Getting to Know Aubrey

Aubrey and I ventured down to the kitchen and enjoyed some quiet time  together before anyone else was awake on Friday morning. I had coffee, she had cereal. She "helped" me with the dishes afterward. It sounds fairly ordinary. It was special to me.

Aubrey and I haven't had nearly enough time together during her first year. Our lives have revolved around her feeding schedule, which typically means Erica takes care of her while I spend time with Graham. Our days have started and ended that way. It's made for a wonderful bond with my son; however, it's also left me feeling like I hardly know my daughter. That's why the simple act of starting our day together meant so much to me. 

Later that day, I pushed Aubrey in a swing in the middle of a park in Blowing Rock. Performers sang Christmas carols nearby as part of the town's holiday celebration. Graham was with Erica enjoying another turn in the bounce house. I had been with him on a previous trip there; now it was Erica's chance to share in his joy. Having found myself alone with Aubrey again, I soaked in her joy and felt tremendous gratitude for the moment. 

Given the freedom of Aubrey weaning, we're less restricted in our parenting roles. For me, it feels like we're finally a complete family unit rather than separate parts operating in the same parallel space.

I can't remember if those carolers were singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." It sure felt that way.

 

Back from the Mountains

Pulled into the driveway with two sleeping kids in the back of the car. Cut the Christmas tree off the top of the car and carried it around to the back porch. Put the tree in a bucket of water just like dad always does. Carried one of the sleeping kids up to bed while Erica took the other. Finished our trip feeling very much like a dad, doing dad things. Went to bed happy about that fact.

Snug as a Bug

Seeing Graham and Erica curled up together on the bed as I left for work earlier this week reminded me of all those occasions they did the same thing when Graham was a baby. There was a lot more room on the bed back then.

That same evening Graham stole some more snuggles with Mommy before heading to his own bed for the night. Graham surely inherited his mother's love of snuggling.

One Woman Wrecking Crew

Where Aubrey goes - and that radius is growing - a mess soon follows. She follows in the footsteps of her older brother who likewise enjoyed removing all of the items from shelves and then moving on to the next thing.

Mutual Admiration Society

Mommy and her little boy.

Sunday Soccer

Graham's soccer team played on Sunday this week rather than the typical Saturday schedule, so we rushed from church to the "pitch" to join in the fun. With our regular (terrible) coach absent, we had our best practice and game to date. Turns out the coach who filled in is an elementary school teacher who understands the need for things like structure and organization. And, as our son would learn, he also understands the need for discipline.

Graham was enthusiastic and wanted to be on the field, which was a welcome change after he had lost interest in prior weeks. He spent some time in the coach's (and his parents') dog house after hitting a girl on his team. That was about a minute into the game. Otherwise, Graham was a good teammate and opponent.

When he's not hitting and pushing other players, Graham is embracing and holding hands with them. Last time out he hugged the other team's player and gave him a thumbs up to congratulate him for scoring a goal. He's a man of extremes.

Here's some video of G practicing before the game.

We enjoyed a late lunch at Rick's Diner after the game and finished up the fun with a trip for some frozen yogurt. Here's my happy crew.

The Wisdom of a Three-Year-Old

We're headed to the ballpark for the Durham Bulls' fan appreciation event. After convincing Graham to use the potty before leaving the house, he reasoned, "That way I won't pee on the field and the grounds crew will have to clean it up."