baby talk

Life is full of beautiful moments and opportunities to celebrate them. Though I am finding that with three kids under five it's getting more difficult for me to capture them all... whether on film or in words. Today was one of those perfect days... that has left me with no photographs, but so many wonderful memories. It was a holiday in Colombia and so Isabel was home and we all enjoyed a gorgeous sunny day at the park with great friends. It was delicious... and everything seemed to go at its own rhythm with perfect coordination. Yet is also made me realize that if I cannot capture pictures, I would like to capture words.

So often I am busy just being present with my kids and I completely forget about my camera (though that is a good thing)!!! As I watch my kids play, interact with each other, engage with the world, I find myself taking mental notes... wanting to savour each word, hoping that I will remember that exact phrase, the hug, the exchange... craving to imprint it upon my mind as I move into the next moment without hesitation. Hoping that I will remember it the next time I sit by the computer so that I can write it down for safe keeping. Sometime it happens, I remember, I write... and I know it will not be lost. Other times the moment drifts into the past with a faint lingering reminding me it had existed at one time not so long ago. And as my kids grow I also see the little repetitions... Anaïs doing things at two that I still clearly remember of Isabel. Leo bringing memories of Anaïs at his age.

As I watch them I want to remember everything... but more than that, I want to savour what is happening right now as life moves from one moment to the next. Knowing that it will not be the same again tomorrow. Enjoying the magic while getting through the challenges and opportunities too.

*****

At the age of two, one of my favourite things about Anaïs are her words. I simply adore how she puts together sentences to make sense of the world around her through language. She seems to dance between Spanish and English as easily as her older sister. Her comprehension is outstanding (as it has always been). Though it always makes me giggle that 'party' and 'potty' sound the same. As does 'warm' and 'worm'. A 'blanket' is called 'banket'. Whenever something happens that she is not so fond of (e.g. her shirt gets wet, or she finds a scratch on a toy), she will simply say: "no matter" (a little phrase she picked up from her older sister, and one that is often accompanied by a little shoulder shrug signifying that she is moving on)... already so aware of the things that really do not need being fussed over. Of course, she is only two and so there are times when the fuss still does happen, often when we least expect it. Or perhaps when we should be most prepared!! 

Anaïs Maria

Anaïs is a little spark, fiercely independent, and if at all possible likes to do EVERYTHING on her own. She puts on her own clothes (changing her pants at least 15 times a day... i am not joking). She is not a fan of underwear and usually takes it off as quickly as she can and simply puts on her pants (without anyone knowing about it). If there is something she has trouble reaching she is not shy to find a stool and get it herself. She easily navigates everything to do with potty time (including getting the training seat on the toilet and wiping her own bum). She positively adores getting massages and will lie still and enjoy the healing touch from anyone who offers. Her favourite food... cookies. No surprise there considering that cookie (galleta) was her first word in both languages. Quickly followed by 'gasses' (as in sunglasses). She is now at the stage where she loves to cook and bake (both in our grown up kitchen and in her pretend kitchen). Anaïs has started to play imaginary games with her sister, and this has sparked a new expression that she uses all the time. Whenever she wants to do something that we would prefer she does not (e.g. blow bubbles in the house, put cream in her hair), she looks at us quizzically and says: "For real?" Which, oddly enough, actually means 'for pretend'.
Another popular word in her vocabulary is "nervous", which she seems to apply to anything that is new or unfamiliar to her... the word along with the perfect facial and physical expressions to capture the feeling of actually being nervous or scared. It's quite impressive. Yet is seems she is just testing this one out for size, for she continues to embrace the world with little or no fear. The things that make her 'nervous' might be more influenced by her age: dogs, loud cars. Ironically, she loves to be startled... she can around the house for hours just yelling boo and then cracking herself up. Her other favourite games are playing chase (especially if there is a hide and boo aspect involved), and tickling (both receiving and giving... especially her papa's feet). She adores dancing... just turn on the music (anything) and she begins to move to the beat.
She also seems to have a self-gauge for discipline... when she does something she knows is not the right thing (like being a little too rough with her little brother), she goes to her room and lies on her bed (or listens to music on her CD player), then comes out with a hug and says 'sowee' (sorry) to the person who might have been harmed. It's quite remarkable given that we don't even actually apply 'time-outs' at home... though I do encourage quiet/reflective time when needed. She is also at the time in her life when everything (anything?) can spark a very strong reaction. We do our best to embrace her expressions of frustration, but there are certainly those moments when I just want to turn down the volume. But then I look at that sweet face and all I can do is love her and squeeze her. I guess like any parent, it is just hard for me to watch her have those strong reactions because I don't want her to be upset or feel harmed by the world around her. Oh if only it were so easy...
Whether happy or distressed, Anaïs has the most charming way of being in the world. She loves to share (sometimes on her own terms) and always makes sure to give a share of anything she has to her sister, a friend, or anyone who is near. She has a keen sense of fairness; which at times means she is outspoken about it being her turn too. She loves to play, and she loves to laugh... at the world, at herself, at everything. Anaïs is exactly who she is with no apologies... now that is a lesson to learn. She is perfect.

