Reluctant

After a late night, interrupted sleep and an early start combined, I was definitely reluctant to get out of bed this morning and we were all eased into the day with freshly baked cookies and coffee (just us grown ups). Then it was time to make a food delivery, drop Chris at his new workplace and head to ballet class. A very tired E, clutching Neliys and clinging to me like a koala was very reluctant to join the class at all today. But finally, just before the end, went in, mainly lured by a sticker.

In contrast to the confidence and contrary character we often witness, it was so painful to watch her, tears streaming her cheeks, so vulnerable, sensitive and in need of cuddles. Must perfect the art of cuddling two children at once. Need more arms.

Back home, she was glued to the couch, tucked up and with an unusual but necessary bottle of warm milk for comfort and kinder eggs on youTube. I wanted to capture her wide-eyed, upset and beautiful fragility and the part of my heart that oddly enjoys reminders like this that she is still very young and dependent.