the present

Children have neither past nor future; they enjoy the present, which very few of us do. ~Jean de la Bruyere

Today, in the heat of the afternoon, I enjoyed a few moments with my girls.  Grassy feet in the baby pool, Otter Pop juice staining skin and suits, the warmth of the sun after a cool dip in the pool - just to name a few.  And, after the girls were put to bed, I came straight to the computer to upload these pictures.  I didn't want them to sit too long before I looked at them.  So often, I get busy and while I still treasure the pictures, they don't speak to me in the same way as when the day is still fresh in my mind.

There have been many comments in our home this month about how different life looks today than it did a year ago.  On this day last year, the eve of Laci's birthday, we left little Mia at the hospital to celebrate with our big girl.  I'm so very, very grateful to have both our girls in the same place tonight - tucked quietly in their beds in the room next to me.

A year ago, I never could have guessed how much happiness and light our little Mia brings to our family.  She makes these smiley, squishy faces that just radiate joy.  Her anger and sadness are equally extreme, taking the form of wild, screaming tantrums and dramatic wailing when needed.  But her happiness is contagious, her true zest for life, enviable.  When I picture her sick little body laying in a hospital crib, I imagine that huge personality of hers just crying to come out.

A year ago, I never could have guessed how much Laci would change.  She will be three tomorrow and already such an amazing little lady.  So serious and so sensitive, she is a lot like her mother.  She loves big - generous with kisses, hugs, and "I love you's."  She is a good big sister.  These are the things I notice about her when I take the time to actually see her, to listen to what she has to say, to play with her (I have been working on the last one).

But what is so special about both of them, is that today, in that little pool, they just knew they were happy and having fun together.  I'm so glad I was there to see it.