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On Making Assumptions

Oh, Christmas. It came and it went and some parts I loved, some I liked and some I tolerated. Isn’t that just life though? I’ve got moments that I really love and could relive a million times over, moments that I’m okay just remembering and moments that I only wish I could forget.

I recently had a moment, in which I’m not willing to share the details, that I wish I could forget. Of course, because I want to forget it, I most likely won’t and that makes it all the more painful to remember.  So, I trudge on and carry the moment with me.

I’ve been working hard to find my rhythm and I pretty much have. I’ve been living on Cloud 9, but when this moment happened – remember, the one I want to forget – it was a reminder that not everyone I come in contact with views this time in my life with rose colored glasses.

I assume that people see the joy that I feel in my life. I assume that people see that I’m more in love with my husband than I ever have been. I assume that people see the happy child we’re raising. I assume that people see the time I take to myself to maintain my health, body and mind. I assume that people see me becoming a better version of myself – with the new title “mother” attached. I assume that people see the pure happiness that is my entire life.

So, as I stash this moment away and hope that I never, ever have to dust it off the shelf, I’m wondering what part of that moment I’m supposed to keep. Because certainly there is a silver lining in there somewhere. Perhaps I’ll figure out what that is sooner than later, but right now I’m going to assume that keeping calm and carrying on is enough.

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Holiday Magic with Thomas & Maggie

Today Maggie and Thomas met for their annual holiday gathering. Granted, last year they were in utero and things weren’t so colorful and jolly.

The funny thing about today’s party was that they each wanted to open the present that they brought. I’m sure this will be the case for years to come, but it was entertaining to see this tradition begin.

Maggie was a super-boss when it came to helping Thomas open his present. Apparently she thinks she is an expert after the other day.

I had to remind her a few times to let him open his present on his own terms.

She really didn’t listen to me. I’m beginning to see a pattern here. At least she didn’t try to eat his present….

But then she tried to poke his ear, which clearly is not something that Thomas was down with.

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Shirt Hair and Other Joys

When I was a child I liked to traipse around the house in the evening with my shirt hanging on my head as if it were long, long hair. I loved how it felt and daydreamed of having flowing locks. Of course the reality of having long hair wasn’t as cool as flipping my shirt this way and that way, much to my parent’s chagrin.

Tonight when I was getting Maggie ready for bed her shirt stuck on her head and she clearly enjoyed it being there. I loved seeing her flip her head one way or the other feeling the sleeves on her shoulders. It seems like I’ve had a few reminders lately like this that have made me stop and reflect on things that are simple, yet joyous.

We were walking around our neighborhood this morning and came across two little Pug puppies with their owner. It was such a delight, but moments before seeing their little smooshed faces I had been stomping along trying to hurry Sydney on the walk. After enjoying the little pups for a few minutes, we continued on our way and I felt myself smiling so huge remembering Syd as a pup.

It isn’t that I want to go back to my childhood or that I feel the need to add another puppy to our menagerie, but more that instead of stomping along through my day, I want to try to stride with a bit of spring in my step.

I’m going to go practice right now with my shirt firmly attached to my head and my tongue in cheek.