Gracie

 I realize that I spend a lot of my time with Amelia since she is a baby and needs me to do everything for her. And then I spend a lot of time with Katie because she is so vocal about her needs. And poor little Gracie has fallen into the classic fate of all middle children: neglected. So the last few weeks, I have been making an effort to "see" Gracie, and love her the way that she needs to be loved. 

Sometimes I think I take her easy-going nature for granted, and I count on her to be so. But I shouldn't. 

Sometimes I forget that even though she's not as expressive as Katie, that she still has needs that I should meet. 

And she is so SPECIAL. I knew when I carried her in the womb, she was very special and every day if I take time to slow and down and pay attention, I remember what a very special gift I have been given by having her for a daughter.

I love her little quirks...her grumpy faces and her tip-toe walks and her love of all things tiny. I love that she doesn't want to grow up but wants to stay little. I adore her pretend games.

She can be the girliest girl, and the next minute be rough-housing like the toughest boy.

But most of all, I love her tender, generous heart. What a precious little spirit.

Mothering

I have a confession.

The laundry is in piles
there are dirty dishes in my sink.
And I didn't sweep.
I haven't touched a vacuum
 in over a week.

But I did hold my baby
and count her precious toes
and made her laugh
by tickling all her chubby rolls

and I nursed her and snuggled her
for how long, nobody knows
and that is all that matters today
and that is all that will matter
every day.