The bittersweet truth of having young children in one' life is this old adage: "this too shall pass". While it's a comfort during a trying phase to know that it is, in fact, a phase and will pass soon, it's also the subtly sour aftertaste to each moment when a treasure has been offered, but the treasure can only remain in one's heart.
The kind of moments that make you want to be a better person for the sake of that child.
Peter is 18 months, now! A year ago I felt as though we may not make it through his first year, and his first birthday was a true milestone marker if not more for Brad and I than for him. His second year is flying by! Every day Brad and I find ourselves laughing at (ahem, with) Peter and his new, adorable, or naughty antics that he's developing. He is full of personality: sometimes fiesty and sometimes charming; always determined!
I keep thinking lately that there a some cute little habits that both Peter and Cora have right now that I don't ever want to forget. I know someday they'll outgrow them and move past this stage. The "lasts" often go unnoticed, while the "firsts" get celebrated. Most of these are moments that a photo can't capture, and I'm not sure words can either. But I need to try, for my memory's sake. Here's to remembering...
I'm thankful for and want to be able to always recall:
#111. the way Peter lays teddy on my shoulder, then lays his head on teddy like a pillow while I'm cuddling him at bedtimes...
#112. the way Cora runs to me, arms wide open, yelling with joy, "Mooommmmyyyy!!!!" when I pick her up from preschool...
#113. the way Peter pretends to be shy with other adults, turning his head to the side and lifting up his shoulder in a gentle denial of their offered affection...
#114. the way Cora wiggles her head and shoulders when she's trying explain something too quickly while brushing it off as not that important...
#115. the way Brad can make Peter and Cora giggle like no one else can...
#116. the way that Peter obsessively puts on Cora's shoes and proudly walks around the house with them, often over his footy pajamas...
#117. the way Cora talks about herself as a big girl, and that anything in her past (even 2 months ago) was when she was a "little girl"...
#118. the way Peter hums himself to sleep...
#119. something I've nicknamed "The Mummy Walk": it usually happens when Peter is just a tad too tired and something has upset him; he puts his arms out in front of him with limp hands (picture a mummy, right?) and walks his stiff-legged attempt at a run towards me, usually crying- mouth open and eyes closed. If he were wrapped in toilet paper (please don't give him that idea, though!) he really would look like the portrayal of a mummy! While it's a sad moment for him, my mommy (not mummy) heart smiles a tad, because I'm the one he wants in his moment of distress. It's a twisted part of motherhood...I know!
#120. As you can see, we were able to spend some time at the cabin (also with Mom and Dad B.). I'm thankful for that time together, even with the challenges that come with having two youngsters along!
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