There is a photo of me around this age, bending over a child on the playground and smiling; I, too, have pigtails on either side of my head. This is the first time LJ's hair has been long enough to put pigtails on either side of her head.I am grateful for her beauty.
Her gorgeous blue sweater is a homemade creation from Melissa, who has some of the most amazing knitting talent I've ever seen.
I am grateful for dear friends.
Last weekend we were able to make it Salisbury Beach on one of the most gorgeous spring days we've had thus far. It was the perfect day for a beach visit, and the first LJ has taken at an age where she really enjoyed herself. She squealed and took off running in the sand.
I am grateful for unfettered joy.
She didn't want to leave the beach, and when we came down the ramp on our way back to the car, she wiggled to get out of Mama's arms, turned around and started walking back toward the beach. Fortunately, she was distracted by the post and turned it into a game of peek-a-boo.
I am grateful for peek-a-boo.
When I left for work the other morning, I asked LJ if I could have a hug. She turned to look at me, said "Yeah," and walked into my arms. To know that this child, who pushed away from snuggles since the day she was born, feels empowered because I asked for snuggles instead of imposed them and willingly came to me, makes my heart feel large.
I am grateful for choice.
