Rain on Me

After three weeks of unbelievably gorgeous weather, the rain returned.  But not horribly so.  Still plenty of chances to get outside.  Plus, I don’t mind it much since we have memberships to a couple nearby indoor venues (We went to the aquarium twice this week and were able to bring a friend for free both times!).

Earlier this week Charlie wanted to take me to the pretend aquarium before we headed off to the real one.  He sat in his driver’s seat on our green chair after buckling me into my car seat on the couch.  Then, his instructions came.  “Mama, ask me, ‘Where are we going, Charlie?’”  “Charlie, where are you taking me?”  “I already told you, mama, to the aquarium!”  We have received this type of instruction followed by a reprimand many, many times in the past few weeks.  He’s definitely in the developmental stage of wanting to be older, more independent and more responsible.  “I can do it myself!!!”  It just might be perfect timing for his little brother to arrive.  I think getting to help out with baby care will be a ton of fun for Charlie.  Maybe I’ll even let him change a diaper for a nice change of pace ;)

I have been showered with exceptionally lovely times with friends this week.  I am still soaking it all in.  Simple playdates with great conversation.  A delectable dessert night sharing stories of adapting to mothering two, complete with laughs so hard I almost gagged, heartfelt tears, and deep encouragement.  A great morning brunch with my precious grad school friends and the little ones.  Knowing how challenging it is to have a conversation with a three year old present, I can only imagine what my phone calls and interactions with friends are going to be like after the baby arrives.  Probably rather short.  Or, I’ll just get used to conversing with loud background noise, like most of my friends who have two or more kids.  It’s the non-mom listeners that will have to get used to that change.  I will probably rely on email a lot more.

One more celebratory note: I think we are officially done with our moving to-do list!  Even our taxes have been filed. Oh, yeah.