It has been an adventure. A crazy, never-knew-what-being-a-parent-is-truly-like, fun, joy-filled adventure.
We feel lucky to have a one-year-old. We're getting some sleep, we're hearing her little voice and we're seeing a little person emerge. She says, "Hi!" constantly. Doesn't deviate by saying Bye or Cry or Chai. Only a simple "Hi!"
For those that don't return her greeting....well, lets just say she knows how to elevate her voice a good 12 octaves and say, "HI!!" from deep within her heart. Rarely do we encounter a 16 year old Target cashier, a random guy at the mall or a nurse at the clinic that ignores her the second time around!
These tights were made for walking.
She walks like she's been doing it for years. It happened overnight. One day-it was 2 steps followed by excessive clapping from her overly proud parents. The next day-it was walking around the house. People tell you, "Don't blink or you'll miss your kids growing up!"
I don't want to blink. I want to savor. A little ironic given I'm blinking here, but I love our pure joy together. I want to remember.....
remember her tight hugs around my necks she gives me.
her open mouth kisses that she puts on our lips.
her little voice inflection when she talks.
her love of looking at books.
her obsession with saying "Hi Dada!"
her motherly instincts with her babies...and how she throws them down as fast as she hugs them.
how she takes my hand to lead me to what she wants.
how she loves to be pushed in empty diaper boxes or pulled round and round on her sled in the living room.
her love of veggies and meats, but her lack of interest in milk.
her little cough when she's hungry...and her big cough when she sees her bottle.
her dance moves of swaying back and forth the second she hears music. (I really hope she moves beyond the 'sway move' - her mom still only has that move in her dance card.)
We're grateful. And Thankful. And Loving the Loving moments of today.
Yes, the year has flown by, but we've enjoyed this adventure and know that the best is not only yet to be, but the best is here today.
