A Pattern of Words

For the first 7 or so years of parenting, I rarely had individual moments with kids (or so it seemed). It was more of a constant, full-pack, jibber-jabber of high pitched voices all demanding my full attention at the very same second for 24 hours a day. In the past year, though, I’ve started having more and more one-on-one times – both intentionally, and as a result of the kids’ having more classes and extracurriculars, AND (thank you, Jesus) because they’re finally hitting ages where I can leave them home alone. It’s rather fascinating seeing, when given solo time with me, which kid talks endlessly without pause (always A), which kid ponders deep life questions (P), which kid chatters delightedly about her own interests (N) and which kid takes the time to demand answers about things that bother her from way too long ago (E). “Mama, WHY did you screw my cup lid on too tight?” (me for the millionth time: “Because you’re spilling things five times a day) “Mama, WHERE are my Frozen pajamas?” (Me: “You outgrew them and we gave them to cousin R last fall, remember?”)