Foreshadowing
Despite yesterday’s post and all the drama that ensued from that crazy day, the boys and I had a really nice weekend. The weather has been absolutely dreamy, so we spent most of it outdoors. As usual, I took them out for pizza on Friday night. We managed flitting about all of our favorite places and spent plenty of time at playgrounds nearby. We took extra long walks and talked about the life cycle of the swallowtail butterfly. We found a squirrel skeleton (which is now resting in a bucket of bleach water on our back deck), and Milo insists that he found a new species of tarantula (?!) underneath our deck.
We ate our weight in watermelon and had to take baths every night, as the stickiness welcomes dirt and grime. We hugged and snuggled a lot, especially after Emil nearly drowned. That kind of thing will bring out the love and tenderness in brothers, apparently. Milo and Oliver showered Emil with kisses and hugs and were extra nice to him all weekend. I’m afraid he may pull that stunt again!
I ended up taking them to the pool to meet up with friends on Sunday, and Emil had absolutely no aversion to the water. In fact, he seemed more eager than ever to get in as deep as he could manage (with me right beside him, of course and always). I am encouraged by his resilience but frightened by his fearlessness. He will be some force to be reckoned with as a grown man. I see so much of Andrew in him, and that makes me just as happy as a lark, because I know whatever he does, he will do it well and with determination and a positive outlook.
So… this weekend? The good things far outweighed the bad, as they always do. Yes, I was exhausted. I missed Andrew terribly. I missed my friend Ingrid, who left for a few weeks around the same time Andrew did. I missed my long-lost friend Mary, who I think of often yet never seem to connect with. And Nora. And I miss my mama. I felt weary for adult interactions. But one day I imagine that all the work and fast pace of life will slow, and I will suddenly realize that these days, the ones we are living right now… the crazy, million-miles-a-minute days with sore muscles and bruises and sunburns, with scrapes on my 33-year-old knees that have no business being there, the pulled on messy hair and chocolate stains on my dresses, dirty laundry in a heap in the basement and lawn needed mowing… these days I will miss the most. 
… if they don’t kill me first!
I’m catching up here and can’t even beleive that catastrophe with the fish pond! I’m not a strong swimmer and stories like this really terrify me, I hope if I’m ever in that situation the adrenaline takes over and I can act a swiftly as you did- so scary!
It sounds like it’s been an exhausting summer, but full of fun and love too- those brotherly hugs are just too cute.
(and btw, I’m scheduled to be induced Saturday if nothing changes… looking forward to getting back to my daily dose of crumbbums- even if I’m deleriously tired 🙂
Great weekend (aside from the little incident with Emil)!I love that you talk to them about animals and the cycle of life, could be the social worker in you:)
At 33 I ,too, feel like I’m traveling the speed of light, have many bruises and most days I can’t remember if I brushed my teeth in the morning but boy do I love it when my boys sneak in a smile and a hug! I know, its all worth it!
I miss working because of the interaction! Totally agree with this whole post. Call me. Elizabeth and I will meet up with you. We can chat and our kids can exhaust us 🙂
I miss you too!! xoxox Nora
♡
I can’t believe everything that has been put on your plate this summer, so much stress and challenge and scariness. I’m not able to comment often these days but am always reading and I am impressed by your ability to always pick yourself back up and move forward, continuing to have a good day/weekend/summer regardless of the obstacles you face along the way. You’re awesome!