Some days, the rhythm of being home can be overwhelming.
Wake up. Give 2-year-old yogurt. Nurse baby. Change diaper. Do “school time.” Dress 2-year-old. Play outside. Help 2-year-old go potty. Read “Winnie-the-Pooh’s ABCs” and “Madeline” and “Hush Little Puppy.” Blow up balloons. Color a picture. Attempt to take pictures of the girls together. Start a load of laundry with a baby on my hip. Pick up toys. Make lunch. Pray. Dress 2-year-old (again). Potty (again). Nurse (again). Change diaper (again). Pick up toys (again).
It’s monotonous sometimes, but I try to remind myself that it’s in these seemingly unimportant moments, that the biggest things are happening. The little conversations that my 2-year-old and I have. The lessons I teach – intentionally or unintentionally. Yes, these moments matter.
But that doesn’t mean I don’t grow weary of putting my 2-year-old’s socks and shoes on five times a day.
I try to do it cheerily though. Because I know she is watching me. My voice, my inflection, my attitude. The way I talk to the neighbors. How I respond when the baby is crying or when I have a project to complete for work. She sees everything, senses so much.
***This post was brought to you by Nowa Li Moccasins, “a unique combination of a shoe and a sock that stays on kids’ feet.” My daughter recently had an opportunity to try a pair of the moccasins and the pair we received are a bit big, but they’re easy to slip on and they do “stay put” once they’re on. I like that there’s only one “step” since it’s a sock/shoe combo and there are no laces to be tied or buckles to be buckled. These moccasins are ideal for around-the-house wear and light outdoor wear. My take is that they’re a bit too hot for the summertime (and a bit too dorky to wear with shorts), but they would be ideal with jeans or corduroy pants in the fall/winter.
If you want to buy a pair of your own, use the code: HAPPYFEET to get a 10% discount and free shipping on orders over $40 (expires 12/31/09).
WIN IT! One winner will receive a pair of Nowa Li Moccasins in the style/size of his/her choice. To enter, leave a comment telling me which pair you would choose on this post prior to Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at midnight. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).
*UPDATE* The winner is #61 Lori Z. Congratulations!
