Well today may have been a turning point. I'm not saying I'm ready to hang up my whistle and playbook yet, but progress was made.
I was trying to get us all ready for a quick trip to Lowe's (with 2 toddlers in tow, by quick I mean a minimum of an hour). My son was the only one ready and he asked if he could go outside. I usually let him go in the backyard by himself for a few minutes as long as he stays where I can see him. So he went out for a few minutes. Clearly he was bored out there by himself, so he asked if his sister could join him. I was almost ready to go so I said "sure, but just for a minute until it's time to leave for Lowe's."
The windows of our family room that look out on to the backyard have reflective film on them so I can see out but the kids can't see in. So I stood there and watched them (and took pictures). I waited for my daughter to realize I wasn't outside and begin her meltdown. It didn't happen. I waited for my son to run by his sister and accidentally knock her down. It didn't happen.
I watched them blow bubbles together, play in the dirt together, play separately side by side, follow each other around. It was a beautiful sight. I did witness a few things I would rather have not seen (my son dumping dirt on my daughter's head and shaking the bubble bottle with the lid off) but they were having fun so I let them.
I kept waiting for the moment when I needed to intervene, step outside and announce it was time to leave for Lowe's. But that moment never came. They played outside for nearly a half hour. Finally, out of sheer exhaustion from the heat, they decided it was time to come inside. We didn't end up making it to Lowe's (an emergency bath was needed - see photo below), but it was totally worth it. This may not happen again for a while, but I was here to witness it and I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and my refereeing days will someday be over (at least until they hit adolescence!).
What a beautiful, present day!
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When they get older it reverts to fighting again...I remember the days when I realized if I weren't there they would get along better...now they realize if I am not there they can pick on each other and I may never find out...
ReplyDeleteBTW I love the last photo...
ReplyDeleteyour kids are stinkin' cute! i know how you feel- those moments when you see the love they genuinely have for each other, it just takes your breath away. mine are 3 and 4, and my oldest startes spontaneously holding his sister's hand when we would take her to school. to see them walking down the hall hand in hand, liking, no, loving each other, was just the best. give yourself a pat on the back because obviously as a mom you are doing something right if they love each other like that!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post, you have two very precious little babies and those moments are precious too.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
Donna xx
This is great! I love your idea of being present in life, not just exist in it. I often have to remind myself to do that. I am your newest follower and hopefully your blog will be a reminder to be present!
ReplyDeleteHow fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI am going to do this more often. Just today I watched from the kitchen window as si played in the sprinkler. The smiles and laughter melted any tired or exhaustion I had from the days of terrible 2's/3's.
ReplyDeletethis is so sweet! your little ones are adorable!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!