy to be around and I can't wait to spend more time with her tomorrow.
I think Audrey is finally catching up on some sleep. Her mood was much better today than it has been the past few days. She got to enjoy swinging at the park today and yesterday. She and Morgan spend most of their time playing together no matter where we are. If Morgan goes out, Audrey asks about her whereabouts continually. She adores her Morgan. Morgan comforts her and takes care of her and neither one likes to be away from each other for very long.