There are times in my life where I've looked back and said, I wish I would have known how happy I was when THAT was happening. And I always think I should have enjoyed it more, soaked it up a little bit more, relished it a bit more. Like when we lived in St. Louis, just married and in our little condo. We would plan happy hours on Fridays, sometimes sending the email as late as noon - and 20-30 fabulous friends would show up, ready to have a drink and kick back. THOSE were a blast, and I knew it - though now I love those days so much more.
I'm finding as I get a bit older, I'm catching on sooner when I'm in a happy time. And NOW is a happy time. We're in such a happy place, right this minute, our little family.
DH and I are totally clicking on all kinds of levels, which makes for a happy home. And I'm in love with our little guy - who is amazing more every day in both his ability to articulate needs in five and ten syllables, as well as in his ambition. He wants to climb higher, do more, do it by himself, all the while fully emoting and even expressing frustration (kicking and screaming toddler-style). It's amazing to see this personality emerging. And I love it. I am relishing these moments of easy in-and-out trips to the lakeshore, walks in the park (no stroller!), easy meals, easy sleeping, easy life for me as a mother. I see it and I am loving every moment of this time. And part of me is sad about how when this little girl comes, he won't be the absolute center of our world anymore. I know lots of mothers feel this way. Stephanie at Baby on Bored did prior to her twins' birth. And this week it was expressed as eloquently, as beautifully as a philosopher could.
I know I'll love this new baby, and I know my heart will stretch, but right now? I'm just going to enjoy this simple life we have before we plunge back into the world of a newborn. I can enjoy, I can relish all of June, all of July, all of August. This is the happy time.
