In ten weeks, your life can change in ways you don't anticipate. You knew when you brought two little girls into your house to watch during the day, that you'd be changing diapers, feeding bottles, and playing dolls. You knew that teething babies require extra love and compassion when they are working so hard to push those teeth through, but extra compassion can be exhausting! You knew that a 2 1/2 year old without a nap can be a force to be reckoned with. You knew 10 weeks could feel really, really long.
What you didn't know was how much your joy could double and double again. That every time you went to open the door in the early morning hours, two little smiling faces would light up your world. You didn't realize how much your heart would expand when you saw your own "baby" flex a "big brother" muscle hidden below the surface. You couldn't have known this young boy who can barely tie his own shoes, would patiently sit and wiggle on little E's shoes and tenderly zip her coat so the two of them could go out to play.
You are amazed to discover that 4 kids getting along = much less noise than 2 kids fighting. You also loved that asking your own children to get something or do something for one of the girls, was not debated, ignored or met with an eye roll... it was just done.
In fact, just this last week I saw Nolan and three of his friends cheer and clap when L took first 3 then 5 steps unaccompanied last week. You would have thought their favorite hockey team was on tv and someone had scored for all the high fives going around. This group of boys that come to our house and wait for the bus usually only want to play tag outside, but lately they come in wanting to see how many more steps L would take.
These weeks weren't long at all. They were actually very short. The days flew by. The girls will be returning to their regular daycare provider next week. It was bittersweet as I packed up their things and prepared to hand them off. I kept a calm exterior while crumbling a bit on the inside. I will miss them, in all these ways, and other ways I haven't experienced yet.
I think its such a privilege when you are asked to care for someone's kids. I have a huge admiration for working moms and how hard it is to juggle it all. For a few weeks I joined the ranks, and now I am retired again. Waiting really, for that next adventure to come my way.
oh vicky...this was so sweet !
ReplyDeleteI guess I didn't realize that the girls were only going to be there for ten weeks and now I can only imagine how your heart feels....and how your boys feel....
everyone is brought into our lives for some reason that we really never understand the whole meaning of why....
so these precious angels were meant to be part of your lives, part of your heart for some magical reason....
who knows....maybe to teach your boys something, or you, or them....
but whatever the reason, all I know is that for 10 weeks they were surrounded by more love than they could have ever imagined.....
You are an exceptional person Vicky.
ReplyDeleteVicky...I didn't know that the girls were only going to stay with for for 10 weeks. This was hard to read...I feel your emptiness as the girls won't be staying with you...
ReplyDeleteI applaud your boys!!! They get a high 5!!...lots and lots of them. Most children would feel jealousy...and that is natural...but your boys rose above it (if they felt any at all) and showed true love of 'brothers.'
What an excellent "Mom" they had in you, Vicky. I couldn't think of anyone more loving and sweet that could have been chosen to keep those sweet little girls. They brought you much happiness....and I know you enriched their lives.
I hug you as the weeks pass...and I know that you will gets lots of hugs and kisses from them when you see them!! Smiles to you, my friend.
Jackie
I think 10 weeks has gone so fast, over this period of time the girls have become a part of your family in blog land. I look forward to seeing pictures and hearing your stories about them and in a way I have grown to know them too.
ReplyDeleteI know girls will be missed by you and your boys.
I'm sure you made a difference in their lives. Life moves on. Tomorrow is another day.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you Vicky and your family.
I can only imagine how hard it is is to say goodbye as the girls must of felt like part of your family by now. But, as you think about the how much you miss them, just remember that the girls were given the blessing of your family for 10 weeks. I am sure they will never forget the love and compassion your family showed them.
ReplyDeleteHey Vic!
ReplyDeleteLove you hair cut!!!
Children are God's angels.I love them all. They bring so much joy into any heart.
You were very lucky indeed to have been a part of their lives and upbringing and they with you.
Love love love love love. :)
Hello Vicky
ReplyDeleteit sounds as if you have loved caring for the girls. Can you do more of the same type of home day care?
The proteas are soft and velvety to touch with tickly furry edges. They are prehistoric plants - amazing aren't they ..
Happy days
Beth, I've come to realize when these things come into my life... they're here to teach me something or bring me something. I do think I gained far more than I gave! Thanks for your thoughtful words!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, no, not exceptional... exceptionally lucky. And learning to embrace everything that comes my way!
Jackie, if I didn't know how wonderful the girls full time daycare provider was, I'd feel worse about them going... but she is partially responsible for laying the foundation of who they are and the girls will go back to an equally loving day care situation... so I am not as sad as I could be :)
Liss, you are right, they have become a part of our family and our blog... I am happy to say you haven't seen the last of them yet :) I am glad they came across to you exactly the way I had intended.
Tainterturtles, thank you! Yes, today is just another opportunity for a new adventure, I agree. Blessings to you!
Eileen, thank you! I think we were the ones who were blessed and I hope my boys especially will hang onto the traits they exhibited with the girls.
Hi Vic! If you are here than winter must be upon us! Good to have you back amongst us again!
Delwyn, Yes, I am sure I could do more daycare... but we'll see what the future holds :) Keeping the doors open to all kinds of possibilities.
That was so kindly said. That must have been a real blessing to the mom to have her two sweeties cared for by such a loving person.
ReplyDeleteI know that they LOVED their time with you. You gave so much of yourself to make their days brighter. What cute pictures!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you and your family could be a part of these little girls lives! You all will remember and to think how much your own boys have gained from the experience. We open our arms and receive threefold!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful little smiles and faces ... It's hard to bless without being blessed in the process isn't it?!
ReplyDeleteOh I know they'll miss you too! This was such a sweet post:)
ReplyDeleteChildren always bring SO much happiness. Your boys know how to be responsible, so you've nothing to worry about. They know that they can be themselves with their Mom, but with people who need their help, they'd always be there :-)
ReplyDeleteOh no! I didn't know they would be going back to daycare...so sad! I'm sorry- I know you'll miss them!
ReplyDelete