Recently, my four year old has not wanted to leave my side.  This has been exasperating to both of us, which is funny to me because I would think that the exasperation would drive her back into the arms of her friends and relations who want to play with her and love her, too.  But no.  Fears emerge.  Big ideas about what might happen, and a grasping of that hand that was there first - mine.   She also expressed that she and I have work to do - we have to be nicer to each other and learn to be with a trio now, including our new baby boy.  Ah yes, there is a new baby in the mix.  And I'm exhausted (did I need to mention that?)

A rekindling.  She and I need it.  My man and I need it.  And I need it for my very own self.  The baby, chubby and beautiful, is quite kindled.  He watches us all intently, cheering and yelping and giggling and fussing and chortling as needed.  

Thank goodness for The Nest, and also what a burden at the moment to inspire other families while ours is so . . . in need of inspiration.

And now, finally finishing this post how many weeks later . . . I find that its all changed again.  A mix of caring, planning, luck, growth and embarrassing tantrums on my part have in fact led to more peaceful partings between my daughter and I.  The old man and woman dance of "can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em" has once again become charmingly curious, rather than disheartening.  Our garlic harvest hanging on the porch seems to be warding away the evil spirits, or is it the daily clove I've been eating that is warding away illness?

And still thank goodness for The Nest.