Heartwarming and heartbreaking

My recent visit to my mothers the Friday prior to Christmas was very nice, UNTIL we had to leave. My youngest son pouted, shot a feww dagger looks my way, and as we were getting in the van I heard him say, "I am running away from home." I immediately said EXCUSE ME? WHY would you be running away? "Because sometimes you are SO mean to me and you beat my butt!!" was his response. This is from the boy who writes me forty eight thousand I Love you notes every day. He apologized later and admitted he could not even remember the last "beating" he had received (um, maybe, because I don't beat him, just a thought).

This same little boy ate some mini pancakes Saturday and discovered that his first tooth has started to wiggle. Lower right front. I am excited for him and look forward to the big gap toothed smiles and lisps, but I am going to miss my baby. I had forgotten the transformation with Cory( now nearly all grown up). He is too big to sit on my lap for bed time stories. Literally. I just want to squish him and keep him little for a bit longer.

Aurelia has not been administered any allergy medication for sleeping purposes in many days. I have developed an adapted sleeping routine. It involves me lying on her bed until she passes out. Then I sneak off and do my evening stuff. At about 2am she comes to our bed, knowing full well we will be too tired, warm, and comfortable to refuse her entry. I am trying to merge my conscious self and night time self into a solid "take you back to bed" response. So far, nah dah.

As she opened her Christmas gifts, I was taken back by how beautiful my baby girl really is. Now I don't say this to brag or call other kids ugly. But she has a little sass, hair I would die for, and a laugh I never want to stop listening to. She really REALLY loved her dress up dress, dress up shoes, tiara, and her life size doll that has far too much boobage for my tastes. I am going to need help from girly girls to figure out what to do for this little diva. I was and still am a tomboy of sorts. Make up and fine clothing only wind up making me feel fake and inadequate. I want her to be able to express herself and be confident about it.

Did I mention that I love these kids? All three of them. Just love them silly.

Heather