Sunday, January 25, 2015

"We're riding in a wonderland of snow."

My body began to tire, as I trudged up the hill for what felt like the 100th time. I looked over at my daughter trekking right beside me, with snow up to mid calf -Her cheeks were candy apple red, as she continued to say, "one more time mommy!"

Mommy was spent from sleigh riding. My legs burned from excess muscle use, my face was cold, and my hands were numb. But the incredible joy on my daughter's face is what kept me going another time. So, I flopped my tired, overweight, backside onto that sled, wrapped my arms around my adrenaline junkie daughter, and we set-sailed down our backyard hill -while the snow misted our faces as we built speed.



I would do that 100x's infinity, if it meant I could see her that happy.

*My son likes to sleigh ride too, however, he is at a stage where he doesn't like standing in the snow -which usually results in crying. So I carry him up the hill as many times as I can, until fatigue sets in, then he stays housebound with my husband.

Snow days with my daughter reminds me of my days as a child. We all grew up sleigh riding -it was an intricate part of our winter. If a big snowfall occurred, all the neighborhood kids would gather on the nearest hill after breakfast. Where we all would continue to be until we were called for lunch and dinner -quickly biting down on our food, so we could rush back out to enjoy the crisp, winter air.

There's something magical about snow. When I see the trees and ground blanketed thick and white, while smelling the cold winter air, it immediately takes me back to those childhood days. I then get this overwhelming feeling of sharing those experiences with my children.

So as my body ages, I will still climb up that hill as many times as my children desire, because I don't just want my memories anymore, I want their memories too. 

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Life is changing... Hold onto these moments.

Life seems to be changing quicker than I can retain it. Right when I feel like I have familiar under control, it disappears. The days are long, but fleeting. Time is flying, but dragging. Sleep was being had, then deducted. Siblings were arguing, now bonded...

Life is changing...

Both of my children are changing like the seasons.

Personalities and milestones.
Likes and dislikes.
Interests and disinterests.

My son just turned 2 years old. I'm not even sure how I became old enough to have children, let alone have a 4 year old and a 2 year old.

Life sneaks up on you when you least expect it. One minute, you're in the hospital having your first baby, the next, you're standing next to you husband, watching your first baby sing happy birthday to your second baby.

You begin to see all the development and milestones click away like a camera, capturing every detail. However, those details become fainter and fainter as time passes. New memories are replacing old ones, as life is happening all around us.

My daughter, who used to beg to get her brother away from her, now seeks him out. She begs for him to play and spend time with her. They are inseparable and in love with each other. Completely and utterly respectful and thoughtful of each other. Unconditionally doting on each other...

When the house is quiet, I'll find them snuggled up under her covers watching American Ninja Warrior on her kindle.

She's the first to help him off the ground, and kiss him when he's sad.

She loves dabbling in imaginary play with him and he's happy to oblige.

She cannot go to sleep until she has given him a hug, kiss, and their secret hand shake.

They have quickly become best friends...

Stages come and go -although, I'm hoping my son's lack of sleep vacates quicker than it has arrived -However, I want to stay in this moment of these two adoring each other. I will forever remember these days like it was yesterday and hope they are tomorrow. 

A love like this is hard to break... Hard to forget.

Change is hard, but in some cases, change is good. Without different phases and stages arising, you'll never have the ability to see what anyone is fully capable of. Without change, you're not moving forward and without change, I would never have had the luxury of seeing this bond unfold in front of my eyes.

So, as new changes are thrown my way, I'll bob and weave around the difficult, but gladly hold my hands out to catch all the precious moments. Because, it's those moments that make life worth living.