Monday

 

I watch Maggie.  I want to remember everything.  

For a while now she has insisted on being the one to say grace before our meals.  Initially it was “Jesus name, Amen!”.  Now other words pepper her prayer.  Food, Nan, toys, pop and gran.  

At night she insists on a story.  Although I know it is a delaying tactic, I never say no to reading her a story.  A love for reading is something I have actively tried to instil in each of my kids, and I value the opportunity to read through old favourites again, being able to see the joy captured in another child.

Maggie hugs her favourite doll, saying “shhhh” and rocking her.  Then she brings her to me and asks me to look after the doll (named Petal) as she has to go to work.  She puts a bag on her shoulder and blows a kiss, saying “luff you” as she walks away. I don’t know whether I find this endearing, or whether it makes me a little sad that it is routine for her.  

She picks up anything and pretends to talk on the phone, having very considered conversations, saying “uh huh” and nodding and pausing for periods as she “listens” to the voice on the other end.

I watch her and I want to bathe in the moment.  I look at Nicholas and Audrey and I see how quickly time goes.