The power went out the other night and so we decided to take our family of four out to dinner. We were seated right around Frances’ bedtime and to our delight, the beverages came and the kids started playing  together nicely. I turned to Paul, wine in hand and said, “look, we’re in a moment”. As soon as I said it, everything fell apart, of course. Frances kept disappearing under the table, yelling, neither kid would eat anything but rice, the waitress never came back to get our second (and much needed) drink order or to give us our check so we could get out of there. But the truth is, we catch ourselves in moment more often than before these days. We’re in a little bit of a sweet spot. They’re getting along and what was a conflict for every two minutes, is now a conflict for every ten. So these are the moments? When I should take it all in?

They’re playing together. He gets down on all fours and he’s her (fill in the blank) princess, pony, baby doggy, kitty, etc., they eat breakfast side-by-side and discuss the day’s upcoming events. And we just got back from the Washington Coast and it was relaxing, even with both kids, even with my whole family. Enjoying the beach, flying kites, dinner and drinking wine. Playing Uno. This is what I’ve been waiting for. Trying so hard not to wish away the current stage but hoping for more peace, less fighting.

They’re growing up so fast. They’re going to move out tomorrow and for the first time in awhile, I’m not anxious for the next phase or the milestone where they (fill in the blank) sleep longer stretches, eat solid food, go potty on the potty, sleep in a big kid bed, don’t hit their sibling, etc.. I just want to pause this time. When I can go on a trip with them and see the gift of what I’ve been blessed with rather than the task of traveling with toddlers, it’s the most incredible feeling. It makes my heart full and if this is all there is to my life, it’s more than enough.

From the time Frances was born, whenever a mom has asked me the ages or age difference of my kids, I answer and then I usually say, “I’m in the shiz”. Well, I’m not in the shiz, at least for right now. I’m in the “sweet”, I’m in the “sugar” and I’m going to enjoy it as much as possible, until I’m back in the shiz.