My first baby turns 7 tomorrow, and so she is a hot commodity around here. She was invited to stay overnight at her friend’s house for a couple days, and then later this week, it will be an overnight with Grandma, who will also be taking her on a shopping trip. It’s no surprise to me that everyone wants to celebrate with her; I think she’s a really awesome kid and I’m glad that other people know it, too. What surprised me was the depth of her little brother’s sadness that she’s not around. When we were on our way to drop her off last night, my girl was a little sad, thinking of missing her family, even though she knew she’d have fun. Sethy was the one cheering her up, telling her what a good time she’d have. But on the way back, he cried and cried. He’d talk himself out of being sad, saying that he knew he’d see her in just a couple of days. Then some random thought would pop into his head, and he’d say, “Sissy!” and cry again. He slept in her bed last night. It’s heartbreaking, on the one hand, to see my sensitive boy so sad. But I’d rather have that issue than a sibling rivalry that overshadows the family.
Bonus for Seth: He lit right up this morning when he realized that he wouldn’t have to share computer time with his sister.
I do so love summer. I love the early morning quietness, when the sun is golden and the birds are singing. It’s so much easier to get out of bed on those warm days, even on those days when I have to get up and go to work. There’s no cold air to deal with after poking my nose out from under the electric blanket, no desire to stay in the hot shower for a few hours and delay the chill present when I turn it off. I love being able to walk out the door without bundling up the children and trying to find that persnickety, persistently lost mitten. I love being able to start the car up and go, rather than let it run for twenty minutes as I brush a foot of snow off of my windshield. I love the afternoons spent outside, playing “camping” and “pirates” and “chase Momma around the yard”. I love coming home from work and spreading a sheet in the yard for a picnic dinner of cheese, bread and fruit. I even love the summer storms, wild and furious, and over in time to reflect the setting sun off of every drenched leaf. I love having the windows open to the evening birdsong, and then the crickets and tree frogs as night deepens. Things in general seem so much easier in the summer, lighter and less serious. I am so thankful that summer is almost here.
