some thoughts -- and pictures of Esther

I can hardly believe it's been 4 months since Esther was born. Time has flown, it feels... nor can I really fathom it's been two years since Amy arrived. It makes me realize how important it is to savor the moments... I'm grateful to have a journal, and to have a camera... and I am trying to make sure I take mental pictures often.

For example, the other day we went for a walk, and Amy wanted to take her small bear. She also had to hold my hand, so she held the hand of her small bear too... you could see this little bear bobbing against her thighs as she made her way down the street with me, and Ryan was pushing Esther in the stroller. I thought, 'Some day she'll grow up, and not want to play with teddy bears anymore... I've got to take a mental note of how cute this is.'

There's a new picture I have on my wall which has winter, summer and fall next to each other with this quote from Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Whenever I wish for things that are not in this time-frame (like a piano to play... let's face it, when would I ever have the time to play it now, plus our apartment is so small that if I did play it, it would wake up the girls) I tell myself, it's not piano-season. It's playing with toddlers and babies season. It's teaching in my home season, not getting a masters or PhD season. I am beginning to realize, that with all other seasons, time goes by so fast and things change quickly, so it's important to appreciate each moment before it's gone.


Here are some of the moments I am enjoying:
Esther learning to play with her hands, and feet.


Oma visiting to get snuggles from a squishy darling baby...


Esther learning she has a voice...

Esther learning to giggle...





Esther smiling...


















Esther starting to learn how to sit up... (assisted, of course)


















I am also appreciating the fact that Esther is still somewhat immobile, since it keeps things a bit easier for me. Amy is exceedingly mobile, and resourceful for finding new ways to get to the things she wants, so it's nice that they are at different stages so I don't have to worry about Esther getting into stuff as much.

I am grateful for this life... it is a treasure. I am grateful for the beautiful moments that continue to race by and change. I am grateful to be able to share these moments with Ryan and these adorable girls!