You make me so funny

Oh, my kid.

She turns 5 years old in just under 2 months. Her sense of humor is exploding and I love it. I've noticed that, developmentally, things happen in big bursts with her. Maybe that's all kids. There have been spurts when I've seen her sense of humor blossom before and I'm thrilled to see it happen again. Partly because it's so cool but also because there's nothing better than hearing her laugh.

Today we were at the park. It was 29 degrees and she was bundled the most she's been bundled yet this winter. (I admit, it's difficult getting used to the extra bulk again!) She was trying to climb this rope jungle-gym thing, and she went to raise her foot to the next rope up and with her extra bulk she couldn't lift her leg high enough, she was about 3 inches short. She tried once. Breathy chuckle. Tried again. Bubbly giggle. Tried again and didn't get any closer than her previous 2 attempts and she began to giggle so hard, I was nervous she would lose her grip and fall. I cannot fully express my delight in seeing her laugh at herself (especially at something she "failed"). I cracked up too, mostly because it was comical to see her see the humor in herself. So deliciously awesome.

In addition to those kinds of moments (there have been plenty the last week or two), she is highly conscious of the effect she has on making me laugh. I have to be careful to not laugh when she's not trying to make me laugh; which is difficult because she's naturally a super funny kid. But if she isn't trying to make me laugh, and I laugh, she gets self conscious and feels I'm laughing at her in a mocking way. We've been working on this and I've tried to explain how these situations work. She's beginning to get it now. It's so fun to be her mom.

(When she was littler she mixed up the words "funny" and "laugh." Occasionally she still does.
So instead of saying "you make me laugh" she would say "you make me funny," which is even better, I think. Another post on all the words she's used or gotten mixed up that have sent my heart aflutter.)

New Love

Yoga has always been fascinating to me but I have somewhat a love/hate relationship with it. I would love to become a dedicated yogi, but I lack the discipline, which tells me that I probably need yoga more than I realize. Anyhow, this past summer (while Ruby was away) I took a few outdoor yoga classes from an instructor who has a studio in town. The outdoor classes were held at different parks, and women of all ages stumbled up in yoga pants, messy buns, a yoga mat in one arm, a coffee cup in the other arm. I don't know if it was the yoga, the outdoors on a beautiful Saturday morning, the instructor's hippie–love vibe, or a combo, but I left those classes feeling euphoric. I found my groove in these classes.

I had taken yoga classes before and I always left a bit disappointed. Yoga is a mind–body–spirit practice and the classes I had taken felt like simply a body workout. With daily stress, a nonstop schedule, a billion things to remember, I need the mind and spirit workout also. I never went back.

Well, I follow the instructor's studio on Facebook and closely watch the schedule for upcoming classes that may fit with my life (single working mother, who can never seem to get organized enough to not feel frazzled). It never seems to work, as I would have to get childcare for the classes I would like to take and the combination of the cost for the class, the cost for a babysitter, and the organization of both = too much effort. I have stuck to the occasional practice at home with videos online and a 45 pound child hanging from my Warrior 1 or sliding under my Downward-Facing Dog.

Last week, I spotted a class that might work "Fundamentals of Yoga: ALL are welcome!" ALL? Even antsy-pantsy 4 year olds? Turns out: YES! Ruby and I went to the Fundamentals of Yoga last night, where we were taught about breath, intention, and the basic poses. It was wonderful. The class was not held at the yoga studio, but at Development Homes and we had a motley crew of participants. There were a few special-needs ladies there (with their care-takers sitting quietly to the side), a couple of elderly ladies, a couple ladies my age, and Rubes. Now, out of that crew, I suspected Ruby would be the most disruptive. I was wrong. Ruby did surprisingly well. I think it was a little slower paced for her, but overall, she did fantastic. The special-needs ladies beside me nearly had me dying from holding the laughter inside. Their little comments throughout the whole class "This is too damn hard!" - with the caretaker shushing them then correcting them "Your right leg. Right leg!" Ugh, too much for me! I was smirking inwardly the whole time.

I loved the commentary (the instructor did too) but the icing on the cake was during Savasana (or Corpse pose). The room was very dark, and the indie music was playing low. The instructor was walking slowly around the room quietly talking about intentions and sending love out into the world. Ruby squirmed quietly next to me on her mat. The special needs woman to my right whispered "I just farted."

I died. Apparently, everyone else did too.

The caretakers all got the giggles and were trying to settle down, and I lay there on my mat in the dark, silently laughing so hard the tears were falling into my hair. I died! Ruby wiggled over to me and snuggled in, then asked me why I'm crying and I silently laughed even harder. I had composed myself by the end of Savasana, but when we left and got in the car, I had to let it out. I kept thinking the exact tone she said those simple words "I just farted" accompanied by the dismay and hilarity of the care-taking ladies (the sound of their struggle, trying to compose themselves in the dark!) and I couldn't help myself. I laughed so hard I cried again.

