And so.

Here I sit on the love seat on a Friday night, the house quiet, save the off-beat ticking of a couple of clocks. It has been a long time since I've written, and I offer no apologies tonight. What can I say, other than life gets in the way of a luxury such as free time to sit and think and type without interruptions, and a lot of times, I just plain don't feel like it. And so. Here we are, at a time when, I guess, I do feel like it.

In one bedroom, my five-year-old shifts and stirs in her sleep, sometimes murmuring unintelligible phrases, sometimes resorting habitually to sucking her thumb. This is a very exciting and taxing time for her. The ending of things very near and dear to her are drawing close or have already happened - pre-K, swimming lessons, Irish dance lessons. And the beginning of new adventures loom near - t-ball, gymnastics, summer break, French Immersion camp and kindergarten. As well as all the other Very Exciting Things happenings in the life of a five-year-old... loose teeth, almost riding a two-wheel bike, READING, the independence of walking into school all. by. herself. The extent of her excitement and trepidation are palpable. And seeing all that in print makes it much more clear why she is so tired and dramatic and giddy and excited all the time.

And in the next room, the almost-four-year-old flings herself from end to end of her bed, tossing blankets and stuffed animals and baby dolls all the while. Her room never quite looks the same when we enter in the morning from when we leave her at night. She is now an officially registered pre-kindergarten student. She's not quite sure why she just can't go ahead and start right now, and when in this elusive "fall" we keep speaking of? Tomorrow? No - then the next day? Fine, when can we play in the sprinkler? She continues to be my continual source of laughter and frustration, comfort and exhaustion. She has mastered the art of giving the best hug you've ever had in your life, oftentimes wrapping her entire little body around the recipient. I want for her to grow big and strong and healthy, but yet, will so miss the day when I can pick her up with ease and have her enfold me in her sinewy little limbs. Every day, I admire the zeal with which she lives her life. She'll yell "hug!" from the next room and come running to do just that. And the next moment, she's off to play a tune on the keyboard and make up a song. All the while, she's probably contemplating how to con me into letting her watch a movie and have a snack.

And lastly, upstairs, the husband sleeps, having returned today from what, hopefully, will be his last business trip until August. It's always a weird rift in our routines when he travels, but, I daresay, it has become easier as the girls have gotten older, and definitely much easier since I've been a SAHM. Speaking of which... the year anniversary approaches near the end of this month. And that - I cannot fathom. What a different life. And now, I'm tired. More soon... or perhaps, not. But there will be more, again, another time.