There were few pictures documenting this day. Not because I didn't think about it, or even try to take a few videos. But because I was in the moment with my family, loving every second of it. It was beauty that photos just wouldn't capture. It was beauty in movement.
This is just some of the movement from yesterday...
Avolyn and I worked on a "special project". One trait that Avolyn gets 100% from her mother is the love to organize. Everything has a spot, it is my job (and now Avolyns) to find it. We went up to Elliotts room after our morning routine. It was time to get the newborn clothes in boxes and get all of Elliotts 0-3 and 3-6 month clothes out. I love this time. I am sure every mother knows what I am talking about. Out with the old, in with the new. I love looking at all of the clothes that don't fit anymore, remembering when it was worn, and get ready for everything that is to come. We spent 1.5 putting clothes in boxes, folding, finding things in boxes and drawers. Avolyn even found all of Elliotts diapers, opened them up and one by one pulled them out...then putting them different places around the room. She found several bottles of unopened bathing soaps and other small bottles and very carefully lining them up. Of course doing all of this in song and conversation. Beauty in movement.
Elliott fell asleep in my chest after a bottle. Avolyn was taking a nap and I was able to just watch Elliott sleep. With his checks all scrunched up and the smell of soy formula on his breath. His eyes open and then look at me. I smiled. He slowly fell back to sleep as I sit rocking my baby. He falls back asleep and smiles. I am sure at me. Beauty in movement.
Rose and Harper come after naps are all over for both houses. The music is turned up. Avolyn and Harper start playing...sometimes even with each other, no hitting or screaming. They both start dancing. Harper shows us his mad robot skills while Avolyn is shaking her hips. They both run over to the stairs and try to get the prize spot to sit where the wall and the stair connect on the first step. It is the best spot to run around and stick your head and then body out for all of us (Rose, Mike and myself) to say their name and then run back to the spot. It is pretty funny and sometimes goes on for awhile. Beauty in movement.
As we are getting ready for dinner Avolyn and Harper in Mikes arms spinning around. Both kids are stretching, arching and leaning back as far as possible. All three laughing. Beauty in movement.
After dinner, winding down for the night. The kitchen is cleaned up and the kids are reading books. We have lots of books, but there are favorites. One of their favorites is a book called Hippos Go Berserk. Mike, Rose and I can probably recite the book. The middle page there are forty some odd hippos at a party and it reads, "ALL THE HIPPOS GO BERSERK". Which means everyone in the room must go berserk by shaking our bodies. Rose was the lucky one that got to read this book many times last night. Each time is a party. This is beauty in movement.
So that is Saturday night for you. It is amazing how Saturday nights have changed. I am thankful for all of the different parts of my life that I have been able to experience other types of beauty in movement, but for right now I am completely satisfied.
You know I can't post without a few of my favs from the past week or so...
This is my last week of maternity leave. I am not ready to start work yet, but will be ready by next Monday. I will be taking every advantage this week to spend with my family.
