...despite the self indulgent post of yesterday. I know when I'm being melodramatic. Really, things are good. Today there was sun, which may account for my change of heart.
A nice bike ride, some fresh air and a couple of reminders of how lucky I am have given me a little perspective. I have two healthy, happy little kids, a wonderful nanny for them, a good job, a good relationship and a comfortable place to live. When the clouds lift, I can see I am surrounded by beauty.
I slept alone again last night, soundly, deeply, and Halle slept straight through the night. Paul left dark and early for Ogre and has just returned, more than 14 hours later: exhausted.
Admittedly today I tried to find someone for Anneka to play with - preferably at their house. I called around, but the reality is I'm not the only one around here who has a partner who works on the weekend, or who has to work. I kinda did a mass babysitting gig (6 kids including mine) last Wednesday and was crossing my fingers for a return on the investment today! Nope, not happening. I had hoped to go for a ski and didn't really want to drag Anneka along. She'd much rather play with a friend.
OK, I thought. It's us again and we are going to have a great day. We did. A great day. It was nothing too special, the usual food prep, art activities, nap time and time outside. This morning while Hal slept, I set up my bike with the chariot and the bike seat and packed a lunch. We went for a beautiful ride. Anneka and I chatted the whole way. When she is in the chariot she is hard to hear and she shouts at me and we have strained conversation or I try to ignore her! The bike seat is perfect. Talking with Anneka is really very enjoyable, especially when she is in such a great mood. Halle is a great chariot kid. She chills out, hums away and enjoys the ride. I think she likes having more space back there. We stopped for a play date with friends then rode some more.
This evening after bath we hung out on my bed as usual. The girls play naked on the bed. Tonight was extra fun. Anneka jumped around yammering about how her and Halle were kiwi birds and this is our nest that they made and how Halle made it out of clay and mud and she decorated it with flowers and how they sewed the pillows. Halle stood with her arms over her head then threw herself down over and over. I lay on my back and they climbed all over me, giving me big slobbery kisses and love bites and tickles. We giggled a lot.
It was smooth and fun. These are the moments that make memories. This time with my young children is so sweet and when they are grown I will wish for it back.
In the grand scheme, life is grande. It's moments are treasures; it's the in betweens that can get rough.
I loved LOVED this post! Honest and open but also capturing such a perfect little slice of your life, the kind of slice you might forget about in a few years if you hadn't written it down.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have a husband who works weekends. And goes away for weeks at a time, so I totally very much get that feeling of needing to have plans, a playdate, something!