Sisters

I never had a sister growing up so I'm constantly trying to figure out the dynamics of the sisterhood between Kiara and Evelina. Sometimes they fight, but most of the time the two of them get along pretty well. Kiara adores Evelina. Kiara wants to do everything that Evelina does and repeats most of the phrases that Evelina uses on a regular basis. Evelina loves to answer questions with a jestful "never". So now you will hear the littlest Caref girl saying "eva" in her best imitation of her sister's never. Evelina dislikes being at the receving end of such adoration. She often complains about Kiara copying her and why can't she do something without Kiara trying to do the same. But despite their disagreements, the girls really do love each other. When Evelina gets back from being at her Mom's house for a long period of time, Kiara will run up to her with this huge smile and give a big hug. It is the cutest thing to see. There are so many precious memories I have of the girls, but these are my favorite. I remember Kiara's 1st Cubs game and Evelina holding her so tight at Wrigley Field. I can recall the 1st time the girls ever took a bath together. I remember when we were in South Haven and Kiara gave Evelina the biggest kiss after a bath. I also remember the day I discovered Evelina in her rocking chair reading to her classroom of stuffed animals and Kiara. Today, I saw Evelina showing Kiara how to stand by the tee and swing and at the next turn Kiara hit the ball. I hope their sisterly love continues to grow, even in the teenage years!

Time

I love little kids concept of time and their thought process getting there. Kiara asked me this morning, "Am I going to swim camp?"

I said, "No, it's the weekend."

She replied, "Oh, that's right".

Then she said, "Tuesday?"

I clarified, "Monday."

I especially love the "oh, that's right" comment. I'm not sure where she got that from but it's cute.

Evelina had the same concern about summer camp this morning. I also explained to her that it was Saturday and she said, "I thought there are 7 days in a week?!"

I said, "Yes, 5 week days and 2 weekend days. 5 +2=7"

Evelina then said, "No, that's not 7!"

I said, "Yes Evelina, 5 (showing her 5 fingers) plus 2 (adding 2 fingers) equals 7."

She then said, "But I thought I am at your house for 7 days and my mom's house for 7 days."

I then went on to explain that during the school year, she is with us 5 days and her mom 2 days, but during the summer it is different. This week she was with her mom 5 days in a row. I guess that was a good explanation because the conversation promptly ended after that!

I wonder what conversation I might have with Montre...

Summer Loving

I've been on summer vacation now for almost 2 weeks and it really has been a joy to spend time with my kids. During the school year, when things are so hectic, it is hard for me to stop and enjoy the kids for who they are. I mean sometimes when I'm teaching, honestly, the kids are the barrier to me and relaxing. When we get home at the end of the day, the kids are tired from school and I'm tired, and I'm trying to forge ahead to bed time when I know I'll get some guilt free time to myself. Now though, I can relax and see the kids shine. Kiara and I have been spending a lot of time together and I realize what a great age she is at and what an awesome little girl she is. She is so lovable and trusting. The other day when she woke up, I put her in bed with me and I gave her a big kiss and told her I loved her. She looked at me and said, "I love you so much!" and kissed and hugged me. Every night when Brian puts Kiara to bed, right before he closes the door, Kiara tells him, "I love you Daddy!"

Kiara is also a very precocious child. After coming home from swim camp one day Kiara noticed I had left the TV on. She said, "Mommy, you left the TV on!" I told her that I forgot to turn it off before I left. A couple days later I purposely left the TV on to ensure that a show got recorded. Kiara came home and said, "You left the TV on again? Uuhhh." I felt like she was the mother and I the child. I hope that I can take more time next school year to enjoy the kids and their moments. I don't want to be so stressed that I get frustrated and forget to seize the moments that will be fleeting memories in a few years.

In my life I love you more

Life is short; take a lot of pictures!

I've decided this is my new mantra in life. If you know me at all, you know I love to take pictures. I've realized that time goes by so fast and I want to remember everything. When I was about 4 or 5 years old I was upset to find out that I didn't have a baby photo album. I then took it upon myself to make one. It wasn't the greatest creation ever, but I can say that my love for capturing life through pictures was started in that moment.

This blog is another way for me to remember my life. I received a baby book for Kiara before she was born. I started filling it out when I was pregnant with her and promised myself I would keep up with it. It's now 3 years later and only the information in the book is from when I was pregnant. I want this blog to be my family's "baby book" and will use it to record all the silly, crazy, sad, glorious moments that happen while raising 4 children. My children will grow up in the blink of an eye and I want to remember the moments.

Enjoy!

Melissa