“Momma! What does this word say? I can’t read it.” Shiloh calls for me. I make my way over to him and look over his shoulder, looking at the small tree sized plant.
“That says Panchira Aquatica, below it also says that it’s also known as a money tree.” I summarize the information card that’s provided.
“Woooahh.” Shiloh says in fascination. “I need this tree – daddy! Can’t I get this money tree? I wanna grow my own monies.”
I softly chuckle at my son, running my hand through the hair on his head before peering over at Monty who’s staring at me, a question in his gaze. I just shrug my shoulders, I wouldn’t be mad about that sort of plant. It’s said to be low maintenance.
“Alright buddy. We can get a money tree. Which one of these did you want?” Monty hand walks Hayes over to where we are and we watch as Shiloh thoroughly inspects each of the six potted trees in front of him before choosing the smallest tree out of the bunch. He grabs the plant, proud of his choice and begins to walk away.
He doesn’t get too far before he turns around and asks me to carry it for him because his arms are tired. He walks ahead further down the row as we all follow behind him. Harper and Xavier are over on the other side, looking at the larger plants. He seems to be asking the associate which plants would be safe to be around animals.
Evie is walking alongside me taking some more pictures of the plants. Bending low to get to certain angles before standing and checking the image on the display screen. She looks so in her element and it makes my chest warm knowing that Monty and I were able to bring this joy to her.
She said the camera was too much, but I don’t think it is. Not when it’s for someone you care for.
As if the universe could sense that my heart is about to explode with joy, I watch as Shiloh runs over to Monty and takes over holding Hayes’ hands and he stands in front of him as he encourages him to walk with him. I can’t see Hayes' face, but I can hear the melodic tones of his laughter as he follows his older brother.
I hug the money tree to my heart, ingraining this moment in my mind because it’s not something I want to forget. Hayes takes a few more steps before he rocks backward and lands on his butt before he begins to crawl instead. Making his way to whatever caught his eye under one of the tables, but Monty’s too quick and scoops him up.
With fast movement Monty gently throws Hayes up in the air making noises to avoid any potential meltdown over being blocked from getting to something he probably shouldn’t be grabbing.
Shiloh sits at the table as he places another sticker on the pot of his money tree. I sit across from him sipping on a glass of water, his brows furrowed in concentration. He has quickly grown attached to the plant, asking if he can have it in his room to sleep with him. I tried to explain to him that moving the thing around isn’t the best idea, and not wanting to risk someone dropping it. We ended up agreeing on the kitchen table for the time being until it gets too big then we will find a new home for it.
“I need more stickers!” Shiloh shouts before climbing off his chair and running to his art bins. The sound of rustling papers followed by a thump. “Oops.” He says and then more rustling before the pitter patter of his foot steps and he comes back to the table.
“Okay, five more minutes bud and then I want you to go get washed up before supper.” I tell him, and he agrees automatically.
Hayes has been sitting in his highchair playing with a busy board Evie made during one of his naps. It’s the size of his tray and offers a bunch of different sensory things that help with his motor skills. He’s obsessed with it and it’s currently been keeping him entertained for the last ten minutes.
The front door opens and a minute later Evie walks into the kitchen.
“Hey guys, I just wanted to check in quickly and say thank you guys for coming out with me today. I had a lot of fun, and I got a lot of great pictures.” She joins us at the table and looks at the money tree and all the stickers it’s sporting.
“This is super cool Shiloh, did you do this all by yourself?” She asks.
“Uh huh! I think it needs more.” he looks over at Evie, “but I ran out.”
“Oh man, I guess that means we will have to go and get some more stickers this week, eh?” Evie asks him.
His eyes light up and he nods his head enthusiastically.
“But–” I chime in, “You need to go wash up for supper. Your dad will be back with the pizza any minute.”
“You got it momma!” Shiloh quickly leaves the kitchen, heading toward the bathroom.
I look over at Evie to find that she’s already looking at me. Her blonde hair is straight with half of it up, she has on smokey eye make up and gloss on her lips. She smiles at me and I can’t help the easiness that flows when she’s here.
“What time is Harper grabbing you?” I ask her.
“Her and Xavier should be here any minute.” She stands up and rounds the table to my side. Quickly she looks down the hall to where Shiloh disappeared. When she establishes that the coast is clear she leans down and softly presses her lips to mine.
Just then her phone chimes, indicating that Harper’s here. She places one more kiss upon my lips before she straightens.
“That’s Harps. I gotta go, but I’ll see you guys tomorrow?” She asks hopefully.
“Of course, unless you want to take the day to yourself and sleep in.” I tell her. Even on her days off, she finds her way over here. I don’t mind it but I do want her to still have her own time alone if she needs it.
“We’ll see how I feel in the morning. I’ll talk to you later.” She quickly says goodnight to Hayes before she’s out the door.