Now, that is some good yoga. By far the best class I have been to - and I will say: my mind, body, and spirit were quite renewed afterwards!

I am back

I am back. This blog has been somewhat of a home to me but, for the last 2 years or so, I have neglected it because of outside issues. After reevaluating my life and focusing on things that bring me joy, I have decided to come back here and leave some thoughts, again. I have missed it and I did not know I missed it until I sat down to write this.

Lately, I have been hungry to grow and learn myself a little more. I think that is a quality that I will always have: the hunger for knowledge. Recently, it has been of myself. Among other searching, I have taken lots of personality tests and read and read and read on my personality type (Myers Briggs: INFJ). One description really resonated with me: that INFJs communicate best by writing. This is so true for me. Writing gives me the time and space I need to form thoughts and feelings and opinions - and at times I don't know how I feel about things until I write. As with all things, I think there are pluses and minuses to this. But in saying that, I feel like this is a good outlet for me. I can share my thoughts and musings and put that out into the world (or, a select number of friends who are interested enough to stop by now and then).

I have also been seriously debating closing my social media, namely, Facebook. There is so much negativity and ignorance on there and every time I close my Facebook browser, I feel a little more hollow and disappointed, and sometimes sad. The difficult part in that is missing out on updates from my closest friends. I would also miss sharing stories and the occasional photo of Ruby, because, let's face it: she's amazing. But I also wonder about her privacy and her feelings regarding me sharing her life...

 Always, so much to think about. But, I am back... and it feels good.

Thinking

One of my favorite bloggers wrote a post today:

http://www.mommasgonecity.com/2014/09/portrait-of-a-newborn/

This line specifically caught my eye:

"I find so much solace and relief in the depth of her dark grey eyes, as though I’ve been waiting my whole life to meet her and now that she is here I can finally rest."

The waiting her whole life to meet her and now she's here, she can finally rest part. Yeah. I felt so completely opposite holding Ruby. Those first weeks I would hold her and just think, "I have been waiting my whole life to meet you and now that you are finally here, real life can begin."

Life feels like it really began when Ruby arrived. My life before was like waiting around and causing mischief in a lobby, knowing something important was going to happen on the other side of that office door but not knowing what. I was bored, nervous, and waiting impatiently. As time approached, I knew to prepare myself for it (more on this another time). I knew it was going to be big. I just had no idea how big.

Since Ruby, everything in my world has become crystal-clear and sharp. The first time I held her, I knew how I felt about almost everything because I suddenly realized with startling clarity the impact it would have on her. The things I was hesitant about would have to be researched to death for me to find the appropriate opinion and emotion. I have a purpose.

Now, I have plans and a direction for my life. Our lives together. I may not always know the correct path to take but my heart pulls me forward and I am confident - for the first time my whole life - that I am here for something bigger and greater than I have ever imagined. Now that Ruby is here, I can finally get down to business doing the work God has asked me to do. I am most honored, humbled, and grateful for it.

Blessed

But listen to me. For one moment
quit being sad. Hear blessings
dropping their blossoms
around you.
-Rumi

and


When you feel a peaceful joy, that's when you are near the truth.
-Rumi


I sometimes think that had I not known such struggles and, truthfully, such deep despair in my early adulthood, I would not feel such intense joy and contentedness now. It's often fleeting moments of those wonderful feelings, but I have them. I have them and I am SO grateful.


 

20 years

It's coming up on the 20 year anniversary of the death of my best friend, Adeline. This time of year is always difficult for me, as the seasons change and winter comes one day closer. But not only that. It's hard because the day Adeline died was such a beautiful Minnesota autumn day. The sights and smells of autumn always make me think of her.

For the second time in the last couple of months, I woke in the night thinking of her. Thinking of the person she was, the friend she was to me. I think about the day she left us. I think about the loss I feel in my life, even 20 years later, because she is gone. I guess I had expected that after 20 years the void wouldn't feel so huge, that the hurt and grief wouldn't still be so strong. But it is. It took me many, many years to come to a place where the void didn't feel insurmountable every single day. Now, it is only occasionally... but even that surprises me. If this is what life has been like for me, what has it been like for her family? I hope they have been able to find peace with things better than I have.

I have been alive over twice as long as I knew Adeline. Almost 3 times as long. We were 12 when she died. Always, when I think about Adeline, I think about the girl I was then. I think about how every single facet of my life changed on the day she died. I think about how the grief of losing her has impacted every single decision I've made since. I think about how the sadness and fear crept into my life at that time and took root. How it has been so hard to let that all go...

I think about how lucky I was to get to be her friend.

