I think the best way to use this blog is just to list each of the crazies of my day. Don't get me wrong, I use 'crazies' in the most endearing, can't-live-without-it, must-have-more, way. And as much as I'd love to sit down and blog every day, I never find the time. Or make the time.
So Calum seems to be learning the differences between girls & boys. No people, it's not an anatomy issue for him, but it does seem to boil down to cooties. He was very upset the other day after learning a 'goa-rl' (girl) rode in his seat in the van. And this is how it was conveyed to me...'Goa-rls no sit in me seat. Me seat dirty, like me. Goa-rls no like. Goa-rls ucky mommy.' Well, ok. Where do I go from there? And this was on top of our earlier conversation that went something like this...'Goa-rls are not cool, mommy. Goa-rls are pretty. Boys are handsome.' Hmm - ok son. It took all I had not to say, but girls are smart and will take your job someday, then you'll marry one and she'll create a living being inside her body while you mow the grass. And then she'll birth this baby while you try NOT to pass out on the floor. And perhaps she'll breastfeed and nurture this baby alive while you wash the car.... But I just finished his diaper, helped him up, and kissed him. What are you going to do, right?
Moving on to Ella - oh dear. What do I say about Ella. There is something new for her almost every day. She is so much fun to be around these days - seriously. Her words, concepts, 'jokes', they crack me up...and are starting to remind me of my youth -- though I can't EVER imagine challenging my parents in her way!
One major theme of late is this idea that clothes make us 'pretty.' 'But mommy, this looks silly. It's not pretty.' Ok - how does a mother help her daughter get the 'bigger picture' when this same mother feels the exact way?! When I'm really on my game & feeling good - ready to meet Ella & all her emotions - I can come up with something of this sort, 'Oh honey. I know exactly how you feel. But I've learned that clothes (& shoes) are just clothes & shoes. They DO give us confidence but they don't make us pretty or ugly. Your laugh makes you pretty. And your kind behaviors.' -- enter vomit! HA! I might actually say that once out of the 1,542,859,427 times she throws the pretty/ugly card into our day. Most of the times I hear echos of my past, 'Shut your mouth. Perhaps it's your piss-poor attitude that's making you ugly. Your clothes are fine.' --- and after having four kids & forgiving my mother (wink) I find this response to be quite valid...a little harsh, but valid. Thankfully, these words have only been said/screamed in my head. And honestly, Ella is probably much like a dog...she hears, 'blah blah blah blah, you're pretty honey, blah blah blah blah blah.' And the circle of life continues.
My babies - phew! Are these two a crazy pair or what. My sweet surprises! They both are crawling everywhere and although Oliver started an easy two months behind Drew, he's very specific and practiced in his movements. They'll both see something and head for it quickly, but usually Drew's brain is moving too fast for her body and she slips onto her belly and falls behind Oliver. He's calculated in his thought. She's just, 'I'll jump first, there's water in there right?!' I could have some trouble with her :) It is quite amazing though. Typically with babies around a year, if you set two of them together they may play next to one another but not actually interact. This is the beauty of twins -- they DO! They interact, they play, they fight, they talk, make each other laugh. It's glorious - and a real honor to watch.
A year later, Adam and I still have moments when we shake our heads...as if trying to shake something loose :) ... take a deep breath and say, 'four. we have four.' Our lives are certainly not exactly what we thought they'd be but seriously, who could ask for anything more.
