time is passing

I did not sleep much last night. I'm not complaining, it is to be expected when small babies inhabit your home, and I wouldn't want my home without babies in it. Even so, I am tired. I don't expect much more sleep tonight as both girls got shots today. Mia has been sleeping most of the afternoon, and Laci, although clearly tired and cranky, has yet to take a nap. It is now 3:30 so I'd prefer skipping naptime altogether and plan for an early bedtime instead. We'll see how much longer she lasts before collapsing in an overly exhausted heap.

The weekend, and so far, this week, flew by. It seems the time passes quicker as the year draws to a close. And yes, I'm already talking about the end of the year, because as much as I like to encourage savoring the little moments in life, I'm ready for 2011 to be over. I'm declaring 2012 to be a year of quiet family relaxation, banning any projects that require more than a few days' effort, and I'm ready for 2012 to begin.

Now before you think I'm wishing the next two months away - because I'm not, because I would miss so much fun without the next two months - I'll share the little joys we experienced this past weekend.

The rain started. Real rain. The kind where your windshield wipers swish quickly and you need more than a sweater to keep warm and dry and babies need special covers over their carseats. It doesn't seem so long ago that Laci was peeking out from this cozy cave.

My mama hosted a stamping workshop, and I happily sacrificed crafting time to help with refreshments, because creating food in the kitchen is just as fulfilling to me as creating crafts. I had the added pleasure of chatting with a dear friend while our daughters bonded over cookies, brownies, and Finger People. My friend and I do not visit often, but when we do, there is non-stop chatter, and our visits every few months seem to fit into both our schedules. Our history together dates back to a ballet class when we were three. One of us was quietly learning first position while the other danced to her own tune. I'll let you wonder which was which, if it isn't completely obvious. It is true that opposites attract, and I admire the qualities in her that make us different.

Sunday morning dreariness kept us in pajamas until late afternoon, and despite my reluctance to leave the warm sanctuary of my parents' home, we headed out to cousin Sydney's 6th birthday party. It appears I was trying to taunt the grayness outside by dressing my girl in the brightest colors possible. It makes me happy to see her in striped tights and fluffy skirts. Cute bowling shoes certainly don't hurt. The fact that they were a size or two too big just adds to the charm. She had a blast, as did a dozen other enthusiastic kids. Mia slept, gotta love that.

Despite her petite size, Laci gladly carried a dozen or so bowling balls from the party room to the lane. Sure, they were light-weight balls, but nearly full size, and it took her whole body to counter the weight of the bowling ball in front of her. Her tenacity makes me smile. Even at two, she is unafraid to meet a new challenge. And after the proper warmup period of about thirty minutes, is not afraid to be herself in front of others. She is not intimidated much by the older kids and had no problem standing up for herself. I hope she does not lose her self-confidence to the pressures of growing up.

Suddenly, it was Sunday night and the weekend was gone. Ryan was setting his alarm for 4:30 am for work the next morning, although that blow was slightly softened by the time change, and I was wrangling overly tired babies into bed. And now, here it is, Tuesday, almost evening, and I think that maybe time is actually passing much quicker than it seems.