Orange Crush

That’s the name of Tess’s soccer team.  She looked adorable, drowning in her big orange Timbits shirt; and what a great time she had, racing after the ball with her new friends!  We’re so grateful to her coach, a volunteer, who is simply terrific. Tess has changed a lot as a soccer player since this [...]

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Baby battle

This morning at 7:00 a.m., beside Mummy and Daddy’s bed: Jamie:       I see baby? Mummy:    Sure, Jamie.  Come onto the bed and say hi to Molly. Jamie:       Hiiiiiyeeeeeee babiiiiieeeeeeee! Molly:       (Big smiles) Tess:        I want to see Molly too. Jamie:      No, Tess!  I say hi to baby. Molly:      (Smiling hopefully at both her siblings) Tess:       [...]

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Big disappointments in a small world

There’s a party at Tess’ school today, and she’s not going. The school announced the party late in the day, and unfortunately we had dentist appointments long booked for the same timeslot.  I seriously toyed with making alternative arrangements, but then Mike learned he had to work today as well.  So, it would be me [...]

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Nothin’ on

Tess and Jamie get to watch a T.V. show after school, while I get supper ready.  Tonight, however, Tess didn’t like what I put on. “I want a different show,” she said. I flicked quickly through the channels.  “I’m afraid that’s it, Tess.  There’s nothing else kid-oriented on.” “I’ll watch that,” said Tess. “What?” “Kid [...]

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My little shadow

That would be Tess.  At 4.5, she still likes to be wherever I am – same as when she was little (we joke that she started walking so early just so she could trail behind me). Mostly, I love it, although I could use a little more space when I go to the washroom.  There’s [...]

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Dandelion Bouquets

One of the privileges of being mother to a 4 year-old.  Let’s be honest – they’re hideous, these bouquets.  Yet oh, how I cherish each handful of weeds, since they come from my smiling, shining-eyed Tess.

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She doesn’t miss a trick

Tonight, as we were snuggling together, Tess told me about a conversation she overhead in Sunday school. “I heard one of the boys say to our teacher that there was a storm, and some people died,” Tess said.  “I heard him say that.” “A storm?” “Yes,” Tess said.  “The storm went round and round, and [...]

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Ice cream for you tonight, kiddo!

I’m booking Tess for an appointment with the optometrist, because she’s been complaining about her eyes.  This morning, I asked her again how her vision was. “Okay, I guess.  Only now you’re hard to see, because you’re getting so skinny!” You can’t pay kids to say such things. Only 15 more baby pounds to go…

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I’ll always be your mummy

“Goodnight, baby,” I said tonight to Tess, sneaking in quick kisses to her forehead, her nose and her chin before she rolled away, giggling: “I’m not a baby, Mummy!  I’m a big kid!” “I know you’re a big kid.  But you’ll always be my baby.” “Even when I’m older?” “Even when you’re big like me, [...]

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Conversations with Tess

Highlights from tonight’s tabletalk: “We had a practice breakdown today at school, Mummy.  We had to sit in our casiers and be very quiet.”  (I finally figured out that she meant ‘lockdown.’) “Mummy?  At our school, we have a Big William and a Little William.  Only Little William is actually a medium William.” “When we’re [...]

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