Two (and a half)

My dearest Muffinmix,

I have been meaning to write you for so long now, but it has really been tough to find the words to encompass who you are at two and a half and what it is like to be your mommy. Every day your personality blooms and I find myself pausing, waiting to hear what you say next. You are clever and bright and say the most delightful, thoughtful things. You are concerned about everyone; you never want to leave anyone out or behind and your love for others is apparent in all you do. Sometimes, I have to restrain myself from worrying about you because you have an extremely tender heart and you worry and get lonesome rather easily. One evening a few weeks ago, I was putting you to bed and you snuggled up and whispered, “Mommy, I’m sad.” I asked why. “I miss Gamma Papa.” And your eyes filled with tears and your bottom lip stuck out. I reassured you that they miss you too and that we would call them the next day and we would see them soon. You were comforted by this but the very next morning you made the same comment on the way to daycare as you solemnly gazed out the window. Your love is abundant and overwhelming, I think. Even with your babies and stuffed animals, you love and comfort them. Tuck them in at night and kiss and hug them after a long day. You never want to leave one out, as you think they all have feelings. I remember doing the same as a child, and so I will never discourage you. Some people believe sensitivity is a bad, or even weak, characteristic. It isn’t, Ruby. Being sensitive is, at times, really hard but don’t ever regret it because it means you have a loving, empathetic heart. It means you feel emotions deeply and love strongly and dare greatly.

The last month or two, your knowledge and intellect have exploded. You can count to 40, know all of your ABCs, your shapes, all the days of the week, most of your colors, both bedtime and meal-time prayers… You can “read” (completely recite) several of your favorite books. You know more songs by heart than I do. In fact, you have had to teach me a few songs you have learned at daycare so that I can sing along. You are learning to color inside the lines and to draw. Last week, you drew me a puppy with a round head and when I asked where his eyes were, you drew two little circles at the top of the circle and two little loops outside the circle for the ears and a line for the mouth. I was in absolute shock! It was incredible and you were so proud of yourself. When I asked about the puppy’s legs, you looked down at yourself and examined your arms and legs but you were a bit confused as to how to add them to your picture. It was wonderfully hilarious and I will keep the puppy picture forever. At daycare yesterday, you and your classmates painted pictures. All the other kids drew their mommies or siblings or houses (even though all the pictures looked like multi-colored blobs). What did you draw? An octopus! (I wasn’t even hurt that you chose to not draw me! I was delighted that you thought “outside the box”!) Your imagination is exploding and I am so excited to see what each day brings to you.

The questions you come up with lately have been startling and pretty amazing. The select few here are some of the doozie questions you have asked me the last couple of weeks:

1. Where do dinosaurs live? (When I told you that they are extinct and asked if you knew what extinct meant, you said, “Dinosaurs are gone. But where?” !!!)
2. Where does the moon live?
3. What do elephants eat?
4. What color is my butt? (When you bent over and mooned me one Saturday morning – you were so mischievous and full of giggles!)
5. Mommy, why do you love me so much?

The last question nearly made my heart stop. I listed some of your wonderful qualities, but you became bored with it and wandered off to feed your babies. I was haunted all evening by your question, and even worse, by my answer. Would you think that if you weren’t those wonderful qualities that I wouldn’t love you? Do you think you have to be perfect for my love? I hope not. Long after you went to bed, I considered over and over a more appropriate answer. The next morning, I asked if you remembered your question from the evening before. You did. I gave you the only true answer in my heart. “Because God gave me you. God wanted me to have the most wonderful gift, so He gave me you. You are all I have ever wanted. I love you when you are good and I love you when you are naughty. I love you when you are happy and when you are crabby. I will always love you so much.” That answer gave me the biggest grin and a choking squeeze around the neck.

At 2 and ½ years old, you are game for about anything. Any suggestion I make, even the really horrible ones (help me take out garbage!) you answer with “Yeah, sure!” and eagerly lend a hand. You are always willing to help, to find, to reassure. A couple weeks ago, when we found out that Grandma Lorina was in the hospital you told me “Don’t worry, Mommy. Grandma Lorina be ok. Doctors give her medicine and she feel much better.” You reassured me several times that Grandma is going to be ok, and you were right. You have talked about Grandma Lorina every day since and ask to see photos and video of her. This makes me so happy, as I have been hoping and praying that you will have wonderful memories of her when you are grown.

You are such a well-behaved two year old, that when I write that I feel I have to knock on wood because the tables could turn at any moment. The only time you are ever uncooperative or sassy is when you haven’t had enough sleep or are hungry. A few weeks ago, we had gone to the Potato Bowl Parade and arrived home an hour after your normal lunch and naptime. You had a complete and utter meltdown once we got home. There was nothing I could do to console you. Once you had cried it out, you came to me with arms lifted for me to pick you up. I picked you up and you seamlessly curled your body around me and grabbed a piece of my hair to run through your mouth. Your tears soaked the shoulder of my shirt and your snot smeared on my neck. I snuggled you close and after we ate lunch, we had a nap in my bed, with your sturdy, tiny body curved tightly to my side. The profound sense of mommyhood hit me after you had fallen asleep. That during your meltdown, you were struggling to pull it together all by yourself. But you knew. You knew the safe place to be when you had had enough was my arms. That will always be true, Ruby. I hope you always know that I will be your safe place.

I love you… so much.

Mommy