Bedtime Chatter

Bedtime seems to illicit the oddest and most pleasant conversations between Seba and I. This evening, he asked if we could have a "ten minute pajama party." What does one do in such a short period of time? Well "you can do whatever makes you happy."

The other night, Seba asked if it was true that it "was the happiest day for everyone" the day he was born. Sweet memories. Of course, it was I said. "But I made Mikey cry the day I was born," he says, with a look I can only describe as restrained glee. "Yes, he cried. He was my only baby for a long time." Then just as quickly, the topic changed to the posibility of a giant rubber ducky floating somewhere in the ocean.

Just Do It!

I've started an exercise regime. Three days of lifting weights and an extra day of something else to break the monotony. I passed a retro dance class the previous week. I couldn't see what was going on but I liked the music. After a week of putting it off, I decided today, to just do it. It was the best fun I've had in a long time! When Mervin, the instructor, told me it was a mix of seventies and EIGHTIES songs, I knew I was in the right place! Never mind, that I am not the most coordinated person and sometimes I feel like my body can't multi-task. This evening, I thought of a young woman whose life was recently cut short, and I was just happy to be here dancing.

Yesterday: Part IV

Received bad news. Y. has passed away on her 38th birthday. I didn't know her but I made Christmas and New Year's lunch for her. I made enough for both of us. Lentil soup. Dried apricots. Finnish crisp bread. She was a chef. She had a sister who is a journalist. A husband. Two children.

Yesterday: Part III

Peeked into Mikey's bedroom. He was sitting in bed with hundreds of coins. Counting and taping into groups of ten's. I sit on the floor, pour the remaining coins out and help him count. M. comes in and joins us. We sit, count, chat, and listen to music. I love this boy.

Yesterday: Part II

After school: the dentist's office. Sebastian has his first loose tooth. It's been hanging there for ages and M. think's it's time the dentist pulls it out. Personally I am not one to force these things but sometimes, it's easier not to argue with M. over trivial issues. Beside's Sebastian seems utterly unperturbed by all this. Tooth extraction was a success. Dr. C gives us a box in the shape of a tooth. When we get home, an excited Sebastian shows everyone, including the family pets, his little tooth.

Later that evening, he puts the little box under his pillow. He asks, if I can tell the toothfairy (or Ratoncito Perez) to bring some video games. The toothfairy (and Rat) only bring cash I say.
He wants to know why Spencer got some books and a toy? That's the toothfairy based in Kentucky I answer.

After Sebastian falls asleep, I have M. draw a picture of a rat. We fold it and put some bills inside. M. wants to know why it has to be a rat? (He grew up with the toothfairy). Because I grew up with little rat drawings made by my papi. It's one of the few memories I have. A tradition I want to pass. Daddy always draws the rat.

Yesterday: Part I

Friday. Went to school early to bring Seba's climbing shoes. Thought he would be thrilled to have me there to walk him to wall climbing. Specially after last week's debacle. I thought wrong. "What are you doing here?!" "Samuel and I are going together!" (said as he repossesses his bookbag from nanny) Samuel stands by with a slightly amused look that says, "you should know this Seba's mom!"

And together the boys walk up the steps, bookbags, lunchboxes, and homework envelopes in hand.

They grow so quickly.