The Water Bottle

  

Today as we were engaged in the exercise in futility known as “attempting to depart for a location in a timely manner with children in tow”, Daisy brought me my water bottle. 

She had just grabbed her own to take on the journey, and then decided I needed mine as well. I took it and thanked her, but as I was running up and down two flights of stairs searching for my shoes, I opted to leave it there – as pictured – on the bathroom counter. Because it really improved my speed and aerodynamics not to carry it, I guess?? And also I didn’t actually need it. 

Daisy noticed almost immediately and began running after me with a chorus of, “Mommy! Your water! Where your water?! You need it! I find it!!! Ok. Just a minute.” And then began to search for the water bottle as frantically as I was for those blasted shoes (which never turned up, by the way).

I coaxed her out of finding it, because we really needed to get going. And though I was grateful she thought to bring it to me in the first place, I’ve seen how long it takes that kid to climb stairs…and we wanted to be out the door five minutes ago. Thank goodness she (sometimes) listens to reason and abandoned her course. 

This is nearly a meaningless story. It didn’t take much time out of my day, it happened in the background, and I don’t think anyone else noticed it. But it was poignant to me. First of all, since when do I have a kid old enough to communicate so clearly?! Her sentences and spoken thoughts get more complex by the hour, it seems. Sometimes it makes me want to cry of pride/happiness/terror. Secondly, how did I get lucky enough to have such a practical and thoughtful toddler? Her thoughtfulness is sometimes a hindrance (See: the aforementioned interruption. Or last night when she woke at 3am crying/freaking out/asking for water…which she then fed to her monkey stuffed animal. IT WAS THREE IN THE MORNING, PEOPLE.) but when I take the time to chill out and let her do her thing…it’s pretty amazing. She is one fascinating little soul, who sees needs to be met where most people don’t. 

Kids are just incredible. And mine are both better human beings than I am already. 

Altitude Adjustment

Last week, we moved to a place with an elevation of 7000 feet. Seeing as I’ve lived more or less precisely at sea level (and within a stone’s throw of the ocean) for the past 10 years…this is weird for me.

Even harder than getting used to the altitude, though, is getting used to the idea that we no longer live in our tiny corner of California. It still doesn’t feel like we really left. I’m in denial. We lived in an amazing place, and I’m not sure we’ll ever be so lucky again. We had the best neighbors, the best friends, the best weather, the best local parks….It was too perfect.

BRB, crying my eyes out…

Anyway. We’ve moved into the Rocky Mountains with my parents for a short time. Our family was one of many affected by the Dreamworks studio closure and layoffs earlier this year. Luckily the hubs had signed a time-based contract that the company is obligated to pay out, which has been great. Losing your job one month before a new baby is born is already stressful enough – it’s been nice to have that financial buffer to lessen our worries a little.

So far 2015 has been….nuts (if I’m using my nice words). Layoffs + new baby + postpartum hormonal loveliness + worst/best month long vacation ever (more on that later) + huge unexpected move = NOT MY FAVE. But I have hope it’ll just get better from here ❤