Sibling Chefs: Valentines Day 2020

In the early days of new flam-ly-hood I was surprised both by Isaac's easy acceptance of this new stranger in his house and Mila's deep resistance to accept the tiny Asian that apparently was apart of the New Mother Contract she was given. She clearly had no say in the matter; I had just assumed that in coming from a dorm of 4 others with Down syndrome she would transition easily to a new sibling.  That has not been the case.  Helping the Annoying Little Brother temper his excitement and shepherd the Moody Big Sister towards some sort of reasonable acceptance has been a full time job.  

BUT as we close in on being a flam-ly for 16 months, there has been a softening and a drawing-near that is making life a little bit easier for everyone. 

Mila has been asking where her brother is, making sure he hasn't left the house (something he doesn't do alone), or when guests leave "but brother stay in m'home".  Yes, Isaac always stays with us.  "Ok, good, Mommy".   Also--Isaac, stop touching your sister! 

Midwinter break snuck up on me this weekend and I didn't have any plans for us.  In a last minute scheduling hail mary, I told the kids we were going to spend Valentines Day getting ready for a special Momma-Mila-Isaac Party.  *Gasp*  Oh really?!?!

STEP ONE:  Pick your meals and make your shopping list. (Another HUGE plug for Raddish Kids cooking club!)

(Pasta, Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Olives)

STEP TWO: Go to the store, man your own shopping cart, buy your supplies, bag your own groceries (not pictured)

STEP THREE: Make your recipes (with a bit of Momma's help)

 A year ago she wouldn't even cross into the kitchen--now she is working on knife skills!  (Or as she calls it "haircut tomatoes")

These two pictures MELT ME!! 

 

Look at my little chef chopping basil!  In a stellar kitchen-teaching moment, they spent 20 minutes taking turns sniffing different spices finding ones that were sweet or smelled like soup or pie.  #homeschoolwannabes

STEP FOUR:  Set the table with the special dishes, fold real napkins, light candles and blast a 50s love-themed playlist. 

I remember reading somewhere about creating special-ness within the normal activities of life. We make and eat dinner every night of the week, so what?  Today was special, not because it was Valentines Day, but in the midst of a season of sibling softness, there was an opportunity for intentionality.  And from that my 15 year old declared at dinner "ohhh, Isaac. I like da meatballs. Good job".  And my 9 year old responded with "good noodle salad Mila!"  And I nearly fell out of my chair. 

Also...I didn't have to make dinner tonight, so Happy Valentines Day to me.  *wink*