Around here..

Around here we are in constant activity.  Not a day goes by when, after playing on the playground after school for an hour, we get home and Kai wants a play date.  Not a second goes by when we don't have something to do.

Around here Nico is constantly smiling and happy, no matter what is happening (like the three teeth he is currently getting) or where we are.  He just loves to be alive and taking in the world and people around him.

Around here Kai and Nico are so in awe of each other.  It is amazing to witness.

Around here my body is tired more days than not, as my Sun Run training draws to a finale and I attempt to return to my old rhythms of fitness.

Around here we are in the midst of spring confusion...rain, sun, winter coat, tshirt.  Oh Vancouver, how we love you and are able to wear the same wardrobe (in layers) year-round.

Ode to My Thighs

Thighs, oh powerful thighs
You give me strength,
are an opening for tenderness
and lead the way in my celebration of all things,
     great and small

You helped me bring my two boys into the world
and give them a place to curl up tight or lay their heads when they need love,
and a lap on which to play

Thighs, oh powerful thighs,
You hold my body through a workout
and let out a soft sigh afterwards when we slide into the bath

You draw eyes toward you and love when I show you off

Thighs, oh wonderful thighs
I bow down to your grace,
                                your strength,
                                        your beauty.

Ode to My Wrists

Dear Wrists,

You are the innocence within a body whose parts have faced harsh judgments.
Your slender elegance a reminder of the pose I cannot always find.
A quiet strength in the midst of a cacophony of movement.

My Tummy, My Teacher

My dearest tummy,

I know I have written odes to my thighs and wrists and perhaps you were waiting for me to wax poetic for you as well.  We do love the romance, don't we.  However, upon reflection, I have come to realize that instead, I owe you a world of gratitude.

Recently I have come to the conclusion that I have been hard on you.  Judgmental and impatient even.  I have wished you away, longing instead for a younger, sleeker model.  Yes, it was shallow of me, I know.  Especially in light of what you are teaching me.

You have played many roles throughout my life and I am thankful for them all.

You have been svelte and defined, allowing me to flaunt you and celebrate you with form-fitting clothing, fun jewelry and a general sense of sass and flirtation. 

You have been strong and lean, enabling me to compete and perform at my physical peak.

You have been a pillow upon which rests the head of my loved ones.

You have twice been the home within which the most precious gifts of life, my sons, have grown and thrived.  For this role, words of gratitude will never be enough.

So many roles, yet you still continue to give and to teach,

You are teaching me the importance of knowing when it is time to be soft or the time to be hard.  Both are important.  I just need to listen and trust myself.

You are teaching me that flexibility and the willingness to stretch myself further than I thought possible can bring beautiful results.

You are challenging me to accept myself every day and find beauty in exactly where I am in every moment.

You are reminding me to focus on what is important in life.

You are giving me perspective.

My one and only tummy, thank you for what you have given me and continue to give.

Sincerely,
Me.