And now she is four...

ETA: I actually started this post on September 23rd.  I've also started about three other posts that haven't reached completion.  I just haven't been feeling the blog vibe lately, I guess.  I need to get with it, though.  The alternative is journaling, and I *know* I'm hopeless at that.

Whew!  What a week.  My mom came to visit Lily and me for the week and we packed a lot into a short amount of time.  We went to Savannah, St. Augustine, had a tea party at a swanky Victorian B&B with the birthday girl, and just generally  had a great time.  Unfortunately, I forgot my camera for most of Lily's birthday celebrations.  I'm super bummed that I missed all the cuteness of the day.  But I still got a few shots of our small party that evening and the fun times we had with Grandma. 

[Hey, don't judge.  You try saying no to a four-year-old girl when she sees a room full of fancy dresses and a camera]

I can't believe my baby is four-years-old.  It seems like just yesterday I found out I was pregnant.  It was a terrifying and exhilarating time for me.  I could never have imagined at the time the countless blessings Lily has brought to my life.  A mother's love is something you can never fully understand or appreciate until you've experienced it.  There are no big, showy rewards for what mothers deal with everyday.  But to a mother, it isn't the big rewards that are important.  It is the many small ones.  Like when Lily runs up to me and gives me a big, squishy hug and tells me she loves me.  Or when she cuddles up next to me at night for her bedtime story and song.  Or when she is playing on the beach and runs up to me with such a look of joy and wonder on her face to show me her latest treasure.  Or a million other wonderful and crazy things she does each and every day that make my heart swell with love.

I have wiped bottoms and noses, I have comforted inconsolable tears, I have watched helplessly as a temper tantrums have taken control of my sweet child.  There have been many times when I have struggled with motherhood.  Honestly?  I don't remember those times.  But I remember every kiss and ever cuddle.  I remember every giggle and silly face.  I keep them inside and take them out whenever I am feeling overwhelmed.  They remind me of the infinite joy and reward of motherhood.  And they remind me why what I am doing is probably the most important and rewarding job I will ever have.

A Little More

Yesterday was a very busy day.  So busy, we didn't have time to go to the beach until late.  I know, poor us, right?  You should feel very sorry for us.  Anyhow, it was the first time we'd seen a sunset at the beach since moving here.  I guess I was a kind of a west coast snob.  I always loved watching the sun set over the water, turning everything gold and warm.  But I'll tell you, I've been missing out on a lot.

It was a warm, humid evening after a week of killer thunderstorms.  There was a sweet, salty breeze coming off the water and instead of warm and gold, everything was cool and silver.  The clouds were huge, fluffy balls of blue and purple and the sky wasn't blazing, but subdued.  Soon, we'll have to replace our sundresses with sweaters.  But for now we are enjoying the sultry warmth of our sleepy beach town before the next (likely permanent) cold front comes through.  I'm excited for the sweaters, down comforters, fires and hot cocoa.  But on nights like last night, I'm content to let winter take her time in getting here.