Rambling... About Her


She is a conversationalist. Every since she was born, she was verbose. I remembered the first time we had a chat. I'd say "oh", she'd echo. And it went on and on. She was so little then.

At four months, she made her first international trip. And when she met her relatives on the other side of the border, she impressed them with her verbal feats. I recall her squealing at the top of her lungs, entertaining the admirers around her.

Now she is speaking in full sentences and experimenting with English grammar. Sometimes her attempts are perfect. Other times her mistakes make us giggle. But we love it. Love it all! And I especially smile with delight when she throws in a Hindi word in the middle of an English sentence. "Hosucktaha, it's downstairs." (Translation: Maybe, it's downstairs.)

"I like treats and prizes," she stated in a matter-of-fact tone one day. We were discussing her potty training triumphs. And she reminded me, once again, that she enjoys being rewarded for her accomplishments. Hey, who doesn't like treats and prizes! "I pooped twice last night! And I didn't even cry!" Good for you, sweetie. I am proud of you, really I am, even though I am laughing.

Then I hear myself being mimicked by my daughter. One morning, after being reprimanded for some strong-willed action, she fell into a heap on the floor. "I'm frustrated!" she emphatically exclaimed as her lower lip formed an irresistible pout. Hmmmm, I wonder where she learned that word. Or there was the time she banged her fist on a bunch of stickers that didn't want to lift off the page. "This is NOT working!!!" she yells. Okay, okay, I guess I sound like that.

She has a way of melting our hearts (and making our blood boil, but I'll focus on the melting right now). She has been her Daddy's little girl from the beginning. Sometimes the only person who can calm her down in the middle of the night is her Daddy. Last week, my husband entered the house after a long day at work trying to motivate teenagers to learn about chemical bonding. And her first words to him were, "Daddy, I woke up last night and I was missing you." A smile spread over my husband's weary face. And all the days worries lifted off his shoulders. His daughter missed him last night.

My babies were born in spring. And I love that fact. Because I cherish spring and all the newness of life it offers. Thus, for my daughter's special day, I decorated our dining room with bright flowers and ribbons in hues of purples, pinks, and greens. The room was complete with a flower patterned table cloth and a rose bowl filled with rocks and a purple gerber daisy. When she woke up and viewed the adornment, her eyes widened with excitement. After the day's festivities came to an end, she said with sincerity, "Mommy, thank you for doing this." What a beautiful gift of words. :)

We are now planning to celebrate our son's entrance into the world, one year ago. How times flies. I am very thankful that my children are growing up. But I am sad as well. Kind of strange. I am filled with so many mixed emotions right now. Nonetheless, my daughter is excited to mark another milestone in her brother's life. "Actually, we can go to the Dairy Queen. You, me, Daddy and J. And I can have ice cream, strawberry ice cream!" Sounds like a plan, honey, a GREAT plan. "Look! A skid steer! Maybe we can get it and drive to town!" Okay dear, whatever you say...

Popular posts from this blog

Is God Good?

During "at home learning", I helped my daughter design an experiment on plants. She set up four identical pots with the same amount of soil in the same location on our deck (controlling her variables, right?). She planted two bean seeds in each pot. She watered three out of the four plants with various amounts of water (1/4 cup, 1/2 cup and 1 cup). The fourth plant only received whatever water naturally fell from the sky. At the end of one month, her hypothesis was partially verified. She thought the 1/4 cup water plant and 1/2 cup water plant would grow the best, which was true in the end. On the other hand, she guessed the others would not germinate at all. Interestingly enough, while the one that was drench in water (1 cup) did not germinate, the one she did not water at all actually grew! It germinated late but had the most steady growth. Is God good? I have been thinking about this question a lot these days. A global pandemic is still raging over our planet decimat...
Read more

Daunting {But Not Impossible}

I rarely watch the news. I catch up on the world's happenings -- where often the horror is reported -- via Google News. Or the brief blurb before classic rock on our favourite radio station. But very occasionally, at the end of the day, I take in the images of national and global headlines. Yesterday I watched the masses trek across Europe, searching for a safe haven away from war-torn Syria. I witnessed little kids crying as they tried to rub away tear gas sprayed by unrelenting border police. The message? You are not welcome in this country. I choked up as a father and his son fell to the ground after being tripped up by guards. The look of desperation on people's faces was heart breaking. Our country is nearing a Federal Election in October. Many voters are curious how the next Prime Minister will address the Syrian Refugee Crisis. Here is an excerpt from The Globe and Mail : Mr. Mulcair [NDP] and Mr. Trudeau [Liberal] condemn Mr. Harper [Conservative] for lacking...
Read more

Yoga: Fitness, Spiritual or Both?

Image
I've joined a step aerobics class at one of our local Leisure Centers. The last time I was enrolled in a step class was ten years ago! I have noticed a few subtle differences in the last decade. First, in the beginner class category, there is a 5:2 ratio of yoga classes to step classes. Second, the step class includes several strengthening exercises that are yoga inspired. Third, the relaxation music utilized during the final stretch session is reminiscent of sounds that gently drift out of a Hindu or Buddhist temple. Lastly, phrases such as "inhale the positive, exhale the negative" are used. I do not have a problem with my step class. It invigorates me, especially since winter temperatures and icy streets have dampened my joy of walking outdoors. However, I am fascinated how yoga has gained momentum in Western society. Yoga inspired clothing chains, such as lululemon athletica , are a testament to this fact. Also, I am wondering, is yoga a fitness activity, a spiritual ...
Read more