Time slows for critical moments

October already? Time keeps going faster and faster these days.

We took time out this past weekend to go to the far side of Cincinnati to celebrate Mackenzie’s first birthday. She is the daughter of our niece, Margaret. Margaret is the daughter of my husband’s sister, Sue. Sue has three girls who are each amazing in their own right.

Mackenzie is so tiny that she looks closer to six months old than she is to being one. She has almost started walking by herself, but for now she holds on to the furniture for security. She is a mama’s girl and is as adorable as her big sister, Isabella.

I did get to hold her a couple of times but only when she was gnawing on a teething biscuit. Margaret said the biscuits were awful but Mackenzie liked them. Isabella must also like them as she took several bites from the one Mackenzie had.

We were catching up with the family when Margaret’s sister, Jane, showed up with her daughter, Molly. Molly is also one year old and is as adorable as the other children. Jane is the art teacher and runner of the family. I asked if she was still taking Molly along when she ran. Jane said she did. She said she has a backpack-like thing that Molly rides in for the first mile or two then Jane switches her to the stroller. Molly loves it. Perhaps all that running has enabled Jane to be in such good shape.

It wasn’t long before more people began arriving, most with a child or two. The oldest kid appeared to be about four or five. The children all played to together nicely. In a group that big I expected the occasional tears. There was not a single meltdown. I was impressed.

When it was time for cake Margaret stripped Mackenzie down to her diaper and put her in her high-chair. We all sang Happy Birthday. All the voices blended together beautifully to celebrate this tiny little girl.. Margaret helped her daughter blow out the lone candle and the child patted the cake in front of her before digging in. Isabella also wanted cake and her sister finally swung a cake-covered fist close enough for Isabella to get a bite or two.

The party died down and parents were anxious to get their tired children put to bed. We said our goodbyes and began the long drive home.

Once we were well on our way, most of the conversation revolved around comparing notes. It had been a perfect day. The weather was good. There were no unexpected traffic delays. We didn’t get lost. and best of all we got to visit with people we hadn’t seen for a long time.

Today is also beautiful. We are back to our routine of doing laundry and watching sports. Having no interest in sports, I took my life in my hands and washed the cat.

Yes, you read that right. I washed the cat. Not the entire cat. I washed the back half of her. As she has gotten older, it has become more difficult for her to keep herself clean. The hair on her back half is matted and she doesn’t want to be brushed. I cut off part of the mats whenever she lets me. I will have to wait until she dries off before I can see if I helped or hindered her hairdo.

Sometimes I miss the days of having lots of little ones running around. I still find it hard to believe how long ago that was. Now it is my nieces’ and my daughter’s turn to raise their children.

It was a simple birthday party that brought us together. It was far more interesting than laundry, a clean cat, or watching the latest ball game. 

Time not only flies, it slows up for important things such as a little girl’s birthday. It was a good weekend but since it is October already it is time to bring in the houseplants and button up the house for the cold weather that is sure to come.