I was compelled to write this post by Zelda and Alera. I will tell you what you did today and why it was so meaningful to me.
Today I had to stay home so that I could watch Alera. In the last 3 weeks Alera has turned two and Zelda six months. Well like a bad Dad I did not write anything. But to me it is these days, a random Monday, that I hope to remember most or that I am sure I will want reminding of.
I thought it might be nice to remind you (Alera and Zelda) of who you are today. I am obsessed with being nervous of what the future brings and so I try to be as "in the moment" as possible. I think it is important to see how things were from my perpective because, right now, you do not have the ability to express yourself. Nor do you have to ability to create memories that you will be able to recall as an adult but that is neither here nor there.
Anyway, I do not know when you are reading this. I have no idea where life has taken you or your relationship with one another or with me and your mom for that matter. I hope it is a strong relationship and you recognize you are a part of each other and also a part of us. But I know how siblings can be. We get mad at one another. Sometimes your sister just drives you crazy. Well here's hoping that is the the exception and not the rule but if you ever doubted your relationship with one another, I can tell you that right now you adore each other.
Tonight I was holding Zelda and playing with Alera on the floor. I made Zelda sit on Alera and you were both laughing. Alera always makes Zelda smile and you can see it in Zelda's eyes, she wants to be running around causing terror right next to her big sister.
And for Alera's part I had no idea a 2 year old could care about anything mush less as much as you care for Zelda. When she cries you come running- "It's okay Nungi" and you try rubbing/tickling her. You even try to take her away from me when she cries. Friggen ADORABLE.
One of my favorite things now is that Alera understands that Zelda really has two names: Nungi and Zelda. Even better is how you say Zelda. ZEE-TAH.
Zelda, I know I have not written too much about you but now that you are doing stuff you are interacting with everyone and even now you are smirking at me while I write this. I have to say that I love your smile. I love how strong willed you are and I love that you love Alera. As a matter of fact for these 6 months so far you like her more than anyone else.
You don't like it when I do anything but smile at you. You seem to have 2 modes with me: Smile and Cry. But bow do I enjoy watching you jump in your jumper. I don't know if you are the instigator or if Alera is but watching you two jump together is fun. Right now you both want to be around people and I love that. You both always make me feel wanted.
Sometimes I yell to much. Sometimes I get mad too fast. Sometimes I miss the chance to teach you something because I am too frustrated with you. Everyone has things they could work on but you both make me want to be a better Dad. A better husband. A better person.
I wish i could freeze time because it will elude me far too fast. While I love every moment now, I also really look forward to Zelda being mobile. Although even as I commit that to paper I am reminding myself, be careful what you wish for!
So thank you for being you and never stop being you. And just general advice, be nicer to your sister!
Both these pics were taken the night I wrote this!