Sometimes

Sometimes I really have to remind myself to live in the moment... To take in her smile, to kiss her little hand, to gaze back in her little eyes... Especially at nap time. Nap time is the most precious time of the day and the most rushed. I rush around begging her to go to sleep... To follow my schedule... And sometimes I miss it. I miss her chattering away about our day...even if I don't understand. I miss her smiles at me that lovingly say "I'm glad you're my mommy." Sometimes I don't quite notice her snuggled up around my arm murmuring "mom" as she goes to sleep... And sometimes, I live in the moment. Sometimes I cherish every little bit of the best part of my day. Sometimes I sacrifice dishes for a few more cuddles. And it is more than worth it.

Friends

"Can I get an "amen" for how good it feels to watch your friends love your babies? These kids are my heart and when you love them, you consequently just found yourself a deeper place in my own heart. Likewise, to let my friends know I love them...sometimes loving their kids is the best place to start." ~Kelle Hampton (www.kellehampton.com)




I read this quote and it spoke to my heart. How true it is and how completely it summed up the wonderful weekend we spent with dear friends in Columbus over Memorial Day. We traveled there for one of my college friend, Samara's, gorgeous wedding and stayed with my best friend, Amy. 


Saying that I was nervous for this trip would be a great understatement. Lily and I had both been sick all week and Lily has been going through a particularly clingy period. Again, another understatement. Really, she hasn't been willing to go to anyone but our parents without some major adjustment time. My best friend, Amy, had offered to watch Lily for me the night of the wedding, and though I graciously accepted her offer, my nerves were going crazy. It can be a tough transition for Lily to stay with our parents lately, how would she act staying with a friend she hasn't seen for a few months?


Miraculously, the introduction was seamless. It was as if Amy and her 3 year old daughter, Quinn, have been there all along. Immediately, upon stepping into Amy's house, Lily fell in love with Quinny all over again. Everything she did amazed and excited Lily in a way that I've never seen in my little girl. The bond was instant. 

Throughout the three days of our stay, Lily went where Quinn went and to my amazement, Lily even lifted her little chubby arms up to Amy completely unprompted wanting "up." No joke... this has never happened before. (And probably poor 8 month pregnant Amy wishes it didn't happen to her ;)). My shy little babe absolutely adored these two "strangers" that she just knew in her heart were our family.

And the best part? Rob and I had a fabulous night out with friends I haven't seen in over five years with no worry. I knew my baby was safe. I knew my baby was content. I knew Amy would love my baby the way I love my baby while I was gone. And she did.

Going home was tough, but so sweet. I know now that to my little girl, these girls that hold my heart will never be strangers... and that is enough.

Let Her Be Dirty

I wrote this last week, but Blogger wasn't working... The weather was gorgeous and Lily had the greatest week of her life! :)

I have come to many conclusions already for this summer. They can be summed up in two sentences. Lily will be dirty. Lily will be happy. I have promised myself today that I will not put one outfit on Lily this summer that I expect to stay clean. Childhood is much too short for that. Her adorable little girl frame looks much more adorable with mulch in her hair and a strawberry covered skirt. And her smiley , sleepy little body says it all at the end of the day… I lived life and I loved every minute. 

The Perfect Kind Of Day

Today was the perfect kind of day. The kind of day that hides little surprises throughout that make you feel alive. The day started out with a million smiles. (Which is unusual for my grumpy non-morning girl... don't know where she gets that from ;). We snuggled and played with her new baby doll that opens and closes its eyes when you give it the pacifier. Lily sat on the toilet and supervised while I got ready. We went to the zoo and shared the wonder of the animals with friends and chatted as we straggled behind everyone because Lily had to walk and not ride in her stroller. We watched Olivia together, both exhausted from the zoo, and I held my little girl as she drifted off to sleep, her little tiny hand deep in mine. When she woke up, Lily ran to her favorite new past-time...playing outside. She giggled for hours as she climbed her play set, the adirondack chair, recycling bin and anything else she could find. She grinned at me mischievously to get me to come back out for just one more second instead of making dinner. It worked. Even making dinner was a delight, watching my little girl smile and listening to her humming as she watched me through the screen door. Today was the first time that I allowed her to be on the other side of the screen alone, and even though I was just a few feet away, I could tell she felt big. We shared dinner with Daddy outside and as Lily went to cozy up and watch some tv, Grammy called saying she had found a play set in the trash by her house. Here's where the magic really got started. After an unexpected trip to pick up Grammy's surprise, I secretly set it up for morning. Just as I tiptoed inside, shrieking and exaggerated toddler movements stopped me. I was spotted. So... I did what any Mom would do. I made some memories. I put on my sleepy head's shoes. I dared the sun to peak out of the dusk sky just a little bit longer and I took my beautiful little girl outside to play. She'll never remember it, but I'll never forget it. 8:30pm: Steal one more moment outside, 8:50pm: Cupcakes (another little treat I brought home) with Daddy. If only every day could be this special. But that's the best part... with my little bunny...it is.

Happy Easter!!!

High Five!

Daddy's Beautiful Princess

Buddies

Family Picture

Four Generations

Family Picture (with the cutest grumpy face ever!!!)

My Favorite Bunny

Happy Easter to You and Yours! :)

The best snuggles in the whole world

As of late, I have been reading some blogs of some incredible women. Women living in Africa caring for orphans and the sick. A Woman living here in the lap of luxury, but struggling to learn what it means to be the mother of a baby with down syndrome. Surviving and thriving. Through it all, one thing sticks in my mind. I am so grateful. Grateful for what I have. Grateful for the blessings God has bestowed on me. Most of all, grateful to wake up every day and get to snuggle with the most beautiful girl in the world. Oh yes. I am grateful.

Spring has sprung (for one day)

This past Sunday, Michigan finally tasted it's first 80 degree day. Pure bliss. For the first time Lily could remember, she enjoyed the sunshine. She refused to walk in the grass, but loved being barefoot walking up and down the sidewalk. She adamantly refused to wear flip-flops (of course, they're not pedipeds) and brushed dirt away before she stepped on it. Such a girlie girl for now. It was so fun seeing bare arms and feet on her again and enjoy the chubbiness before it fades away completely. She loved swinging on the porch swing. All in all, a great family day.