Water

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!

I video chatted with my Sister-in-law from AZ this morning. Even though it was a brief conversation, it was so wonderful to see her and the kids. I'm grateful Eliana is growing up in a time when far away relatives can be just a video screen away. Of course if you all REALLY loved Eliana, you would move home to Connecticut so she could see you in person! ... Am I right, Ben, Crysty, Dave, Sarah, Chris, Alie, Sue, Gus, Sarah, and Rachel??? Okay, enough of the guilt trip. Eliana is waking up so I need to go! Have a great day everyone. Enjoy life.

xoxo Liz