.....I remember not long ago, when I anxiously anticipated what life would be like with three.....I wondered how it would change the dynamic of what used to be just me and my girls.....and those days already feel like light years ago......our home has been infused with more love and joy than I ever thought possible......but last week, for a brief afternoon, I went back to the place of just the three of us.....
....I've done day dates with each of my three children and I love the one on one moments......I cherish the time that focusing 100% on one alone blooms into this experience that bonds us......but during the outing I had last week with my girls, I was able to focus on watching them play together and I could really appreciate their sisterhood that is unfolding ......especially when it is in its most natural state and I happen to click when they are in their element.....
Sharing their love for Dora on our outing to buy Callie her new backpack for nursery school
It's moments like this that drive me to take my camera everywhere......
.....and last week's jaunt with just my girls minus Brody only happened because we were venturing out to some new play areas that I hadn't been before, but had heard all hands were needed on deck......
.....In prepping for the big day, Sara told me the slide was steep and fast.....and in order to climb to the top, the kids had to climb over big rocks.....I was having so much anxiety about juggling my three in a place that sounded like an accident waiting to happen; that upon our arrival, I was encouraged I made the right decision to leave Brody with a sitter.....
.....we needed Mommas on the top of slide to keep an eye on excited children skipping over the slippery rocks, who danced under the water spouts, and ventured off behind nooks and crannies that pulled them out of sight.....and we also needed Mommas down below to catch flying babes....especially after William taught everyone how to turbo boost their ride with some fountain water......
....and I've learned the trick to keeping toddlers close when they love to run away.....
.....get them really hungry and then make them come to you for the food.....snack time may have been the only time during the day that we were able to sit down......
....and as much as I missed my sweet baby on this venture, I did enjoy watching my girls interact with their friends.....wholly and completely.....not half watching as I try to nurse in the shade or soothe a hot and bothered little one in the summer heat....I was all theirs and caught the little things I know I sometimes miss.....and that was nice.....
....I was able to laugh with them as they hysterically tried to catch their breath while running and giggling.....I was able to answer their questions immediately.....I eavesdropped on the funnies between sisters....played tag, tickled wet bodies, splashed in fountains....
....and throughout the day I also had my special moments with each one that remind me of why I love them each so uniquely and differently......
.....but before long, I was checking the cell and spamming the sitter with text messages.....it had been five hours, the longest I have been away from my little man since he swept me off my feet.....and I was ready for our reunion.....
.....we had successfully worn out the slippery sliders and we were ready to call it a day....
....and I wasn't the only one who missed our dear Brody....Elsie couldn't wait to cuddle on the couch with Buddy Buddy......
.....and Callie is adopting well to the role of big sister and assures me, I be weely gentwule, Momma......
.....we would much rather have him with us, but we balance out all of the quality time and lovin' in this family.....and sometimes, an outing in the city calls on big kids only.....
....and especially as September 11 approaches, it is impossible to make a trip downtown and not feel the burden of anguish for so many people who suffered from that day.....even as the new freedom tower has started to unveil its shiny newness in the Manhattan skyline, no one has forgotten.....
......making it even more important for us to cherish, embrace, relish and savor one another....
.....and Sara, your photography is outstanding, as always.....thank you.....