I rarely get to rock Meera to sleep, actually getting her into bed is something Heather does mostly and something Meera insists on. Tonight was special, tonight was Heather’s last night of teaching the graduate class for the semester (it will crank back up next semester of couse). And since it was the last night, it ran particularly late – I had to put all three kids to bed.
Gently rocking her I felt all the times I had rocked her as a little little baby. At that time she was smaller than the pillow she lay on, the little blanket went fully over her and her head rested on my arm. Tonight, as her breathing got heavier and more even, I noticed how much she is growing up – legs off the end of the pillow and neck in the crook of my arm. But her eyes still slowly close and off she goes.
I read stories to the boys and got them into bed. Kyle accidentally pinched Owen, and we had drama. But reading “Kate and the Beanstalk” while my two sweeties rest in their beds and follow along a story of empowerment and self discovery is something very special. And they settle in together, gently drifting off.
Thursday’s are special. We have pizza on Thursdays. Pizza at Sal’s, or pizza at home, home made, store made, french bread pizza, boxed or frozen. It’s become something we do. It’s a ritual: mommy is working late, it’s Pizza night with papi.
We have baths, get ready for bed, read books. When we hear mommy’s car, we go and hide around the corner and jump out and surprise her; welcoming her home. Or we sit quietly on the couch reading and when she comes up the stairs, the three kids jump up and scream in excitement that she’s home.
Tonight we did go out and went out to Sal’s; I ordered a medium and large pizza. I had three pieces, Meera had one (kind of – she mostly ate Kyle and Owen’s crust). The boys had the rest – there were two pieces left. And they are 6.
It’s not just that they were hungary, or that sharing pizza crusts in a family is fun, or that we draw pictures on the back of the placemats, or that Meera smears her pizza hands all over my shirt, or that Owen mostly wants to watch the man make pizza.
It’s that Thursday night is pizza night with Papi. And it’s special.
Braydon, what’s that word they use? Verklempt. Yeah, that’s me when you post.
Thankyou.
That is so very special! When my mom was out when we were kids, we all knew that supper was going to be super fun. My Dad would make grilled cheese. FOR SUPPER!
I love your “voice” in your posts, Braydon. It’s great to see from the viewpoints of both of you and heather. My daughter (19months) also prefers to eat everyone’s crusts than an entire piece herself.
I love it when you post, Braydon!