Where Does the Time Go?

Grandma came to visit this past weekend and both kids had a blast. Kieran actually managed a semi-good day at camp on Monday (though his listening left a lot to be desired, he kept his hands to himself). As usual, Grandma spoiled the kids rotten. Mia stayed up until 9, Kieran until 10. Watching movies, walking around and going shopping (Grandma's favorite past time).

At dinner last night, Kieran asked us why Grandma likes to shop so much. It was a very good observation, and I was quiet a moment and let Ken answer (after all, it's his mom). So he explained that when Grandma was growing up, she didn't get a lot of new things. When Kieran asked why her parents did not get her anything Ken explained that her dad was not around. We then explained that Grandma's mom didn't have the money to do a lot of shopping and that she just wasn't very nice. Kieran thought about it a bit and then we changed the subject. I think it is funny what he 'gets' and what he doesn't. In some ways he is such a kid still - loves stuffed animals (had Grandma buy him 2) and in others he's getting to be so grown-up. Like noticing what people do.

Amelia, on the other hand, is simply joyful. She typically wakes up happy (though she doesn't go to bed the same way). Her speech is getting clearer by the day. This morning, Ken went to the gym and I got up when Mia did. We're sitting downstairs watching Sesame Street when Ken walked in. "Hi Daddy!" she exclaimed. It was clear as day. And it's obvious to me that she is making a real effort to be understood. I vaguely remember this stage with Kieran, when he understood a lot of words and some of what he would say to me would come out garbled (to me). I'm watching her and noticing that she's starting to get frustrated when I don't understand right away what she's trying to tell me. Kieran was much the same way (though his temper is a lot shorter than hers - more like me, sadly).

So, sitting here this morning, in the aftermath of a whirlwind weekend I'm left wondering - where did the time go? Kieran is 6.5 (don't you dare forget the half!) and Amelia is 2. Seems like just yesterday it was only me and Ken bumping around. In some ways I can barely remember what life was like before the kids. In others it seems that not a ton has changed, just gotten a lot better. Really looking forward to the rest of this ride.