Today

...my little monkey, you are now 4.



You are such a little adventurer. Fearless, in fact.
Who needs to scamper up a hill when we have mountains?
You love to play, and play, and play.
You love to talk, and talk, and talk.
You boldly and unapologetically wear your heart for the world to see.
You take such delight in the warmth of a cuddle.

I hope your beautiful blue eyes always sparkle with the brightest of lights.

Love always,
Mommy

dropped threads

While reading Dropped Threads 3, a collection of essays written by women for women, I was immediately taken with Silken Laumanns' Unchartered Waters. An accomplished olympic medalist, she eloquently describes how difficult it is to achieve balance in her role as mother. Her greatest need? The need to complete a thought.

The ability to complete a thought.
B.I.N.G.O.
How I struggle with this lately.

from
spilled juice
to scraped knees
to tantrums
to swimming lessons
to snacks
to runny noses
to homework
to ringing telephones
to appointments
to meeting the needs of two little people who need you completely all at once

....I often live in terror that I've lost my ability to complete a thought.

And then a hug, a cuddle, a knowing smile is flashed my way and I immediately feel whole. The panic subsides. I know this is what is right.

Well, I'm off to New York City for some decadence. Three days without my little interruptions. I'll have some time to wander around, sleep in, while away the afternoon in a cafe, reconnect with my husband, and most importantly I'll have the chance to complete a few of my thoughts.

Of course the best part of any trip is......returning home.