so many things to do and so little time...

Over the course of one day, baby J becomes so many things...

the molder of Play-doh, (Due to his infatuation with all things in the shapes of balls, I taught him to roll a small clump of play-doh between the palms of his hands. He now endearingly refers to yet another object as "balls")

the maker of trouble, (the expression is "No... No." With as frequently as he says the word, people must think that we don't say anything but "No... No".)

the adventurous explorer of wetness,

the happy boy who wishes to play,

the boy who asks "Where is he?" and then playfully pops out saying "There he is!" (We would ask him this and when we'd uncover our eyes or come out of hiding, we would say "There he is!". So, if you are ever wondering why he looks cluelessly at you when you go "Peek-a-Boo", it was unintentional on our part. He knows the game, but plays it a little differently.)

the saver of pennies, (Hopefully we will instill in him the ability to be thrifty and content.)

 

and, of course, our cool guy.

Memories are made today

While talking to my mom about an invasion made on her computer by some hacking hooligans, I suggested that she immediately back up all her digital photos onto compact disks to ensure their preservation. The conversation got us thinking. If there were a fire and you had opportunity to grab one thing (after loved ones were already safe), most of us mommies would say that we would take our scrapbooks. Virus on your computer?Same thing, save the photos.

Our memories are priceless. They are more valuable than any material possession and have greater impact on who we are than heredity. But life often becomes so hectic, that our memories become digital documents or glossy pages, instead of fixtures of our minds. Please understand that I am in no way degrading photos. Photos are both a creative outlet and valuable documentation of events. But sometimes I find myself forgetting that an event even occurred until the visual image is presented.

So, as we embark on a new year which is a wonderful occasion for new beginnings, I am going to slow down. I hope to create just as many memories as photos. Then, when in need, I can draw the memory and feelings to mind without relying on something physical.

The physical can be easily destroyed but who we are as a person is enduring.

Have a happy, memory creating weekend!

Remembering Days of [Not So] Long Ago

In the deepest part of the night, I often wake for a few moments of quiet solitude. The moon shines dimly creating shadows between the openings in the shades. One evening not so long ago, I heard whispering beside me. In the middle of our mattress, baby J lay awake. He was quietly cooing and watching the lines of his fingers in the dimly lit room. He didn't notice me. He just contentedly and quietly entertained himself until he finally drifted back into slumber.

As he lay there, it seemed almost reminiscent of his days still warmly tucked inside my womb. Because of the many complications encountered during my pregnancy, I had ultrasounds frequently. During those times, he would move slowly within his cramped quarters. He somehow seemed so comfortable. Those days of watching him through the window in my womb were highlights in our time together.

When still pregnant mommies mention that they long to deliver, I fondly remember those peaceful moments that he and I exclusively shared without interruption before his birth.

Mommie-dom truly is delightful. Every moment holds a welcome surprise.