May 29, 2013

Summer's Endings and Beginnings

{Cell phone pictures- but no apology for them}
 "I almost wish we were butterflies and liv'd but three summer days - 
three such days with you I could fill with more delight 
than fifty common years could ever contain." 

It may be May, but today was a summer day in Chambana. Not just that, but one of the last summer days I'll have with only one baby's chatter. Each and every second, I'm becoming more aware that the seconds of just-Millie-and-Mama are getting thin. Even though she probably has only the smallest inkling of the whole baby concept, it's been just a bit bittersweet for me the past few days. Maybe it's the hormones that seem to be rolling in late at 8 months, or maybe it's just my heart being typically and overly sentimental. Either way, this lazy, sunny afternoon was made for the two of us.


We painted with her watercolors, pink paint smearing all over the kitchen floor. She would dip the brush into her cup, and hand it to me at times, directing me which color to pick. Her latest phrase is to ask permission for anything, followed by, "Don't say no." And I didn't.


We had corn on the cob with dinner. I declared that it was my favorite, and she declared that it was her favorite too. Both of us look forward to many sweet corn meals over the next few months. (By the way, try it the way I had it in Chicago from a street vendor: a tiny bit of butter, salt, and pepper, but then slathered in mayo and covered in Parmesan cheese. It doesn't sound great, but you'll thank me later.)


And then, while the sun still shone through the trees and the wind tickled the blades of grass creeping onto the sidewalks, Millie and I took an evening stroll. We checked for ducks in the creek, balanced ourselves on the creaky, wooden bridge, and circled back for home in time to blow bubbles on the deck and whisper things to each other.

Part of my heart is a little sad that our times like this won't be quite the same anymore. I just remind myself that they will be even better, and that neither of us will know of a better life than one with her baby sister or brother. Those thoughts keep my heart in the right place.

For tonight, though, it's just us two. And two is pretty wonderful.

P.S. Don't forget- you only have a handful of hours left to enter the InfinityMOM Nursing Scarf giveaway!

11 kind comments from you:

Jen said...

:) Such a sweet post, I love the relationship you 2 have.

Marcella{The Life After "Trust Me"} said...

I got extremely sentimental at the end also and I still wish I got to spend more time with my daughter the first few months after my son was born. But I just have to remember to cherish every moment that I get to spend with each of them individually.

Kaylee said...

Aw, so sweet! It's true - these last moments are precious, but the new ones to come will also be beautiful!! Oh, and that corn sounds delicious!

Fran said...

such as sweet post, and that corn looks delicious!

Anonymous said...

I miss Chicago street vendors so much, AND their loads of seriously unhealthy food. Thats the BEST way to eat corn!!!

I can't wait to "meet" your new addition :)

Jenn said...

That corn sounds all kinds of amazing! And you are spending your last bit of "alone" time with Millie in such a perfect way- soaking up all the little moments together. :)

Chantal said...

So sweet. These days are very precious!

Anonymous said...

Awwweee I know exactly what you mean.
Elote! That's Em's favorite.. my in laws are Mexican and make it allllll the time.

greaterexp said...

Illini Supersweet - the post and the corn. Both are perfect.

Michelle said...

So precious. And that corn sounds amazing!

Anonymous said...

<3 I know it's so bitter sweet but so lovely and exciting too. And I think I might have to try my corn that way. It sounds a little weird but I can totally see how it's delicious

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