Love, Three

Cookie Love

Love, Two

A couple of weekends ago, Duncan and I made some Valentines.  Here's the one he made for me:

He made Jamie a more traditional card.  "This color makes camouflage!"  Who knew camouflage was a color, let alone a Valentine's Day color?

Here's the inside:

I'm enjoying all the love in our house these days!

Independence Day

To surprise me last night, Duncan sent me out of the bathroom while he put on his pull up, his pajamas, and his socks and brushed his teeth "all by myself!" (I thought he was just buttoning his pajama top so I was truly surprised. There was a lot of grunting (which sounded like a preschool version of swearing) and self-affirmation ("I can DO this,") followed by sweet triumph. "I put these things on all by myself, AND I brushed my teeth." Sometimes it's so hard to take the time to let him do these things, but it's really important. Not only does he learn valuable self-care skills, but he also learns the feeling of success. I will remember these things when he needed to be in the car 10 minutes ago and insists on zipping his jacket...I swear I will...while I'm counting to 10 inside my head and practicing deep breathing.

Love, One

Duncan is very lovey this week. We have been blessed with a multitude of declarations of love and countless hugs and kisses. It's a nice change. Often, lately, we hear a lot more "No.  No kisses." If we're lucky, "No. No kisses. Only hugs.," or maybe "Only kisses on the cheek." I don't know if it's the impending holiday or everything that was going on at school (and now isn't) (more later), or a new developmental stage. I don't need an explanation. I'll take it and store it for the future.

"Mama.  I love you. I love you to the Korn and back. The Korn is farther than the universe."

Love, pure and simple.

Random Thoughts

I'm secretly thankful that Duncan seems to call Jamie Mama about as often as he calls me Daddy.

Resilience

"Daddy.  I LOVE you, and I think my new school is going to be REALLY cool."

There is a god, and s/he sent me THIS exact child for a reason.  Thank you.

Love is in the Air

Overheard from the kitchen during Duncan's shower:

"Daddy, I LOVE you.  Will you make me a valentine?"