Support my family and friends and give them my time

I had my brothers two boys over for most of the day yesterday until after midnight while he went racing; which he hasn’t done for ages. It was a full day, but well worth the time playing with a bunch of little ones. I enjoyed watching the hysterics of all of them while my husband did his best Godzilla imitation knocking over the towers of blocks, and soon each one of them was doing the same while gales of uncontrollable laughter filled the room. Eventually the youngest of the boys was nearing meltdown point and was clearly ready for bed. As I took him in my arms to take him up to bed he was in full out meltdown and resisting going to bed, but by the time I got him upstairs he was clinging to me while still sobbing. At one point I was trying to talk to him and get him focused on me to calm him down and in the middle of his wails he let out the biggest yawn ever and then resumed his crying while I did my best not to laugh. Soon he stopped sobbing as I held him on my lap, my arm saturated with his tears. I waited to feel his arms loosen their grip on me and feel his body relax. But even as he had let go and drifted to sleep, when I put him in the playpen he woke crying, but by the time I reached the bottom of the stairs he was already sleeping again. Poor little guy, but sweet as ever, I guess this is him usual bedtime routine! It is a joy for my daughter to have playmates, a joy to have this time with all of them and a joy to give my brother and his wife some time together.

Well my Thursday’s are no longer committed to taking care of my nieces and nephews as one of the caregivers decided to drop one of their committments. But I continue to let them know I am available, even if they just need some time to get out and have fun.

I have made a standing committment for Thursdays to babysit my husbands nieces and nephews while their caregivers are both at work. Last thursday I went over and we all went for a walk and when we got home we played outside blowing bubbles. It was so sweet to watch the little ones trying to catch the bubbles and squealing in delight, but especially the little girl who is only 20 months old. She was chasing those bubbles with such determination and even as they floated away, clearing the roof of the garage she was still trying! Jumping off the ground with both feet! It was a real joy to play with them as well as give my time and support.

Last week I went to see my brother and his wifes new home that is only about 10 minutes drive from us. I could see they had a lot of work ahead of them and tried to imagine them unpacking boxes and setting everything up with two little ones underfoot. I volunteered to take the boys during the day on Saturday. I loved watching my two nephews playing together and seeing what a patient and loving big brother Z is. By some mirace my baby took a 3 hour nap and while he was sleeping we (my husband and I) got the other 2 down for an afternoon nap. It all went very well and it was nice to have playmates over while also helping out my brother and sister-in-law.

Been on a bit of a hiatus from 43things the last few days, but my time has been well spent. As planned I had my niece from my husbands side of the family on Sunday night, but after an enjoyable time had by all we decided to extend her visit for another night. On Sunday I made my version of a gourment meal ;), chicken and shrimp alfredo, stuffed mushrooms caps, sans vegetables, lol. Then after supper we did the dishes together while chatting and then went for a walk to the video store and rented a couple of movies and snacks. On Monday we went to the park with the little ones and she seemed to really enjoy “my” park, the equipment there rocks! After we got home and put the little ones down we inflated the swimming pool/slide combo I’ve had in a box for far too long and played in there with my daughter when she got up. She wanted to watch our wedding video and a movie but after my wedding video and a bit of Finding Nemo she was passed out, (maybe our wedding video lulled her off!) I was feeling a little lazy and unmotivated today, partly because I can’t seem to rid this nasty cough I’ve had for over two weeks and I had been up since 4am! But I pushed myself to keep the fun happening and helped her bake her first ever cookies from scratch, double double chocolate chip. Next time I will show her how to make Apple Oatmeal Cookies, but for her first ever ones they gotta be chocolate!

Not from another planet, and they were definitely here in peace and friendship. I had my niece and nephew over today (from my husband’s side of the family) and had a great time with the kids finger painting, play-doh, and just plain silliness. My daughter adores them, but especially her nephews who is almost 4 now and full of hutzpa but when he is around little ones he speaks in softer tones and is very gentle. She loved chasing him, being chased and gave him countless hugs. It felt good to just be doing something”; the family is going through a time of transition and upheaval, it is such a little thing really to offer my time, they give me joy too. I know they are going to be fine, better than fine I think. This Sunday I plan on having the niece for an overnighter.