Ready to go out.

Isabel is a little bright light. She adores her friends and loves to play. She seems to take after my maternal grandmother in the priority she gives to her friends... both young and old. The other day we had good friends over for lunch and she said about the baby: "Daniel is still my friend, even though he is a baby. I can still play with him." Speaking of playing, she adores to pretend to go on trips, to play house/family, to go to work, to be the teacher, to perform. One of the girls favourite games is to play mama and baby: whereby Isabel is the mama and she takes care of Anaïs. It might be one of the most heartwarming exchanges to watch... to see how sweet these two can be with each other. Isabel's bed is also full of her favourite little toys and the group of them keeps on growing. Just the other day I overheard Isabel explain to Anaïs that she cannot sleep in her top bunk because there isn't enough room with all her little 'sleepytime babies'.

Isabel also adores reading, and is beginning to enjoy more and more solitary time (where she can actually sit for longer than a few moments without the company of another person). This is 'growing up' for the little girl who said she needed two toilets in her bathroom so that she and her sister can go potty together... at the same time!! This wonderful little girl loves to dance... she started ballet a few months ago and continues to move to the beat of her own drum. She has a heart of gold that makes her a fantastic big sister to both brother and sister. She never stops talking or asking questions and demands full participation from her counterparts. She seems wise and mature beyond her years, and at times I observe her in the world, or listen to her ability to integrate information, and I am amazed. Isabel has a spark that lights up a room the moment she smiles (again, something she inherited from her maternal great-grandmother). She is perfect.

Isabel Chloe

Leo is the most easy going kid I have ever met. And like his sisters at this age, he is always full of smiles.  he is a tickle bunny and giggles from deep inside his belly. He seems to adore his sisters... whether they are greeting him with hugs in the morning, performing for him, pulling off his socks, smothering him with kisses, or just being with him and around him. He loves to cuddle. He loves to eat. He is eager to move and pushes off his feet. He chews on anything he can, and nothing seems to bring him down. This little man really does not ever cry... even Isabel is amazed!!
At the moment, his favourite thing seems to be eating... he has discovered food and does not hold back. This evening at dinner he ate a bowl of avocado, followed by three (not kidding) bowls of pumpkin squash. Let's see if this give him enough sustenance to sleep cozy tonight!!

He seems to be taking in the world around him with his eyes... looking at everything with delight and absorbing it with a massive appetite. Leo can make anyone drop their defences and feel completely at ease with a mere glance and his amazing smile. He is perfect.

Leonard Maksalon

I know I am the mama, and I adore my children without boundaries or expectations... yet I cannot help it. They are each so unique, so beautiful... perfect little human beings.