Bursting at the Seams

These two.

Are becoming quite the pair. 

The top two pictures tell their relationship so well. Hank spends a good portion of the day following Ruby's lead. Some mornings he even wakes up asking for, "Ruby?" And when I'm not doing what he wants, he moves on to ask Ruby, "Ruby, 'mon". On the other hand...they have their fair share of quarrels. There are many a time I just pretend I don't hear them fighting and hope they resolve it on their own. They usually don't. But I relish in the happy moments when I hear them in the other room playing together and sincerely enjoying each other. Just the other day, I couldn't help but smile and feel my heart warm as I heard them talking, playing, and eating granola together under the blankets of the fort Ruby had made with her Grandma Marilee. In that moment, all was well in my world. (I'm glad I soaked it in for those few minutes, because it wasn't too long before yelling, crying, hitting, and spilled granola ensued!) You take what you can get. 

Pictures like these are great reminders for me to slow down and take the time to include me kids in what I am doing. So often I feel the need to get everything done quickly and efficiently, that I put off my kids pleas for me to play or be with them. But when I slow down and let them help me...we all win. Just the other day I let them help me wash the lettuce for dinner. Hank sat on the edge of the sink with his feet dangling in and Ruby was on her stool...both so pleased to be helping me with dinner. Sure it took longer, but I remember distinctly thinking I need to do this more often. So this post is my note to self.