I was up plenty early this morning–I had lesson materials for the 22 girls in my class to finish organizing, and two of my own teenagers speaking today and I knew that the printer was jammed. What I didn't know, was that the seven year old was vomiting and the third teenager woke up with his eyes swollen shut (yes, you can get pink-eye even if you shun all contagious critters who are shorter than your knee caps) and, and, and. you know how it goes.
We barely squeaked in as the meeting started.
Found myself sitting at the back of the chapel. Next to a 16 month old baby on his mother's lap. I've seen him before–from across the chapel–but never before had the pleasure of soaking up his drool with my skirt, if you know what I mean.
So I'm sitting there with my eyes closed, listening to the prayer–okay, I was kind of also distracted by the fact that my eight year old beside me looked like a freak (note to self: making him shower the night before is actually counterproductive–nothing can cure went-to-sleep-with-wet-hair-bedhead on this kid short of another shower). Not to mention that after drying my hair and glancing at the clock in horror I hadn't taken one last look in the mirror myself and so I wasn't honestly sure that I looked like any less of a freak.
But I'm sitting there, trying to focus on the prayer, and I feel the drooling toddler next to me take a handful of my hair. I brace myself for the inevitable yank, but it doesn't come. Soon, I realize that he's running his hands through my hair, and then he starts whispering. "Pretty!" he says. "Pretty! PRETTY!!"
Louder and louder, until he gets his mother's attention and she confirms for him, that yes, it's pretty, now leave it alone.
Awwwwww….
I know, I know, he's only 16 months old and he thinks everything with four legs is a puppy, but I'll take what I can get.
And my daughter's talk? Awesome. Without any input from me.
There's not much better than seeing your children capable and confident and articulate. Wow. Where did that come from?
May 30th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
AHhhhh how cute…pretty! A true compliment, enjoy.
You made me smile today, thank you.
May 30th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
That's so nice Kimber. With all of its chaos, you really do have a wonderful life don't you. I watched 19 Kids and Counting for the first time tonight since it was 18 kids, and I was so touched. I miss when my kids were little sometimes…not often…but sometimes. lol
May 30th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
See, FD, there are still things to smile about, especially when Kimber is around.
May 31st, 2010 at 8:40 am
Great story!
May 31st, 2010 at 7:43 pm
What a sweet little drooly guy, and you're right…nothing fixes gone to bed with wet hair bedhead but another shower.
June 1st, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Aww! I'm sure he was right on about your hair. It takes a child to notice things that most of us are too self-absorbed to notice as adults.
June 6th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
I'm pleased your daughter did well – it is nice to see them capable and confident – I could never doubt that any child of yours would be articulate. 🙂 Your hair looks beautifully thick in your profile photo – I'm sure it feels lovely too.
June 7th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
I really do have a wonderful life–busy, and frustrating and every emotion, but it is good, too!
June 7th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Thanks! I was really proud of her–nothing like your kids turning into decent young adults to restore your faith in yourself as a half-way decent parent!
June 7th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Ha! Most of the time I have it tied up in a tight knot because there is nothing the preschoolers like more than to "do" my hair. Horrors! You should see!
June 7th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
I know you do. I understand that. I enjoyed mine thoroughly when my kids were home and they had all of their friends around. We had a blast all the time. I do enjoy my quiet time now though I have to admit.