June 2006 Archives

Shay wanted an ice cream cake for her birthday, and she wanted one of her own creation: gluten free chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream with Butterfingers, whipped cream frosting, and blue decorations. When the store was found to be out of gluten free cake mix, her siblings protested and pointed out I could just eat ice cream and skip the cake, but Shay thoughtfully insisted that if I made a cake, I should be able to enjoy it along with them. She has always been a sweet and thoughtful person, bringing me a blanket or pillow if she perceived I needed one back when walking was new to her and attempting to walk and carry something a real struggle. She was sweet and thoughtful before she even had the ability to speak her actions--not that words are needed with gestures so caring. Such an angelic girl!

After three stores, a new springform pan, some research and innovation, it brought me much joy to be able to bring to life what she envisioned. She didn't even have to proclaim that it was the best birthday cake ever to make it all worthwhile--but she did.

(The interior was four layers of brownies and ice cream. I had even gotten up early to finish composing and decorating it so it would be ready when she woke up, just like she wished for. And oh, how I had wanted to sleep in! You know I love you if I'll get up early for you--and you know I love you an amazing amount if I will do so cheerfully!) The day was spent at Sea World. Cake, candles, presents, and all that jazz came afterward.

With the agreement that we'd each unpack our suitcases first, and after a scavenged meal of leftover snacks and instant oatmeal eaten in front of the living room cartoons, we've gone swimming. "One hour!" I've exclaimed. "We still have to take my phone in to the store, go to Universal Studios to get J's annual pass, and try to get tickets to see Cars. While we're waiting maybe we can ride some rides, and I'd really like to go out to eat!" I don't mention grocery shopping again. We massively need to stock up for a household that is now brimming with these bundles of overflowing energy whose excitability is fueled by the nutrition I provide. Promising to give each child their own shopping list with responsibility for their own section of food warmed them up to the idea somewhat--"But only if I get my own shopping cart," demanded Shay--but somehow buying groceries pales in their mind next to things like swimming, going to the beach, amusement parks, or even vegging in front of the tv. So much to do...

We've already filled up the trash can and the dishwasher and we're only halfway through the first day. "We're going to all have more work to do than we're accustomed to," I've lectured in my new kick of making them help clean up after themselves (more than before) and pitch in around the house. Things I've always done--say, putting their clothes away--are now things I realise they can and should do for themselves.

They swim, and I sit at the poolside bar listening to Gwen Stefani alternately piped in overhead with Coldplay or Sheryl Crow. A lizard seems to enjoy the music more than I as he bops his head while clinging to the leg of the chair next to mine. So much freedom.

Welcome to summer in Orlando! Finally!