Beauty and Post-nap Cuddles

Almost every afternoon a little ritual takes place in our home. We read. On the couch with pillows and blankets until we're all cozy and comfy. 

I have been collecting children's books for a long time and still do. I find it very hard to pass them by at thrift stores and garage sales when it's just a few dollars (or pennies!) for a classic book.

One of my favorite books is Miss Rumphius by Barbara Clooney. When I was younger, I thought I would be just like Miss Rumphius - work in a library, travel to faraway places, settle into my own home by the sea with a cat and plant lupines every spring. And have children over for tea and stories. 

source:bowdoin.edu via Breanne on Pinterest

"In the evening Alice sat on her grandfather's knee and listened to his stories of faraway places. When he had finished, Alice would say, "When I grow up, I too will go to faraway places, and when I grow old, I too will live beside the sea."

"That is all very well, little Alice," said her grandfather,"but there is a third thing you must do."

"What is that?" asked Alice. 

" You must do something to make the world more beautiful." said her grandfather.  "

And if there's one thing I want my girls to take away from our afternoon cuddle time, it's just that. 

Doing something to make the world more beautiful. 

Of course, one of the main motivations for our time on the couch is to cuddle with Kilmeny who can be a complete grouch when she wakes up and the cuddle time helps smooth the transition from sleepy to awake.
I get to introduce the girls to some of my favorite children's books, they get to learn lots of new words and we all benefit from the beautiful illustrations and well-written stories. 


It's just one of those little things that help me stay sane on the crazy, overwhelming days- to gather my girls close and read stories. And drink some tea. 


What little things are you enjoying? 

Of Long Days and Short Years

And so time passes. It seems like just yesterday I was on the couch with a brand new baby in my arms, just reveling in all her perfect little details. Amazed and awed at this new life.

We're just past the fourth trimester, my baby and I. She rolled over for the first time last night. Her head doesn't need to be supported that much anymore. She pulls herself in the swing and makes faces at herself in the little mirror. She sucks her thumb as she lies on a soft blanket, surrounded by blocks and books.
She's not such a newborn anymore, I measure her age in months now, not weeks.

 

I've read it several times this past week, a saying that rings so true. 

The days are long but the years are short.

These days of busy little girls, of diapers and naps and schedules and strollers. These times of having my arms full, of balancing baby and toddler, of being told 'oh, you must be busy', of being frustrated and enthralled at the same time, they won't be here forever.

And so I try to embrace it all.  Even when both girls are crying and it's past their bedtime and they really should be exhausted by all the energy they've put out. I stop and I sing, holding my baby with one hand and stroking my toddler's hair with the other.

 These are the moments that I will remember.

Kilmo-Jo

                                                                          

When they've finished reading, Olivia's mother gives her a kiss and says, 

"You know, you really wear me out. But I love you anyway."

And Olivia gives her a kiss back and says, 

"I love you anyway too."

Olivia by Ian Falconer

(My current favorite children's book, actually we ALL love it. Jared and I laugh our way through the clever words and illustrations. Kilmeny loves it because, well, perhaps she identifies with Olivia? Great book, definitely recommended!)