- While sitting in O’Charley’s enjoying dinner, I looked across the table and saw my 2 year old enjoying a buttery, yeast roll. She had her eyes closed, with a big, closed mouth grin, savoring the delicious warm bread. It reminded me how much my children teach me on a daily basis. Chloe’s enjoyment of a good roll isn’t her only notable appreciation. Today we went to the Railroad Festival in Amory. Watching her take in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the day was tremendously enjoyable for me. Her excitement over the Ferris wheel, the joy on her face as she slid down an inflatable slide, her appreciation of freshly squeezed lemonade, the way she danced to the live bands, soaked up the sun, and proudly sat still for her face painting; all her reactions were taken in by me. The way she embraces life is inspiring, and encourages me to take hold of each day with the same zeal and wonder as she does.
- My second child has taught me not to take life so seriously and to relax. I sometimes step outside myself mentally and observe me with her. I’m surprised, usually, by my ease over situations that I treated differently with my first baby. Today, as we sat under a crowded tent at a picnic table, I was ready to eat. Well, so was Bailey. So I breastfed her. I used a privacy sling I’ve got, so no one was flashed while trying to eat, but this was something I wouldn’t have felt comfortable doing with Chloe. Nursing in public crowds used to be off limits. In the restaurant, I noticed I had poop on my jeans. Bailey had a poopy blow-out prior to our dinner. I just laughed. Poop on my clothes, spit-up in my hair; it’s no matter. A girl’s gotta eat. Chloe sat across from me eating straight butter from the bread basket. I just shook my head, instead of fearing for her nutritional well-being. Life’s a lot easier when you can relax and enjoy it.
- As we started our day, driving along a back, country road, Chloe rattled off question after question. She has become even more inquisitive lately, and is constantly asking what or why? Why did you go that way? What is that Momma? When I told her something would make me “pretty upset”, she looked at me confused and asked, “Why Momma? Pretty is good.” As we drove along and she asked questions, I looked in the rear view and felt compelled to say “I love you Chloe.” As I said it, I felt a lump in my throat, and almost cried. The most important lesson my children have taught me is how to love someone, pure and true, more than myself, and unconditionally. I’ve never been a fan of school, but this current crash course is the best.
That is all 🙂