– MY CHILDREN –

A month ahead

I look down at the smiley pancakes that are nicely balanced on the tray. Helena bounces down the stairs with her arms filled with gifts. I lean in to give her a kiss, and she whispers “Can’t believe they are five already”. I nod my head, silently cursing time for going way too fast. Helena leans past me and knocks on the door. Seconds later the girls are up in their beds calling for us to enter. My face explodes into a great smile as I see the girls jumping in their beds. Excitement is written all over their faces I sit down smiling to both of them. “Happy birthday sweeties” Helena says as she gives both of them a kiss. After placing the tray in safe distance, I pull one of girls to my lap and Helena takes the other. As pure tradition we sing the birthday song for them and they sit still but their eyes are fixed upon the presents. “Now you turned a whole hand” I say presenting my hand as evidence. “One, two, three, four and five” Dana who is the more learning type is counting through my fingers.

 “Presents!” the squealing reaches another level, and I rise to get my camera. We decided to buy them a new set of bikes as we have moved to an area where biking is a possibility. However the bikes are hidden in the living room and only the helmets are wrapped up. Before we give them their biggest gift there are some other gifts as the walkie talkies and a new set of winter suits that we want them to unwrap. I position myself by the door so I can fit the whole scenario on tape. “Okay girl, this one is for Peggy and this one is for Dana” she hands them each a present and they start unwrapping. “Wakkie Takki” Peggy exclaims as she inspects the item. “Me too!” Dana has already removed the protective plastic and Helena help her set in batteries. “Mama” Peggy is at my feet and I crouch down to give her a helping hand. “Peggy” Dana says into the device expecting an answer. I chuckle a bit at her enthused face, “Honey, you need to push this button” I show her how to use it and Peggy have obviously learned how to use it, as her voice crackles through the walkie talkie. There is another round of delightful squealing as the conversation between the girls is a success.