Life is starting to settle into a routine of sorts around here. It seems there is always something a little out of the ordinary to keep things interesting, but nothing major. The days begin with scriptures and then the big kids start trickling out the door. Alyx and I walk the “middles” (Erik and Anna) to school and leisurely find our way back home.
Alyx insists on stopping for a spell at a bench about three-quarters of the way home. We stop and visit for as long as she likes. I am thinking of toting my camera out every morning and capturing the year from that little bench. I think it would be fun.
Alyx usually plays pretty well by herself once we’re home (I think she likes the calm of all those crazy big kids being gone) and I can get a couple of hours of work in (we have a new job thing going on over here that I’m really excited to share). Then we move into lunch (sometimes with Daddy) and naptime, and before I know it, Djeryd’s home. It’s crazy how the day flies with all the comings and goings of our little family.
Erik and I still try to get in some chess after school whenever we can. Some days are easier than others. I love that he’s always willing to play with me. ;>
And just in case we have a day where things are slow, I’m working on helping this little girl to be a big girl. And can I just say potty-training my fourth is considerably less frustrating than potty-training my first. Why did I ever think it was such a big deal? That being said, I am a terrible potty-trainer. But I’m okay with that – at least I’m enjoying it this time around. Alyx and I listen to music and read and play Barbies and ponies for hours in the bathroom and I love it. I get the laundry folded and little hand-sewing projects wrapped up and I get to enjoy having my daughter all to myself. I do not believe she will be fully trained for another six months (who knows, maybe a year), but I don’t really care. We take it one day at a time, one hour at a time. It will happen when she’s darn good and ready.
In the meantime, I’m just trying to enjoy all these little moments that make up my life right now. I keep thinking about how this phase of my life will all be over before I know it. Whatever I do, I don’t want to wish it away, or wish it faster (even though there are those moments). I can’t hang on to it, but I can immerse myself in it. I am consciously diving in. Swimsuit, anyone?