What a simple word. W-A-T-E-R. These two syllables define a clear
liquid with no color, taste or smell. It falls from the clouds in the form of
rain, and we drink it. So what? Before this week I didn't care one bit about
this word, but now that my daughter has learned how to say it, I am smitten.
Never has there been a prettier sound. Water! Eliana's baby diction makes it
sound more like "wah-ler," but she's getting better. She knows
exactly what it is, and asks for it often. Her favorite way to drink it is out
of Mommy's glass with a straw. Water...... WATER!
Just another day in the life of a mom. Gone is my desire for fancy
cars or expensive dinners. What really gives me joy is watching the daily
accomplishments of my daughter, including but not limited to the "W"
sound. Last week she successfully pulled herself up onto the couch all by
herself. She already knows how to get down from the couch, so now I sit there
and watch as she climbs up and down, up and down. Gaining strength to climb up
even higher obstacles, I'm sure. With a growing toddler in the house, every
week has a little bit of "new." Sometimes it's a new food she has learned to enjoy, or a new word or animal sound she has mastered. Each event
feels like a momentous occasion, and a cause for celebration!
Do other parent's feel this way? I'm sure they must. There is something
a little magical about watching someone learn and grow right in front of your
eyes. And the exponential learning rate of a small child makes it all the more
interesting. I bet that's why teachers find their careers so rewarding. There
is nothing quite like being the person a child learns from. What an enormous amount
of responsibility! Although, I'm sure it also yields a great sense of pride.
I'm proud of my little peanut, and not just for speaking or
climbing. I'm honored that she lifts people's spirits and cheers up everyone's
day. I love that she can make even the grumpiest of men smile, and knows how to
rally the most awesome dance party. She obviously brings Zach and me incredible
joy, but she doesn't stop there. Eliana is a force of love that brings
happiness to everyone she meets. Forgive me if I sound like I'm bragging, but
these words are not for me ... these words are for HER! I hope someday Eliana
will read this and know just how blessed we are that she is who she is!
My sweet baby is currently napping beside me as I write this. When
Eliana naps, I usually run around the house like a crazy person. This is prime
time to shower, make lunch, clean the kitchen, straighten up the living room,
do the dishes, do the laundry, pay the bills, etc. But today felt more like a "write
a blog post" kind of day, don't you agree? Maybe it's the weather. The New
England leaves are changing beautifully, and pumpkin flavored everything is out
in full swing. Fall-my favorite time of year. Tis the season of long sleeves, puff
vests, and most importantly ... SCARVES. Of course this past weekend was still 85
degrees, but there is hope for a cooler future. Hey, it's still in the 100s in
Arizona, so it could be worse!
xoxo Liz
