What is it about babies that we find so irresistible? Is it the giggles and squeals of delight? Is it the baby soft skin that reminds one of the smoothest silk? Could it be the wiggly toes or the chubby cheeks? Perhaps it is the way they look at everything with wide-eyed wonder, reminding us that there is joy to be found in the smallest of things? Or maybe it is their sweet, vulnerable innocence, that brings out the very best in us, to be their steadfast protectors and defenders, providers and nurturers, supporters and encouragers.
Anna is 11 months old. Oh, this time last year, I was ready and waiting! I was enjoying the last few weeks of taking care of my boys alone and grabbing noontime naps on the couch while I still had the chance!
My days are a lot harder now. I have hardly a moment to myself these days, but I wouldn't trade my girl for the world!
Anna is finally a full-blown crawler! She was getting around with a drag kind of crawl, but she finally got her knees beneath her, and she's going places! She is discovering all of the wonders of exploration: learning that magnets stick to the fridge, the sliding glass door is cold, and Caleb keeps little animals where the DVDs are stored.
Our girl also loves our cat. Now, I'm not a cat person (nor any animal), and never will be. But Anna is clearly loving Pocono. It is funny, because Caleb loves Pocono, having basically grown alongside him. They are a month apart in age, and we got Pocono when Caleb was two months old. Caleb always liked Pocono when he was a baby. But, it appears Anna's delight is even greater. She squeals and giggles when he comes by, and she seems to be recognizing the word "kitty". Her reaction to him is so funny that Daddy, Caleb, and I all stop and laugh.
Of course, as we all say, the months have flown by! I'd better buckle my seatbelt! These next few months are sure to bring a ton of changes!
I've learned that being a mother requires a lot of letting go. We are always letting our children go, aren't we? It is a gradual process. Even when we give birth, we are letting them go. We push them out of our very person so they can breathe air and live life. We encourage them to crawl, and we hold their hand when they take their first step, but we let go when they are ready to run. We show them how to gain independence, a little here, and a little there. We teach them how to read, write, live, and dream. Prayerfully, we lead them to Christ and teach them to follow Him. Everything we do is in preparation for that day when they do finally leave.
But with all that letting go, we also get to hold on tight! We hug and kiss good night! We hold hands while they walk on unsteady legs. We push them on the swings, and we wipe away their tears. I'm glad that I have a few years yet, even with my oldest. I'm not ready to let anyone go for a while. They still have a lot to learn and much growing still to do. We still have many Christmases, summers, and excursions waiting to share together and countless memories to make! My job is not to take any of it for granted! I will enjoy this baby soft skin for as long as I can!
Little Girl is too busy for any kind of posing! I got a few cute pictures, though!
