Overheard and underappreciated

New words and pronunciations pop up in our home fairly regularly - it’s one of the joys of having kids. Nothing makes you giggle more than a kid requesting a “pee-nur” and jelly sandwich, or more “marsh-ma-mells” in their cocoa. It’s even entertaining, albeit confusing, when the elementary school-aged kid shouts “yeet” and “sus,” continuously. Most likely in the wrong context but don’t ask me, I’m a millennial. ​

​Each and every day our kids gain new life experiences, cultivating curiosity and giving way to new conversations with others. I can’t help but want to bottle these moments in a time capsule - who they are at these ages and the way they see life. It’s the mundane moments of tiny voices and innocent chatter that can unknowingly reshape how we experience life. 

This is 7:
“I don’t even need a light, I can see in the dark.”
“I’m actually only afraid of one thing: heights. So that tree right there? I would be too scared to jump off that branch.”

Seven is fearless. He is confident in both vocalizing and demonstrating. At this age, they know a lot of things, but still rely on you (or Alexa) for answers. Seven is wide-eyed and adventurous, creative and imaginative. His outlook on life is uninhibited and unafraid, except of heights, of course.

This is 4:
“I put the booger in my fingernail. I’m gonna touch you!”
“Dad is getting old because he has a beard.”
“I touched your hair with my sucker.”
“Oh my darrrlinnggg. You’re such a sweetie.” (To the dog)

Four is silly and fun-loving, always seeking opportunities to make others giggle and enjoy the moment. He’s short-sighted, unencumbered by possible negative outcomes and instead, indulging in the joys of life. Four is curious, often met by the phrase, “Curiosity killed the cat, you know.” He is snuggly and funny.

This is 2:
“Mama, cheese.”
When his brothers take toys away, “My turn!”
While looking at the framed family pictures, he rattles off mispronounced names, smiling.

Two is quite possibly the most ridiculous of the three, given his speech delay and laid back personality. Regardless, he has an insatiable hunger for life (and dairy). His presence and voice demand attention, expectantly and unapologetically waiting for his needs to be met. Two is bravely authentic and admiring of those they love most.

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We aren’t yet to the stage of life with long, drawn-out conversations over the dinner table, or an exchange of stories in the backseat of the car. Still in the thick of it, many of the words spewed in our house are a blur. But when we truly listen to what the little voices are saying, we might be the ones who learn a thing or two.

This post is part of a blog hop with Exhale—an online community of women pursuing creativity alongside motherhood, led by the writing team behind Coffee + Crumbs. Click here to view the next post in the series "Overheard at Home".