Caroline Mitchell Carrico

Today

Today our nanny was “late.” She was at our house about ten minutes later than normal, which still left me with plenty of time to get to work. You know what I did in those extra minutes? I held my daughter and read my son a book. Then my son read the book to me. ItContinue reading “Today”

Time

I realized it’s been a month since I wrote down any thoughts. So much has changed. Louise smiles all the time, especially when you play with her legs and sing her song. (“Hello Louise” to the tune of “Come On Eileen.” If you were wondering.) Noah has suddenly acquired a firmer grasp of the EnglishContinue reading “Time”

Coos

I had forgotten. It’s true that the small things that happen everyday that I wanted to believe I would always remember with clarity fade. They get replaced with the new small things that I want to hold onto. I had forgotten the sheer joy that filled my heart when my baby cooed at me forContinue reading “Coos “

Heyelpful

My toddler is a helper. Except he can’t say the word “help.” It comes out “heyelp!” For instance, When he hears the dishwasher open, he yells, “I heyelp!” and jumps right in. It has taken some perspective adjusting, but I find myself changing my rote chore moves to accommodate my helper. After years of figuringContinue reading “Heyelpful “

Frustration

Sometimes I feel it rising up in me like a bubble, one that I try to swallow down with a deep breath and a smile. But that does not always work. Especially when lunch and milk end up on the floor after an attempt to make a break down the driveway after unprompted yelling inContinue reading “Frustration”

Simple joys

I was struck this morning by the abundance of simple joys that have filled the past week. Louise fell asleep on my chest, perfectly centered with her bottom fitting in the crook of my arm. Her quick breathing was the foil of my heartbeat. Noah asked to hold Louise while we read books to her.Continue reading “Simple joys”

Perfection

I woke up at 3AM and realized Louise had picked a birthday. A mere, but intense and painful and hectic, five hours later, she was in my arms. My prayers have lately revolved around labor and delivery; both that I could handle the pain and that she would be healthy. Momentary discomforts and screamed expletivesContinue reading “Perfection”

Oh, Lou

I want to see your face and kiss your cheek. I want to run a finger along the edge of your foot and watch you spread your toes. I am ready to see you make your dad melt and for your big brother meet you for the first time. Come on out, kid. Your familyContinue reading “Oh, Lou”

2016 in Books, February

I’m beginning the draft of this post on February 22 with the hope that I will not be pregnant much longer. My girl is full term, and I would really like to bring her into this world sooner rather than later. I’m occupying some of my waiting time with reading, but mostly I spend spareContinue reading “2016 in Books, February”

Dear Blue Bear,

Dear Blue Bear, I feel like the time has come to get some things out in the open. You came to our house two years ago, the same week as your constant companion. His aunts sent you to him at the same time they sent flowers to me. I’d like to say it was love atContinue reading “Dear Blue Bear,”