forgotten

I had momentarily forgotten

how real

and hands-on

and exhausting

and sweetly precious

life is with a toddler and a newborn.

Newborn Ashlyn needs

feeding and holding,

swaddling and swaying,

changing and napping.

Toddler Ari needs

 books to read,

simple puzzles to do,

lots of food to eat,

her messes cleaned up,

manners taught,

a nap and a half a day (figure that out),

diapers changed,

toilet-learning,

songs sung, alphabets recited, stair-steps counted,

outdoor water play and garden-exploring,

hugs given and kisses received,
doses of her beloved Elmo,
and endless words to learn.
It's very hard to get her photo because she's
on the move almost ALL THE TIME.

And that, my friends, makes for extremely full and exhausting days,

but also so sweet and packed with love.

 

I had forgotten. But now I remember.