Monthly Archives: September 2017

To be 7

Posted on by under Parenting

Dear Ellery Jane,

Wow did this year just fly.

I look at you, sound asleep in my bed, and I still see remnants of my newborn.

Seven years ago you emerged on the scene, eager to take your seat at the table.

Life instantaneously became more interesting with you in it.

You are full of big words and big ideas.

You are passionate.

You are hilarious.

I am so proud of the person you are becoming.

This year will be full of change. We talk about that a lot don’t we?

Do me a favor baby girl- keep talking.

Keep using your voice to tell us how you feel.

Those feelings are real, they are valid and they deserve to be heard.

I can’t wait to watch the next twelve months unfold for you.

Thank you for the happy you bring to our family.

Happy birthday my beautiful girl.

Love,

Momma

P.S.- Your favorite part. I gave you a sneak peek earlier this week.

This year’s birthday song.

 

The Dress

Posted on by under divorce, Parenting

It was wrapped in layers of tissue.

Purging led to its discovery.

The girls couldn’t have been more delighted by the appearance.

The dress a 22-year-old girl wore to wed her beau,

now worn by the next generation during a nighttime game of dress up.

They twirled and spun and looked more first communion than wedding day.

And as laughter filled the house, smiles in honor of the dance that brought us here.

 

 

 

 

Wake Up Call

Posted on by under love, Parenting

“Wake me up in the middle of the night Momma”.

What she really means is when the sky is dark, grab me from my bed, wrap me in a blanket and cuddle me on the couch.

Before sissy’s wake up, homework needs completed and breakfasts are made, in your arms give me moments of quiet slumber.

A tradition started soon after her daddy moved out.

My alarm clock would ring at 4:45am and the treadmill would beckon.

Most days, when I would return from the run, I would find her asleep on the couch. Awoken by the movements of my mornings; needing me, but knowing even at three the importance of those runs for her Momma, she staked her claim on the couch and patiently waited.

Together we came up with a solution.

The morning run complete, I would sneak into her room and whisper in her ear,

“It’s the middle of the night, shall we cuddle”.

And now as we await the addition of four new family members, the requests have returned.

She is finding her own ways of articulating what she needs to manage this life transition.

And, I am finding, our needs are not all that different.