Bahrman Bulletin

It hit suddenly. I went to pick Chiara up from school and didn’t feel great. By the time we ran an errand and got home, I wanted to head to bed immediately. I had chills, my muscles ached, my stomach hurt, my head throbbed. I was sick. And worse, I had timed the illness to correspond with Tom’s trip to Portland. He wasn’t scheduled to be home for another 36 hours.

I counted the hours until the girls would be asleep (for at least a while) and I could go to bed. I wondered how Liesl’s diaper would be changed because I didn’t have the energy to get up and do it. I wondered how Chiara would get dinner because the thought of food (or sitting up with her while she ate) made me feel even worse. Thankfully, Liesl napped and Chiara played so I could rest. The hours passed until finally the girls were in bed (with clean diaper and dinner in their bellies!).

The next morning I began my countdown again. But having slept and taken something for my fever, I was certainly feeling better than the day before. Without an agenda, other than making it until bedtime, we began our day–a day which ended up to be quite enjoyable.

Chiara set the pace. We lounged in our pajamas, made flower fairies, read books, drew pictures and made lists (of things we can and cannot do: e.g., we can dance and sing; we cannot climb up walls or fly to the moon). And the television and iPad, those God-sends of a babysitter, remained off all day. Not once did Chiara whine or cry, and Liesl too seemed quite happy. I stopped checking the clock and counting the hours. And before I knew it, Tom called to say he was catching an earlier flight and would be home by 4.

When 4 o’clock rolled around, Chiara was just getting dressed so she could ride her bike to the park with Daddy. As they went down the street, I sat holding Liesl and marveling at what a wonderful day we had had. I could not remember the last time Chiara seemed so content. Nor could I remember the last time I had spent an entire day without agenda other than being with my two girls. The laundry remained in heaping piles, the clean dishwasher stayed loaded, there was no dinner prepared. I even felt too tired to check email or read. I simply played with Chiara and Liesl and, in the end, had one of the best days we have had in a long time.

I’m hoping that next time it doesn’t require my being ill to remember that other things can–and should–wait. My girls are little only for a short while. Sure, laundry still needs to be done, and most nights dinner needs to get to the table. But every once in a while, it does some good to forget everything and simply focus on playing.

I know I am getting old because time seems to be passing faster than ever. Where has the last month gone? (Or perhaps I know I am getting old because my memory is fading faster than ever!)

Chiara celebrated her first Valentine’s day at school. We spent Monday–almost the entire day–writing Valentines to her 23 classmates and 3 teachers. Chiara wrote almost all of them herself–both her friend’s name and her own. It was exhausting for me, but I was so proud of her effort. Her letters are coming along!

Chiara began ballet lessons in January. Parents are only invited to observe the last week of the month, so I haven’t seen first-hand how she is progressing. I can only say that the first three times we went to practice, she ran in with the biggest grin on her face, and left the same way. People who saw us had to laugh because she was so happy.

I admit, I was never a big fan of Chiara wearing tutus as everyday clothing, but seeing this class of 3-year-old girls all dressed in their tutus was quite adorable.

Liesl is twirling as well, in a slightly different manner. She is rolling to and fro, never staying still for long. Most days she is full of smiles, blowing bubbles, “talking” and putting everything in her mouth. She has been a great running partner for me, too. Giving me smiles from the stroller on our short, slow jogs. I have to say, I have quite the view!