A Max-And-Nina Day!

"...no babies today?" is always the first question Max asks me with a big smile on his face when I come downstairs on Wednesday mornings. I try to make Wednesdays very special for him. With special I don't mean a big event or anything fancy - I just play every single game that comes to his mind and give him a "we-have-all-the-time-in-the-world"-feeling.
We often do art projects, play a lot of his favorite pretend games like going on a bear hunt or caring for our babies and learning them how to go to the potty or trucks. After one or two hours he usually is ready to do something else than playing inside.
So today we decided to go to the playground across the street from Whole Foods (our supermarket). He was excited to go there and walked all the way what made me feel very proud since Max isn't a big walker. We climbed up and down the leathers and tunnels and slides, flew up high in the air on the swing and roasted marshmallows over a fire after running away from the fox.
When it was time to go home for lunch I told Max he was allowed to pick out a fruit at Whole Foods we would have with our sandwiches for lunch. He chose green grapes and watermelon, YUM.

Picnic Lunch

Once we got home we prepared our lunch plates and took them outside in our backyard and had a little picnic. We read books and Max told me how he wants to own a tow truck later.
After lunch he and I raked up the leaves for a little bit and then it was time for Max to nap.
He was incredibly tired today since he woke up at 5:30 this morning.
Maxi fell asleep right away and I had time to pick up the house: laundry, dishes and toy-sorting are always waiting for me as soon as I have the kids down.
At 4 o'clock Max was still sleeping so I went upstairs and woke him up since we had swimming at 4:30! Max and I go to the swimming classes at the Boston University which is a 15 minute walk from our house. Max gets more comfortable in the water with every swimming class and so I don't want to skip classes even if I give him a hard time in waking him up. I always get everything ready, then wake him up and just pack him in the stroller, give him a little snack and he has the 15 minute walk to really wake up.
Once we are there the sleepiness is gone and he is ready to splash and kick and jump in the water. We always have such a good time and Max gets better and better! He is very brave and even puts his head underwater. Max and I always stay a little longer in the water after the class and play that I am a dolphin or that we have to swim away from the sharks or collect diamonds in the water. It's just so much fun to be there with him and see him get more comfortable with every time we visit the pool. It gives me so much to see him being proud of himself and of the things he can achieve when he believes in his strength and willpower... like I do.
Because he always has such a hard time waking up I promise him a treat for after-swimming: going to Panera Bread to get a pumpkin cookie - and a coffee for me! So on our way back we always stop at the bakery and Max gets his cookie (I'll take a picture of it next Wednesday!) and I get my coffee. A quick stop at the little playground near our house and the Max-and-Nina-Day is over.

Before I came to the States I think being patient was my biggest weakness but the kids taught me that sometimes all it takes to make a change happen is being patient and having a calm soul.
Every Wednesday I learn how much patience and kindness can do and how you should never underestimate the power of a smile. Even if you are in a really big rush you should never give the kids that feeling. They are kids. For them time does not exist. And that is a good thing.

Right?

Spread the love,
Nina.