every day, in every way

Bella is sitting up! Well, in a  sloppy sort of way. She can sit until she notices something to the left and then she flops. She is getting louder — when she wakes up, when she’s hungry (she’s always hungry!), when she thinks you’ve put her down to get a cookie and you’re not sharing.

And last night, Miranda went on a sleepover. She had a lovely time and I won’t detail that. I think 7.5 may be my Waterloo in kid privacy online. OK, more like the Battle of Lexington and Concord. But I still feel comfortable discussing my reactions. And writing down things I think we will all look back on with amusement. The house was so quiet while Miranda was gone. Even after bedtime. Even after my bedtime. I was delighted she was having fun. I didn’t want her to come home. But it was just so weird to have one less kid, especially considering we have only had three kids for less than 6 months.

When Bella was born, the floppy itty-bitty sleepy newborn baby stage didn’t scare me because we really lucked out and Bella was an easy baby. But at least a little of my perspective was due to perspective. This too shall pass. This stage won’t last forever. Whether I liked it or hated it, it won’t last forever. When I was changing diapers all day long – breastfeeding plus a willingness to respond to her every squeak – I could see potty training n the distant horizon. In 3 years, we’d have a little girl and she might wipe her own bottom. Hallelujah!

I still believe that. In nearly 6 months, Bella has stayed delightful, but she is almost an entirely different creature. She’s 3x the size for one thing. But I am not sure I was ready to see the horizon of when they all go off – to friends, activities, sports. I know they’ll all come home. But wow, will the house be quiet.