(Another) Open letter to my kids

Dear Dyl, Huddy and Sloanie Girl-

 It's me, Mom. Ya know, the lady with bags under her eyes, grey hair sticking out of her sloppy ponytail, screaming at you through my tears? Yeah, that's me. We've hit a rough patch recently, and I've been more frustrated than usual. No-one would ever accuse me of being the most patient person in the world, and in a previous letter I promised I'd try to be better for you.  However, the past few weeks my patience reserves have been depleted.  This is my official apology. 

I know that you are just curious about the dishwasher and that's why you won't leave it alone, and so I'm sorry for yelling at you to stop playing with it. 

I understand that you are learning to be independent, and want to do things for yourself, so I apologize for screaming at you to put your shoes on more quickly. 

I realize that you are essentially just a tiny caveman exploring this crazy, exciting world. And, I'm sorry for losing my temper when you choose to shimmy up the refrigerator and help yourself to the lemon juice yet again.
It must be terribly difficult to have to share everything.  Your toys, clothes, books, space, and parents are all to be split equally in thirds.  It truly is not fair that you have to share Mom's lap and Dad's time.  I'm most sorry for not understanding how hard that must be for you and for yelling at you when you are expressing your need for extra attention (read: whining).
I hope that we get past this phase soon...I've been ensured that we will.  I also sincerely hope that you don't remember this period as "that time mom went off the deep end" but instead as "the time when mom gave it everything she had, and sometimes came up short".  We love you very much and we want you to be happy, safe, and successful.  So please, next time you are feeling the urge to whack your brother over the head with that toy train and take his book, try to remember our rules and give mom a break.
Love,
Mom (who has not put anyone in time out yet today!)



Here are some pics of happy times we've had this week!

Walking Buddies

Follow the leader

Exploration mornings DOWN BY THE RIVER

"Found a stick, mom"

Here's Hudson, reflecting on life

Nature Hike time!!

Evidence of sharing!

Here, the boys are sharing a sweet moment, bonding over a puzzle and getting names confused.