Santa likes silver trees ...

And pajamas with feet!

Your first art exhibit

Memories in the heart

Hi little one,

Time for a story.

Seven years ago, in September 2002, I went with Papa to Africa for a month. Part of that trip was a safari across the Serengeti in Botswana. I took so many pictures, that one day I decided I would watch without the camera lens.

I was hiding in my home-made CD mix (before I had an ipod), and as we drove through a particular arid spot, U2's "Beautiful Day" started playing, and as I looked in the distance I saw a progression of twenty or so elephants in the distance.

Everytime this song plays, for a moment I am transported back seven years to warm sun, the slow breeze of driving in an open-sided land rover, watching elephants parade in the distance.

Sometimes the best way to capture memories are in our minds, by memorizing the smell, the feel, and if we're lucky, a piece of music that binds the memory, creating an easily accessible piece of the past.

love,
Mommy

Highlights

Hi honey,

Last night I was reading a magazine article, and got the idea to ask you what was your favorite thing that happened during the day.

"You mean a Highlight." you corrected me.

I'm game. "Okay, a highlight, what was your highlight?"

"My highlight was when I came home and saw you."

wow.

Later that night, when you easily convinced me to take a bath with you., I asked if you learned about highlights in school.

"Yes," you said, rather vague, "highlights are something that happens during the day."

"Something good, right?"

"Yes, Mommy what was your highlight?"

"Taking a bath with Ava." Your smile was the best response.

There are days when the mommy scale tips in my favor, and makes up for the days when it doesn't. Days when the love is so palpable, so tangible, that the imprint surrounds memories. Those are highlights of life.

I love you,
but you know that,
right?

Mommy

"I" Messages

Hi my little love,

At school you have learned "I" messages, as a way to express yourself. This morning, you tearfully walked up to me in the kitchen, wrapped in your blanket pajamas with feet, and said:

"Mommy, I have an "I" message for you." Sniff.

"Okay, honey, what is it?"

"I feel sad that you shut the door to the bathroom when I was inside. It scared me."

"Okay, my love, what do you want me to do?" This is part of the "I" message script

"I want you to say sorry."

"I'm so sorry honey, I didn't mean to scare you."
I picked you up in a big hug until the tears were under control. I was so proud of you for using words to express yourself.

love,
always,
Mommy

Conversations

You: I wish we could have a garage sale.
Me: Really, what would you sell?
You: Everything I don't like.

....

Me, as I pull into the bank parking lot, trying to explain where money comes from:
I'm going to the bank to get money, because I go to work, they put money in the bank for me
You: Because I go to school, there is money in the bank.

No, I didn't correct you. I loved your logic, and someday I'll explain passive and active income, but this was good enough for today.

...

In gymnastics today, you weren't listening to the teacher, and after reminding you, loudly, a couple times, my Angry Mom brain kicked in and grumbled, fortunately silently, that I was going to tell you if you didn't pay attention in gymnastics then we couldn't go anymore.

But fortunately Angry Mom Brain calmed down and at the end of class what I did say was "Honey, I thought you did great today, and noticed you did great especially when you were listening to your teacher. So maybe next time you can listen to your teacher more?"

You nodded.

"And next time at the start of class I can remind you to listen to your teacher."

I don't remember your exact words, but there were no pouts, no tears, no bad feelings, and I was proud of myself for not giving in to idle, angry threats.

It's not easy to be a mom all the time, but I always love being a mom to you.