(Top pic: January, 2009)
(Bottom Pic: May, 2010)
Today, like a day last week, Madge took care of Pita. She sat and had another conversation with her on the steps. Last week you, Peach, were fussing to have Mommy hold you or hand to come up the stairs from the basement. But, my arms were filled with things, and just the night before Dad had told you that you could do it all by yourself so as to encourage you to come up alone without being carried, etc. I'm not sure how much to took in when Dad said, "Pita, you are a big girl. You can walk up the stairs by yourself. Maddy can walk up the stairs by yourself, and Mommy can walk up the stairs by herself." Someone was listening though. That someone was Madge. The next day after Daddy had this conversation with you, Peach, you were fussing at the bottom of the steps, just wanting me to to hold you or hold your hand, but my arms were full. So, Maddy took it all into her own hands when she saw you fussing, and she said, "Mom, she just needs a couple of minutes." So, she stayed with you, sat with you, and spoke with you. I listened from upstairs as she said, "Remember what Dad said? You are a big girl. You can walk up the stairs by yourself. Mommy walks up by herself. Daddy walks up by himself, and Maddy walks up the stairs by herself. Do you want to help the new baby walk up the stairs?" At that moment, I just heard Pita say with a voice given in to Maddy's proposal, "Ye-eah." So, up they came. Walking. Pita did it. With a little help from a conversation with Madge. Then there was today. Pita was fussing at the bottom of the main floor steps. Madge went to her immediately to take care of her and talk with her. I heard their little conversation, and she said very gently, "Pita, you've got to stop this fussing. If you want to have treats after nap you have to be a good listener. Eashy, show me a smile. (Pita must have at that moment given Maddy one of those all-right-here-are-my-teeth smiles.) Things were settled. Once again. After having a conversation with Madge. We love you, girls. You were together, and Madge, you truly are a helpful big sister. Pita loves and trusts you so much. She was sitting on your lap this morning as you sat at the top of the steps. You two were just facing each other, enjoying one another's company. One of my favorite moments was when I walked out into the livingroom one e day and asked what you were doing. You and Pita love to romp around on the couch and be silly together. You responded to me, "Just loving each other." Yep, that's it. Every day. You do love each other very much. And, we love you!
