Scenes from our Friday night picnic and (clearly) epic soccer game.
I cried while I read the Velveteen Rabbit to the littles tonight.
Like a full on alligator tears, weeping kind of cry.
I remember feeling the sadness in that story when I read it as a kid, but tonight the sorrow just washed over me, and I wept from pretty much the moment the little boy gets Scarlet Fever until the end when the little rabbit goes back to see him again after he is “real.”
Ethan kept telling me not to cry but it couldn’t be helped.
I feel like that rabbit. Or maybe I just understand that rabbit so much better than I did when I was younger.
I know what it means to love a child now. To really love a child.
To feel them growing inside you; obsess over every single cry when they’re brand new. To cradle them when they are sick, counting every croupy breath until they are better. To have your heart break when they stop wanting you to hold them all the time. To see them get hurt as they experiment, change, grow.
Sometimes I feel worn through; that kind of love is exhausting.
Exhausting and beautiful.
The other day Hannah used air quotes when referring to the “Tooth Fairy.” She knows the truth about those things now. I laughed when she did it, it was so darling, and then suddenly I realized that that magical part of childhood is over for her, and it feels like it went by too fast.
Like it’s all going by too fast with all of them.
This morning she sat at the counter eating Cheerios, her nose glued to her newest book. She’s reading “Anne of Green Gables” for the first time. I was at the sink doing the breakfast dishes, and attempting to have a conversation with her. She was absentmindedly answering me. Finally she looked up and said, “I’m so sorry mom, my mind is far away on Prince Edward Island.”
Wow.
If I can help her grow into adulthood preserving every ounce of spark I saw in the kitchen this morning, if I can do that for all of them, well, that will be my opus.
beautiful post and it’s true. I feel the same way about my son. I sometimes look at him and start to cry thinking how big he is and how fast he is growing up. We just have to cherish these moments.
Oh my goodness, this post is wonderful. What captivated me most was your daughter…”my mind is far away on Prince Edward Island.” I LOVE that her imagination is in full force!! Wonderful parenting is bearing fruit right there!
What an amazing post. Both books childhood favorites. As I am curled up with my coffee and my little is tucked in bed, I just took a moment to admire his 1 1/2 year old beauty. Thank you.
Aw, what a lovely post Cori. Your words are poetry and a reminder that time indeed passes quickly. As a Canadian, I have a great reverence for Anne. Read all the books as a child.
Thanks! This post brought tears to my eyes. I was in Home Depot the other night and I did a double take when I passed someone that looked like you. I think it must have been your sister. Crazy!
Oh man, I’m almost in tears reading this, it rings SO TRUE to my heart right now. Today there was so much that needed to be done, but my 2 year old snuggled up on my lap to watch TV (we watch too much, but I’ll cut back when its not freezing outside!) and I know that my snuggles with her are limited. That she will not always want to kiss me five times before bed. I’ll take them all and savor them.
Beautiful post. I absolutely love re-reading childhood books and have them hit you in such a different way.
My favorite from the Velveteen Rabbit: “Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When [someone] loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.” “Does it hurt?” asked the Rabbit. “Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. “When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.”
Very touching post. I love Anne of Green Gables…Those movies make me feel so good.
Love that picture of you and Hannah. It’s clear you have a very strong ally in her, and I don’t think that will go away no matter how grown up she gets.
Your photos are beautiful, and this post is so honest! I’m a new follower – and loving your blog. I also was in love with Anne of Green Gables – I must have reread/rewatched the books and movies a hundred times!
Beautiful post. I just had my first child, and I finally understand unconditional love! You have a gorgeous family!
Beautifully said!
Cheers,
http://www.learning2exhale.com
looks like you all had a lovely little day! xo
http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/
beautiful post and it’s true. I feel the same way about my son. I sometimes look at him and start to cry thinking how big he is and how fast he is growing up. We just have to cherish these moments.
Agi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com
Thank you for those beautiful words so wonderfully expressed.
Oh my goodness, this post is wonderful. What captivated me most was your daughter…”my mind is far away on Prince Edward Island.” I LOVE that her imagination is in full force!! Wonderful parenting is bearing fruit right there!
What an amazing post. Both books childhood favorites. As I am curled up with my coffee and my little is tucked in bed, I just took a moment to admire his 1 1/2 year old beauty. Thank you.
Aw, what a lovely post Cori. Your words are poetry and a reminder that time indeed passes quickly. As a Canadian, I have a great reverence for Anne. Read all the books as a child.
On an aside, I love, love that bike! Want it.
Sue xo
the picture(s) of bliss!! precious!
Thanks! This post brought tears to my eyes. I was in Home Depot the other night and I did a double take when I passed someone that looked like you. I think it must have been your sister. Crazy!
At Erika. We were at Home Depot in Logan
this weekend. I’m sure you saw Meghan (she and Cori look s lot alike!
Oh man, I’m almost in tears reading this, it rings SO TRUE to my heart right now. Today there was so much that needed to be done, but my 2 year old snuggled up on my lap to watch TV (we watch too much, but I’ll cut back when its not freezing outside!) and I know that my snuggles with her are limited. That she will not always want to kiss me five times before bed. I’ll take them all and savor them.
This made me cry sis.
This post is so sweet. Can’t believe your eight-year-old is already discovering the joy that is Anne and Gilbert. :)
Beautiful post. I absolutely love re-reading childhood books and have them hit you in such a different way.
My favorite from the Velveteen Rabbit: “Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When [someone] loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.” “Does it hurt?” asked the Rabbit. “Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. “When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.”
Very touching post. I love Anne of Green Gables…Those movies make me feel so good.
Love that picture of you and Hannah. It’s clear you have a very strong ally in her, and I don’t think that will go away no matter how grown up she gets.
Your photos are beautiful, and this post is so honest! I’m a new follower – and loving your blog. I also was in love with Anne of Green Gables – I must have reread/rewatched the books and movies a hundred times!
Sheree
The Hartungs Blog
thehartungs.blogspot.ca
Ahhh, you inspire me so much! I can tell that you’ve done very well with your babies!! xo