Today when Iris’ eyes finally closed and she drifted off during a nap, something unexpected happened. I allowed myself to let go of all of the fear, the weight of responsibility of raising a girl that colors every interaction with her. I found myself weeping with joy. I have a beautiful, perfect daughter. It doesn’t have to be so scary. I’m going to be conscious of not letting that fear grip me any more.
I have nothing at all to write about right now. I am absolutely NOT going to write about how I got the best night sleep I’ve had in months last night. OR about how both kids went to bed in their own room (the same room) before 9pm. And I’m absolutely, positively unable to share the fact that Iris did not wake up once after midnight and slept until 9:30 in her crib. (although Ellis crept in bed with us in the night) I’m not going to do that because Lord have mercy I’m terrified it might never happen again.
I need a few decades of ease and lightness. Universe? Howz about you grease the wheels of my life a little.
Ya’ll. I have so much to say. All day I have these fleeting moments of thoughts that I want to write about, explore, and that really deserve some attention.Here’s the problem. I made the rookie mistake of telling the internet how great my baby sleeps. Don’t. Ever. Do. That.She’s already down to ONE SHORT NAP during the day, and now when she goes to sleep at night it’s just like another series of naps. It’s a lucky night when we have more than an hour to ourselves without having to do the bedtime routine all over again. I’m just hoping it’s only teething. (she’s also thisclose to crawling!!!)Also, I’m training for a half marathon. On zero hours of sleep. And zero hours of down time. And I have barely spent any time with my husband. And Ellis has a fever and sore throat.I’m busy, is what I’m saying. But! Gonna try to spend more time on ye ole blog.
Ellis to his friend F: I’m so glad you stayed for dinner.
then later
F to Ellis: I love you so much! This is the BEST time!
Ellis at Three and a half years old:
Is obsessed with superheroes. Wears his batman costume several times a week. Is dying for a bunk bed. Has a best friend. Doesn’t like girls (except for mommy and Iris). Hardly eats anything. Won’t tell me what he does at school. Is very curious about death. Misses mommy snuggles. Has started sleeping in our bed again. Finally pees in the potty. Loves to swim/play racquetball/play basketball at the YMCA. Really wants to rock climb. Tests his own limits almost all day every day. Says things that are so adorable I wish I had a camera on my head at all times to capture him. Thinks of a new nickname for his sister every day (today it was “little platypus”). Wakes up wanting to play with Iris. Can’t get enough roughhousing with Daddy. Has become very artistic, mostly painting. Climbs, climbs, climbs. Talks all the time. Is very much still my sweet baby boy.
Iris at three and a half months:
Is trying like hell to get her toes in her mouth. Is sitting up (however wobbly). Loves to “fly”. Has to be in bed at 8pm or she throws a fit (like on the dot, by 5 after she’s a mess). Sleeps without waking until 8am or later. Is a Daddy’s girl. Is happy almost all the time. Has a smile that lights up a room. Is in size 2 diapers just to accommodate her deliciously chubby thighs. Is a super cuddler. Laughs at her brother mostly. Flirts with her Uncle Johnny like crazy. Can’t get into her 0-3 month clothes anymore (tear). Stares at people eating and licks her lips. Spits up a whole hell of a lot. Hates tummy time. Won’t roll over. Is fascinated by the cat but barely notices the dogs. Can’t think of much better than a nice bath. Doesn’t really care about her pacifier. Sports the most adorable deep wrinkles on her thighs and arms. Can reach the toys on her exersaucer. Has white eyebrows, brown lashes, strawberry blond hair in front and dark brown on top. Speaking of hair, Kramer called and would like his back little miss. Watches tv if it’s on in the room. Has a dermoid cyst above her right eyebrow. Talks a lot. Grows more beautiful every single day.
Untitled from katiemagic on Vimeo.
This morning our room was filled with the soft blue light of a cloudy dawn. Kent was snoring softly. Ellis was snuggled tightly into my back having made his way into our room, as he does most nights, around 3. Iris had woken to eat, and having had her fill stayed awake for a while instead of dropping back off to sleep as she usually does. She began to coo softly, her voice a perfect compliment to the hour. Then, as she quietly finished her song, we both dropped off to sleep.
The following nicknames are used with frequency around these parts:
For Iris
 |
| From Iris 2-3 months |
Madam fussyfuss
Madam Magilicutty
Madam Frothingslosh
Miss Monkey
Little Miss Miss
Little Magoo (I love you, little Magoo, with a love so rare and true, ah-oh little, my little Magoo hoo hoo, hoo hoo hoo, oh well I love you gal, yes I love my miss Magoo)
For Ellis
 |
| From 2009_06_30 |
Buddy (and all variations thereof)
Little dude
Little Man
Monkey
Batman
MacGruber
Superhero Ellis
What about you? What nicknames do you call your kids?
The four of us lounged in bed for over an hour before getting up.
The sun shone bright and hot, streaming in through the windows.
We filled countless pink water-balloons (or bawaterloons) during breakfast.
I painted a heart on the window sill especially for him during pre-school parent volunteer day. Kent and I sung together while we worked.
Back home we found him still in his water wings, still excited about the new kiddie pool.
Our girl, she seemed to have grown into a proper pudgy baby in our absence. We marveled at how big she was.
We ate veggie dogs, fresh guacamole, watermelon and ice cream sandwiches outside for dinner.
Iris laughed her first laugh, and everyone was there to hear it.
The boys camped in the backyard with comic books and light sabers.
I felt overwhelmed with gratitude and amazed that I get to live this life.
