Hello there

The house is quiet.  Nadia is napping, the middles are outside, and the four oldest and Thomas are skating at the arena.  I can hear the clock ticking away, counting down the precious seconds until the house bursts with noise and activity again.  But for now, silence.  Ahhh. :)

Having a daughter with a driver's license is making me quite the homebody.  I almost never need to go out anymore.  I think I like it. 

She'll let me know when she's about to head out on some errand or other with, "Mom, I've got your cell phone and your keys." 

"Sure, just don't take the credit cards, be careful, watch for pedestrians, don't speed, and whatever you do, BE CAREFUL!!"

"Yes, Mom, I know."

I know she knows, but I have to say it anyway.  It's what moms do.

Today's weather is mild and wet; springish in a cold, dark, dampish way.  Not a bad thing when you're inside, I guess.  Looking on the bright side, at least the sun isn't illuminating the dirtiness of the windows.  Not that my windows are dirty, or anything, but if they were...  Right. 

Earlier in the week, when the temperatures were lower and the sun was shining, we all bundled up and went skating at our friends' place.  What glorious clear, sunny weather.
 

Two years ago today it was dark and rainy, too.  I had been looking forward to that day.  Even though I was overdue, heavy and uncomfortable, I was anticipating a relaxing day out with Gerald - the last opportunity before the busy days with a new baby. A midwife appointment in the morning, lunch at a restaurant followed by an afternoon appointment for Gerald.  We did all those things, but since I had been awake most of the night in the early stages of labour, I felt awful and so very tired. I wanted to be home.  I wanted to be anyone but me, doing anything but what I had to do.  I wanted it to be over.  In the wee hours of the next morning it was over, and we had our precious little girlie in our arms.  I was glad I was me, and so thankful it was over.

Tomorrow our little miss turns two.  Her gift is ready, every stitch sewn with anticipation of her delight in something pretty.  It's been so satisfying to plan and make the gift ourselves instead of just picking something off a rack in the store.  She's young enough that she did not notice it in the making.  We've been priming her for the big day with thoughts of cupcakes, balloons, presents and Grandpa and Grandma coming.  She repeats it back, with no real idea of what it all means.  It'll all make sense to her tomorrow. It should be fun!  :)