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5.23.2010

This time was different

It's a rare quiet moment before bedtime in the house.  Over the drone of the fans I hear the low rumble of thunder and the chirp of birds.  No little feet pitter pattering, no laughing, no yells for mommy.

No, nothing is wrong.  Ian simply took the kids out to Home Depot to buy a boatload of batteries.  Seems that so many things these days in our house require them and the toy/toothbrush/flashlight graveyard had become really big.  Two of the main things that required the batteries were Caleb's Diego toothbrush and his play tool set power drill, so I knew there would be no persuading him to stay home with me.

I figured thought that I'd be able to woo at least one of the girls to stay with me (and therefore not send Ian out with all three kids) by letting them know that I was going to be whipping up a batch of cookies.  I mean really, coveted mommy time and eating cookie dough.

No dice tonight.  I tried a few times, but finally Ian shrugged his shoulders, smiled and told me to put my feet up, knowing full well that I'd be working on those cookies for bible study tomorrow night, putting away the mountain of laundry that is the biggest reminder of our eight day trip, and figuring out our menu plan for the week.

Something significant happened on their way out the door, and I just had to stop to write it down so that I don't forget.

Just today at lunch I was telling a dear friend that Darcy and I have seemed to be a little "out of sync with one another" for the last little while.  It has been like she finally had the confidence to not need me like she did when we first met.  There are good aspects to that ~ she doesn't cling to me as if her life depended on it anymore, and she is more content to explore.  There are also not so good aspects ~ there have been times where she's pushed me away.

So that means I've had to put a lot more effort into the relationship.  And that sometimes the "one sidedness" of it makes me weary.  Not that I'd ever stop working, but I'll admit that sometimes it makes me weary...

So tonight as I stood finishing up the dishes, my big kids sorta yelled over their shoulders, as they headed out the door, "Bye Mommy, see you in a little bit," and so I expected little miss "Me too" (as we now find ourselves calling her) to do the same.  Imagine my surprise when I felt little arms wrap around my legs and heard some of the sweetest words a mother can hear, "I love you Mommy!  I back soon!"


Oh sure, she's told me that she loves me before.  But always in response to me telling her I loved her first.  But this time, this time was different.  This time she sought me out and told me first.  

 
No, I suppose that unsolicited act doesn't mean we are magically "there yet" in our bonding process, but tonight I feel like we are one step closer.  That Darcy and I.  Oh how I love her!

18 comments:

Serving the King said...

Precious Kristi! Just precious!!

Jennifer Taylor said...

Tears of joy fill my eyes right now! I can't wait for that same moment with Lyla. She is Liem's shadow and does everything he does. She is still very clingy and attached. I need to enjoy these moments since they probably won't last much longer!

Sharon said...

I am sure your time alone was so much sweeter with Darcy's parting words!! Nothing sounds more heavenly!!!

Leslie said...

What a wonderful story to end all of our weekends. =) I hope that you two grow closer every day. I'm sure that things can be really exhausting, but know that you're an amazing mommy. You're my mommy idol.

Melanie & David said...

Lovely, lovely moment. It's the times like this that take your breath away. Not only is it so wonderful that Darcy shared such a wonderful moment with you, but how incredible is it that she can already say all that after 3 months! What a precious "little miss" she is. I am so happy that you had that connected moment and I am sure it made your day. Melanie, David, Indigo and Isaac

Our Journey to China said...

Oh, how very sweet - my heart lept! :0) I totally get the 'one-sidedness' and understand the feelings. How exciting! Definitely a moment for you and sweet Darcy to treasure for a lifetime. :0) I am glad you are all home safely. Love you all and missing you! Remember - our door is always open. :0)

Nancy said...

Oh yay! What an awesome feeling! Your heart is so full!

Rachelle said...

That's the good stuff!

Di said...

That sounds so sweet! I am glad that things are warming up!

Tricia said...

That's really sweet. I can't believe she's talking already.

Jenn said...

So beautiful!! Love it!

Chris said...

First, I must say that Shea & Avery just love going to Maynard's with my husband....I don't get it??? But every time he needs to make a 'run', they are clamoring to go with him!

Secondly, I love how your Little Miss gave you some lovin'!!

So sweet!!!

That bonding process is definitely a 'one step at a time' sort of thing....but what a great 'walk' it is!!

Ally said...

Such a sweet little story and a moment I am sure you will never forget. Always love it when you share the "real stuff"...

Angela said...

What a precious moment with your sweet girl. Praying for many, many more.

Glenda said...

What a precious and momentous memory this will be. So glad you thought to write it down. She's precious!

Our Journey said...

My heart is melting for you! What a beautiful thing!!

Vicki said...

Kristi, I remember that moment also. And when It happened I could not believe how brave it was of her to say it. Here this little girl had only been with us a short while and was already telling me that she loved me. These children are the most amazing!
vicki

Stefanie said...

You are wise to capture those precious moments in writing! I can just imagine how you felt.... So sweet!!!