Wednesday

You know, I really wish that I could have had two children before I'd had only one, except that that would have been impossible.  But if I had managed it, I would have saved myself a lot of worry over my first child.  All the thoughts I had of S being crazy since he wouldn't stop hitting the cat after I had specifically told him to stop hitting the cat...well, those worries would be gone.

Because C is now acting in precisely the same way that S did, and now I can recognize it to be normal one-year old behaviour and not the result of my below-average parenting abilities.

Terribly awkward park moment today when S accidentally kicked another child in the jaw when they were climbing up the slide ladder too close together.  The other mom and I just tried not to look at each other, both yelling encouragement at our offspring.  I just know we were having the same thought "Sheesh, SAY something to your kid, won't you?"

They were fine, by the way.  And were soon happily building a giant pile of sand at the bottom of the slide.

Lentils for supper.  I saute them with onion, basil and chicken stock.  And then I add tomato paste and some tumeric.  If you're smart, you'll top the whole mess with sour cream or yogurt, but the children will eat it either way.

S: (after having eaten 3/4 of his plate) "Mama, I no LIKE this."
C just shrieked her disapproval at seeing any area of blank high chair tray.  All areas must be covered by food at all times.  She's like the cats - they don't agree that sometimes it's okay if the bottom of the bowl is showing a bit, either.

I am so behind on every chore in this house it's almost funny.  Except for the dishes, they're done.  But several plants need repotting, the laundry needs to be caught up, the bathroom (ohmyheavens) needs to be cleaned, everything.  Just, everything.

I recently lost some friends to a move, and it's hard for me.  They didn't move terribly far away, and I will probably see them once or twice a month for at least the next few months, but they were wonderful people to have around, and I'm feeling the loss.  One of their daughters, especially, really connected with me - she is exactly as I was at her age:  precocious, bossy, brilliant, a leader and terribly emotional.  I can't help laughing at her; she's just so...me!  But who I really miss is my friend - we knew each other for much too short a time, and their family will be heading off to Bolivia as long-term missionaries soon.  Two parents and six (!) children.  They'll be living in the remote mountain areas of the country amongst very untouched people.  It's so exciting for them, but I'm a little sad.