the babies

• Katie, you went with your friend to see a movie this morning.  You saw Black Panther again and said you enjoyed it even more the second time.  Your friend is such a nice girl.  I'm really grateful for her.  I ran into her grandma as I left the house and she told me how much she likes you.  She said you're always pleasant and polite.  Music to a mama's ears.
• This morning Auntie Maria came over so I could photograph her.  I set my little faux studio up in the living room.  Lila and George, you helped me test the light.  You were actually pretty cute about it even even posed as directed a couple times.  We're making progress!
• I spent about two hours with Auntie Maria.  We went through a whole bunch of different outfits and poses.  She looked extremely beautiful.  I can't wait to give her the photos.  I think I want to be present when she sees them because I know she'll cry.  And that will make me cry, and then we can have a little cry together.
• Jane, you had a play rehearsal today.  Your teacher is crazy dedicated to the school productions.  He spends so much time with you guys making sure everything is perfect.
• Katie, you had a soccer party this evening and I took you.  This was actually the very first soccer party I've ever been to.  Daddy has always been the one who handled soccer and had to go, and the last few years it's been too stressful to take the babies out past dinner time so I always stayed home.  I had tons of fun.  I chatted and visited with a couple of the moms and of course, I couldn't keep the chatter light, and ended up talking about their experience with divorce and the death of a sister.  I really crave these types of deep interesting conversations.  I seem to pursue them with everyone I talk to.  I just find people fascinating.  Everyone's story is different and they're all amazing.  
• Katie, at the end of the party, I joined you as you were talking to your coach.  You were discussing the evaluations coming up on Wednesday.  You were so cute.  You were asking him what you could do better and if he could give you any tips as to what they're looking for.  You've made it a goal to move up again next year, so you're doing everything you can to make that happen.  I'm so proud of you!  You've grown exponentially this year in soccer.
• Daddy had a hockey game tonight and his team won, so that means they won their division title.  He's so pleased.  As I write this, he's still out at the casino celebrating with his buddies.  I'm glad they had a successful season.