There are times when it is really really extra hard to be gracious and grateful for what you have, like just being a parent. This job is not always easy. It's not all wine and roses, not all fun and games. Some days there is whining and shouting and "I don't want to!"
from everyone. There are so many times when I wish they would just. be. quiet. for 30 seconds. Just 30 seconds!!!
Then, there are those times when I'm putting them to bed, and it's just the three of us, because Elliott gets a rare night out. I still have work I need to do, and it's already 8:30, so that means it's going to be a late night (again). But, we're laying there, and they're finally settling down, and Lennon puts his arm around me and says, "You're cute. Can I hug you?"
(Are you crazy? Of course you can hug me, you insanely adorable little guy.) Noel keeps asking for lotion, so I tell him that when Lennon's asleep, I'll get him some. Finally, Lennon's asleep, and I get the lotion. Noel tells me that I'm mean for not getting him the lotion sooner. I let it roll off. I say, "Am I meaner than Oscar the Grouch?" "Yes," he replies. "You're meaner than a saber tooth tiger," I tell him. And he giggles. "You're meaner than a T. Rex."
And it goes on like this, until we can think of no more mean things, and we're quietly giggling...
"You're meaner than Luke Skywalker," I say. "Hey!" he laughs. "That's because you're not mean. You're sweet and nice and I love you."
"You're meaner than C3PO."
And we say goodnight, and say that we love each other.
I go back a few minutes later to give him an extra kiss. "Goodnight Storm Trooper."
"Goodnight Clone Trooper."
And even though I still haven't started that work, this seemed more important.
We joined a pool in the suburbs, but our awesome 'hood also has this adorable wading pool at the park, bored lifeguard included. These photos were taken on the first day of Summer. The high that day was something like 75 and the boys were freezing, but they HAD to go swimming.
They have also been spending a good amount of time at the library. The public library has a summer reading program with incentives like a family pack of baseball tickets if you conclude the 12 hours of required reading. Noel & Lennon have earned a book bag and silly bands so far, and have 6 hours to go until they get the baseball tickets. I'm proud of my little bookworms. They love filling out their little cards each day after they've done their reading. Have I mentioned that Noel taught himself how to read? It's true: I'm sending him off to Kindergarten already knowing how to read. I'm pretty sure we've earned some bragging rights.
I've spent the better part of 10 years with this man. In 10 years with him, I have come 10,000 miles. Before we met, I was lost. I did not know who I was, or who I wanted to be. He has been my best friend, my biggest cheerleader, my soulmate...the father of my two most precious accomplishments.
