“Mommy do”

It feels like with spring, our whole family is having some kind of growth spurt. Owen has shot up in height, is going to bed better than ever and teaching himself to read; Kyle is on to his next conceptual breakthrough: money, the impact of payments, and the influence of capital on family systems; Heather working through the balance of motherhood, work, love and life; Braydon letting go of work to re-engage in family; Meera on just about everything baby and toddler related.

For a while we’ve been hearing one word things from Meera:  Yes (click of the tongue), No (“Nooooh” through the nose), More (“mooooh”, like no, but with M) and others.  But recently, She  has started using two word sentences with an subject and verb, or subject and preposition (sans verb).  We’re hearing a lot of “Do’s” and “Homes”:  Papi Do, Kitty Do, George Do (like when George [the stuffed animal] mysteriously jumped up from Meera’s crib and knocked down the mobile while being held by Missy the whole time), and Papi Home, Mommy Home, Brothers Home. She’s starting to speak.

This morning saw the application of this new found speaking.

As are soooo many families, we too are coping with Eastern Daylight Time.  “Spring Ahead” is really quite a misnomer.  It’s more like spring quickly into mayhem and further exhaustion, while  everyone gets to bed too late, and up too late and rushes out to the door, etc.  We got up very late this morning and had the same. After getting the boys to the bus, we showered and got ready.  I played with Meera while Heather took her turn.

For much of that time, we heard Meera saying:  “Mommy home”, “Papi Home”.  “Kitty Home”, “Coco Home”, “Bunny Home”.  “Mommy Home”. She played with her toys, some key rings, Heather’s shoes, and lots of jewelry.

When Margie arrived, Meera realized we were going to work.

She cried.

She was also hungry.  When Heather suggested that Margie make her some eggs, Meera nodded and smiled, clicked and said:

“Mommy Do.”

She would not let go of Heather. Heather did her best to hold it together, but finally began crying herself.  Meera looked up at her and they kissed. I wish I could hold this memory forever in my mind; I will try.

After a few minutes of transition, everyone was settled down and we left and drove together to work.  I dropped Heather off at her office and headed to my office. I looked out the window and saw her ascend the steps the building.  The building where she will go and teach, mentor, research and add to the world in a whole different way than she does at home.