ah-ti? ite dere.

I know that when you say "No", (which you say ALL the time, in response to any question) it can mean yes OR no.

I love the early morning "Hi-eeeee!" and the huge smile I get when I open your door.

"Uooosse!"  Yes, you can have some juice with your breakfast.  

"Side!"  Sure, maybe we can go outside later sweetie.  

"Puppeee!"  No, honey that's a goat.  But he's furry like a puppy, isn't he?

"EsssUooo"  Bless you.  Thank you.

"Airs.  Air.  Eyce.  Does."  Yes, those are your ears, hair, eyes, and your toes.

"Bel Butt."  And your belly button too.

"Bussss, Busss!" *with a little lisp*  I love that you love school buses.

"Ite dere, Ite DERE!"  Right there?  I should put your ketchup right there, huh?  Okay.

"Ahh Dahh!  Ahh Dahh!"  All done?  Okay, time for bed.

"Sairs?"  Yes, let's go upstairs.

"Top!  TOP!"  Okay, I'll stop tickling you.  But it's hard, because I love your sweet laugh.

"Tee?  Tee!"  Oh, I know you don't like to brush your teeth.  But we have to.  It'll be over soon.

"Ah-ti.  Ah-TI?  Mine."  Let's find your monkey.  Yes, it's yours.

"Ock? Ock!!!"  Yes, let's rock awhile before bed.

"Nye nye."  Night night my sweet boy.  Sweet dreams and I'll see you in the morning.

I love your sweet little language.  You are the sweetest boy on Earth.  I'm so glad you're mine.

finding some bliss

I took the kids outside today to play in the snow since they were nearly climbing the walls in rebellion of the Winter Blues. 

It was in the midst of the laborious task of dressing the three of us that I considered it might not be worth all the effort.  We put on snowpants, then boots, then mittens, then coats, and THEN mommy still had to get dressed. All the while, Liam is screaming "Outside! Outside! OutSIDE!"

I wished I'd waited until Casey would be home.  But of course I couldn't take back my promise at that point.  So, I took a deep breath and out we went. 

It was terrific to see their sheer joy in just having some time outdoors.  And it turns out I needed it just as much as they did.  It was an opportunity to not think about anything but playing and laughing together.  My beautiful children enjoyed the snow, and I enjoyed my beautiful children. 

These are the moments I will remember always.