Bliss

Memory not to forget:

Tonight, after our bed-time routine of books, prayers and snuggles, I tucked in an especially tuckered two year old (who refused her nap today), cozy in her green flowered footy-pajamas and snuggling her "pink" mommy shirt. I kissed her soft cheek, whispered "goodnight, I love you." Her eyes...half closed and begging for sleep, but Amelia, not wanting me to leave managed to whisper back..."Mama, sing me a song..."

And so I did.

She sleeps.

Barbie

So Amelia loves to play with my Barbies. I still have them. Two of them. They can still rock the awesome 70's Barbie clothes (that yes, I still have) including an orange satin disco one piece complete with gold braided belt and golden collar. Amelia has named them "Barba" and "Barbie." They are still going strong despite kitten chewed hands, "bang trims" and generally being a little worn from all the years of "playing Barbies."

In addition to our two 30 something year old Barbies we have welcomed newcomer "Polly." A dollar store beauty that Amelia won at our family "Camporama" last summer.

One morning last week, Amelia and I "played Barbies" and chit-chatted as we dressed them to the hilt. Once they were all dressed and ready to go Amelia said in her best Barbie voice... "Hey! Where do you guys want to go?"

Me in my "Polly" voice, I responded: "I don't care, where do you want to go?"

Amelia, bounced her Barbie along her bed in small hops: "Let's go to a dance party!"

At this point I am not looking directly at Amelia and her Barbie but next I hear her say...and still in Barbie character...

"Oh! But my leg fell off!"

...then happily and without missing a beat she continues...

"That's okay, I'll just take it with me!"

That's my girl. Party on.

School Girlie.

Today was a big day for the Turrells. We think we may have found a preschool for Amelia to attend this fall...and as far as first impressions go, it's amazing. We heard about it from one of Ford's law professors who could not say enough good things about it. Both of his kids attend.

After meeting with the director, touring the school, and watching Amelia explore with glorious wonder...Ford and I both knew this was the place Amelia would spend her first days away from home, away from us, away from me.

I had my list of questions for the director and I found myself pleasantly surprised and excited as I listened to her share with me the philosophy of the school and the concept from which they base their curriculum. As I listened to her speak, I found myself welling up...imagining Amelia participating, engaging, dancing, singing, creating, exploring, learning and growing in this joyful little place. What an amazing feeling.

Remember, Amelia has been with me since birth. No daycare, no regular babysitters, (only a handful of babysitters at that) just us, everyday for 2 1/2 years. Even just a few months ago, I could not imagine Amelia not being home with me, part of me wants to keep her home as I long as I can. I knew she was ready...she lights up at just the mention of going to school. I knew this was coming but letting go did not feel quite right...not just yet.

Today I feel differently. I feel hopeful. Excited. Ready.

As we pulled out of the school driveway, Ford said, "well, what do you think?" I knew it was the perfect fit...I felt the tears begin to blur my vision and I was unable to answer him, so I just nodded. He turned his head away and I knew he too was fighting back a few.

It's almost time to let go. Just a little.

Some of the best compliments...ever.

A few days ago while eating dinner, the three of us were laughing and giggling while we recapped the fun day we had just had. We did some pretty fun stuff that day, things that Amelia really enjoys, so I asked her...

"Amelia, what was your favorite thing about today?" Expecting her to answer to be one of the many fun events of the day, she smiled and said, "living with you."

Lately, while riding in the car, Amelia has been requesting fast music to bop her head to. Today I put in the new Patty Griffin cd, which we both really like by the way. Amelia asked me, "Mommy, is this you?" Feeling flattered already I said, "No this is Patty Griffin." She replied, "I want to listen to you!" This is actually the first time she's requested to listen to either one of our cds. I complied and put in a lullaby cd Ford and I have been working on. I watched her from the rear-view mirror as she listened intently for a few minutes while looking out the window. She looked at me and said, "Is this you, Mom?" I said, "yes, this is me." She smiled and said, "are you a princess???"

Couldn't be any sweeter.

I smiled, "No, I'm your mama." She pointed at the radio, "But are you a princess on this cd?"

Perhaps the best compliment ever...and from a 2 1/2 year old. I thanked her and then watched her as she looked out the window and tried to sing along to each song. The cutest.