summer evenings

Summer for us means Ryan works a lot, and usually on the evening shift.  I play single momma in the evenings, doing the dinner-bath-bed routine alone.  It isn't my favorite.  And if I'm being completely honest, most evenings are spent at my parents' house where I have a few extra hands to help.  But, a good number are spent at home, too.  Just us three girls together.  It isn't terrible.  The girls are usually pretty good about going to bed, as long as I can get them to eat more than two bites of dinner and can get them tired enough from playing.

This summer, more than ever, I truly enjoyed many of the quiet evenings we had at home together, even if I was usually exhausted and ready for them to go to bed an hour before it actually happened.  I laugh at Mia's antics during dinner, where I'm certain she burns more calories than she consumes.  I take cute pictures and videos and send them to Ryan at work  We sit together on the couch after bath time, sometimes reading books, sometimes watching TV.  They ask me to sing to them, which is laughable if you knew how terrible I sing.  Even Mia, who hasn't allowed me to sing since she was a year old, will ask for Baby Beluga or Twinkle Twinkle.  Yes, since age one, Mia hasn't liked my singing.  If I tried to sing a note to her, she would cover my mouth and shake her head.  As horrible as I know I sound, it makes me happy to know the sound of my voice can still soothe her.  And eventually, they both fall asleep and I am amazed at how quiet the house becomes.

A few nights ago, both girls had fallen asleep on the couch around me.  I looked at them, like I always do, except it suddenly hit me how they won't be little like this for long.  I mean, I know time is passing quickly, it isn't like I forgot that part.  It's just that sometimes, the truth just hits you like a brick, and suddenly I was glad we waited a year to put Laci in school, and I'm glad I have these evenings at home with the girls even if it feels too hard sometimes.  Because I won't be able to do this forever.  And as much as I love seeing them grow and learn and change, a part of me wants them to stay just the way they are.

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A few weeks ago, Beth was in New York for work and we decided to "help" Grammy water Beth's yard.  I'll just let the pictures tell the story.

 

 

 

And now, to enjoy the last bit of summer while it's here.