You are so adorable

[Leaving with Joe to go sledding yesterday]

Kai: Bye, Mom, I love you.

[Comes back into the room, one last time]

Kai: You are so adorable.

Now, comments like this make it so worthwhile. Every single minute.

My walker

So, this isn't a photo of Ruby walking, which it should be, since she is taking steps now. But, instead it's a photo that shows you exactly what she does the best: smiling, being an unbelievably happy, sweet, and laid-back baby. It is seriously a delight to be her mom. I am so lucky.

Shhh!

Shh! Girls busy slumbering....

The Christmas Card

Here is the photo we chose for the Christmas card that was never made....then the Valentine's Day card that was never made....and now, I guessit's just a nice family photo.

I just love it and had to share it somehow. I suppose we could do a St. Paddy's Day card or our favorite holiday ever-- April Fool's Day. That could actually be fun...we could announce a bunch of silly things and wait and find out who calls first. Although, most of you know me by now and know to not believe a single thing I say on April Fool's Day. Like I'm pregnant. Nah. Not really. But, I almost got you, didn't I?

4 Circles Around the World

In the almost three years Kai has attended Montessori School, I have learned so much. I realize how much I've learned as Ruby grows. I do some things differently now and am so grateful for insight into how my children grow. I have more confidence in myself as a mother and more confidence in my children as beautiful, independent, creative children.

One of the most beautiful rituals in the Montessori classroom is the birthday celebration. Kai was on cloud nine during his celebration this year. It started with Kai walking down the hall at his school (as fast as his feet would take him) and bringing Joe and I back into his classroom. Then, all of his dear friends were waiting for us in a circle in the classroom. Joe and I got to tell things from each year of his life so far (Kai's first words, what costumes he wore for Halloween, trips he took, his new baby sister being born, etc.) while showing photos of him growing. After telling about each year, he would walk one circle around a globe that was on a table in the middle of the circle, along with a candle that represented the sun.

Finally, at the end, Kai got to extinguish the candle, present the classroom with a gift (paperwhite bulbs) and then call each of his friends up to give him a birthday hug or handshake. As a parent, there is nothing that warms your heart more than to see your child shine. And, boy, was Kai shining!

Oh, and before he began his walk around the globe, he answered questions from his beloved guide, Gina. The main one I remember (after reminding the class that the candle represented the sun) was "What does the sun create?" And Kai, responded, "Life." And, then he said, "Today, my life!" Yes, my boy, you got it!!

Lately, I have been smiling watching my two kiddos interact. They are starting to play with each other and enjoy keeping company with each other.

As any parent of two (or three or four or six like my twin-in-law) knows, the first year(s) can be a bit tricky since it's not like you can say "Ok, go out and ride your bikes while I make dinner, have a glass of wine, and catch up on my e-mails." I mean, Ruby is only 10 months old. Instead, Ruby follows along with Kai's activities and rides along for drop-offs and pick-ups at pre-school and plays with the Chutes and Ladders spinner while Kai and I play the game. Don't get me wrong, we have time when it is just Ruby and I, but for better or worse, Kai and his high level of activity often determines the direction of our day.

But, then there are these gifts of seeing into the future. For example, this week, the kids played upstairs in Kai's bedroom (poor Ruby doesn't really have a bedroom yet, she just shares everyone's room) for about 1/2 hour. I was downstairs making dinner with the monitor on. Kai was careful with her ("Be Careful Ruby. I better put this little Lego away so you don't eat it.) and loved having a playmate ("Ruby, don't you love this Playmobil knight? He is so SCARY!") I was happy to have a little breathing space to make dinner in peace. I was even happier that they were happy.

Then, before dinner the other day, the kids were reading books at the dining room table. It was quiet. I was beaming. And, then there is always the little table where Kai joins Ruby for snack time. It melts my heart to see how in love they are with each other and how often they just want to be with one another. I am writing this so I can be reminded of these sweet moments when they are 12 and 15 and screaming and yelling. Or after an incident last week when I was videotaping Ruby walking (!!!!) and Kai grabbed her and she fell down and the videotape captured me yelling, "Kai, for the last time, GET OFF YOUR SISTER!!!" Yes, I know, this is going to come around and bite me in the butt. For now, let me just daydream....

Best Friends

Kai's teacher tells me that he is one of the more social children she has had in her classroom over the years. He is very aware of how other people are feeling and is very interested in talking to everyone (Ok, yes, I know, the apple does not fall from the tree). I could not be a more proud Mama. Of course, I love it that he has such fantastic friends and equally that he has such a wonderful community at Sunny Hollow Montessori School. I see now how going to school five mornings a week really creates strong bonds and friendships. I especially love how the 6 year olds are so important to Kai. Not a day goes by that he doesn't tell me something they said or did.

So, here are snapshots from our week of visiting with friends. I think Ruby is following in her brother's footsteps. She throws herself on any little person and especially loves her B/F/F Eloise.

Eloise and Ruby June

Kai and Marius