Every time Hannah says good-bye or good-night to my husband or me, the rest of my life flashes before my night. Cheerfully, she says something like this:
“Good-night. You’re the best mom/dad I ever had- I won’t forget you, even when you die-I will come and visit you when I am in college - I will live next door and I will never forget you- You’re the best mom/dad I ever had.”
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Tonight Rachel and Hannah were arguing about whether I had three or four kids. One of them (I don’t remember which) was counting Charlie, our dog. The other said, “Charlie doesn’t count, she’s a grandma.”
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I read books to all three kids tonight for the first time. Rachel held Little Brother, who was all bathed and in his pajamas. We read a book Hannah chose. Then we read a few baby books to Noah. By then, he was sleeping in Rachel’s arms, but we did it anyway.
Alison used to say the same things, and pretty soon she’ll leave for college. She told us tonight that she’s dreading it–too many changes and I think she’s afraid she won’t measure up. We’re all facing transitions, you with your baby and us with our emptying nest.
June 10th, 2008 at 9:49 pmWhat Margaret says is true. Although Hannah has a unique way with words that suggests she might do stand up after college, my children also waxed philosophical at her age. What a wonderful time, to read to all three. Noah is probably still young enough to have stuff imprinted on his brain while snoozing so be careful what you read! (Kidding)
June 11th, 2008 at 4:25 amOOH! OOH! Hippo birdee to you! with lots of love and very best wishes! Enjoy your prime!
June 11th, 2008 at 4:35 amHappy 40th! Hope you have a wonderful day!
June 11th, 2008 at 4:54 amHappy birthday! Oh my, your girls are so adorable. My grandfather always calls their dog my “aunt” and jokes about how she’s the only daughter they’ve ever had (with four human sons). Hee.
June 11th, 2008 at 6:39 amEnjoy that while it lasts, Raehan. When she is a teenager, she may feel differently! LOL
June 11th, 2008 at 7:02 amHey lady! Seems like it must be your birthday! Have a happy one!
Elle is much like Hannah. She insists she is never going to leave the nest. I tell her to get back to me in a few years to see if she feels the same.
June 11th, 2008 at 7:16 amThat is so precious!
June 11th, 2008 at 8:05 amHappy birthday kiddo!!!! 40 is a wonderful age — for me and for you a time of many new beginnings. Reading to all three kids (plus grandma?) sounds delicious. Is Rachel reading to LB yet? Jeremy was a very early Dr. Seuss fan, waving his arms and legs to the rhythm.
June 11th, 2008 at 9:09 amHannah does think delightfully. Happy 40th.
June 11th, 2008 at 10:58 amWas Charlie happy to know he was a “grandma”? Kids do say the wisest things in a weird way sometimes. When Nyssa was 4 she told my friend that I was sleeping when she got up to play. I asked her how she knew, since she had been upstairs all the time and my room was downstairs. Her answer, “I could HEAR you sleeping!” OK, point me to the ENT, I really do snore!
June 11th, 2008 at 4:37 pmHappy Birthday!!!!!
June 11th, 2008 at 6:47 pmIt’s good to come back and see your blog!
June 11th, 2008 at 10:32 pmThe books- sounds like my home. All 4 of my kids love books.
Very, very sweet.
June 12th, 2008 at 2:26 pmI’m feeling the love from here!
Happy Birthday, you dear, young thing!
June 12th, 2008 at 7:07 pmI love the reasoning children use. Such as Charlie is not one of your kids because she is a grandma. Priceless.
June 19th, 2008 at 5:35 am