by Momma
Emily has been brilliant lately. Blossoming into a unique character, complicated, trying, curious and oozing with sweetness. I love her so much and am so happy to see how her wheels turn, even when our communication styles clash or we fail to listen/hear.
We've had good days and bad days lately. Jeremy was gone to Qatar for six weeks and we had a wonderful two weeks with him before he got sent off to Vegas for three weeks. We're in the middle of that trip and Emily has had some issues with "listening" and there have been some tears. But, it has caused me to rethink some of my approaches to parenting and we're trying to work together on some new routines.
Last weekend I took Emily to the Big Sibling class at the hospital. She was very excited to diaper her baby doll and see a few tiny babies in the nursery. She learned the importance of handwashing, being gentle with the baby, and always asking for permission before picking him up. We celebrated her class completion by going out for tacos and quacamole, her favorites. On Sunday, we were in her bed reading books and she asked me to tell her a lot about what it would be like when the baby was born. Not delivery details, but how daddy would bring her to the hospital to see baby Matthew, and how she would have to ask permission before holding him, and some of the things she might get to help with. It was very sweet.
The last few days she has been talking to my belly and telling Matthew that she loves him. She'll run up to me and hug my belly and say, "I love you Matthew Oliver. I am excited to meet you."
This morning I told her that pretty soon mommy's belly will start to get smaller after baby Matthew is born. She looked at me, relieved, and said, "And then I can start sitting on your lap again?" This made me smile. I've missed being able to snuggle up with her on my lap, and I know she has, too.
Emily is an affectionate girl, often whispering "I love you" and giving generous hugs and kisses. Even though she does have her trying times when her patience, or mine, is worn thin, I feel blessed to have such a sweet little girl to call my baby. And.......she will always be my baby girl. I guess that's the plus of having a boy this time, Emily will always be my baby girl, and Matthew will always be my baby boy.
We have her last swimming lesson tonight (twice a week for the last month) and I'm kind of relieved. We've been trying to focus on quality time together and lots of books and cuddles before baby comes. I also find that since she's in the 4-yr-old room at school (even though she's not 4 till late May), she comes home fairly tired. Cramming evening activities onto the end of a busy day wears both of us out. Looking forward to a pretty quiet few weeks before baby arrives.
I drew this picture at school yesterday. Mommy says it is my best picture ever! I told her it's a picture of her with a big belly with a baby inside. And I thought she was going to cry. Her smile had the funny crinkle that means she was holding back some tears.