My brother, aka "Uncle Matt", is a fantastic uncle. He adores all 3 of my kids. He lets the "big" kids jump all over him and is tireless in his physical play. He sends really sweet cards and the most thoughtful gifts. He shows off pictures of them to all of his friends. He is always aware that I need a hand with shoes, jackets and car seats.
When he asked what Lily wanted for her birthday last month, I said she doesn't need a thing. Just send her a cookie or something. He took a day off from work to slave over homemade cookies (never mind that they looked like a 4 year old decorated them, it's the thought that counts and I thought it was the sweetest thing)
However, inevitably once he has been here for a day or two, he decides to return back to NY a day or several hours earlier. I really need to study, he says. So-and-so is coming into town last minute. I think I'm getting a cold and need rest. It may snow and be a long ride
(oh, really... in May?)
I think we serve as a good reminder to him to really enjoy his single life. It won't always be so easy, clean and care free. But it will also someday be filled with an abundance of love and joy, whenever he is ready.
For now, I'm just happy to have an extra hand, a human jungle gym and some yummy home-made cookies.
Edited to add: The things on his face are the post-it tabs from my Lucky Magazine. "I want this one", "Love these shoes", "Need this top"...
(That's what Lily is reading; picking out her must-haves for spring)
He looks totally amused by this, huh?
5 people who actually care:
What is all over your brothers face??? Is that tape or playdough?
I love Matt's new haircut. Oh, and she totally learned That Word from Daddy, she just didn't want to throw him under the bus! I've been going with the Battlestar Galactica version: Frak. It's surprisingly close to the original, satisfying in all the same ways and safe enough not to worry if the kids pick it up.
hmmmm... Frack. Doesn't quite have the same ring, but I'll give it a try. And, no, "fuck it" is a me phrase-- many others I could blame on him, but that's all me :)
you would think lily would be more amused by all the stickers on my face, but i guess not... it takes more than that to grab her attention.
by the way, i'm still elated about my 15 minute phone conversation with lily two nights ago.
That is one pathetic looking group. Matt looks truly defeated and no one looks particularly entertained. He's just resigned about his sticker facial.
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