Pride and Panic

As a child you think that adults aren't scared of anything.  But then you have a child of your own and you realize that the world can be a terrifying place when your heart is walking around in it in purple size 5 sandals.  The conflict of wanting her to grow and become her own person versus the unthinkable thoughts of what could happen when you let her out of her safe little bubble, I am guessing, never completely resolves itself.

 

My beautiful beach baby, pure joy in a swimsuit running full speed towards the ocean.

No fear.

Squealing with delight as the water swirls around her legs.

Twisting from Daddy’s grasp to venture into deeper waters.

Pride coupled with panic as we realize our daughter is bold and daring in the face of endless water and crashing waves.

He lets her go just a little farther but only a quick grab away.

In this brief moment, I see the future. 

Our baby growing up, pulling away from our protective arms to make her own discoveries, make her own mistakes.

Us behind her to cheer her on, help her up when a wave knocks her down,  guide her when she’s in danger, and carry her when it all gets to be too much. 

I pray we always know which one she needs, and that she forgives us for holding on too tight sometimes.  

Hmmm...

Sarah Beth woke up from her nap with her usual slow style.  A few little peeps, then some giggles, giving way to full on laughter.  I walked into her room to see her topless, waving her shirt over her head like a stripper.
Yesterday she got into Daddy's wallet and flung the contents at her feet so she was surrounded by dollar bills.

Anyone else sensing a disturbing trend here? 

Mother's Day

Sorry blog, for neglecting you, but we've been on vacation this week in beautiful Charleston.  Before I post about our first travel adventure with SB, I thought I'd share a slideshow of our Mother's Day fun.
We spent the morning with Sarah Beth's new friend Miriam, her parents, and big sister Hattie.

Miriam is cute as a button.  She ever so sweetly tries to hug Sarah Beth, but SB does not know what to make of that.  It seems our girl likes her personal space.  Surely she will drop her aloof facade sooner or later.  Anyway, we all had a great time at Reedy Creek.  It was a perfect way to spend Mother's Day. 

It’s hard to be almost 2.

First of all, your silly parents can’t seem to tell to know which of the seventeen different items on your dresser you are pointing at with desire.  Seriously, they pick up every.single.other.thing but the one you want.  Hello, why would I want the picture frame?  Never mind that I wanted that yesterday.  Today I want the hair brush!

Next, they are constantly interrupting your playtime with annoying things like diaper changes.  You really could care less if your diaper was sagging below your knees, you’re busy darnit.  These blocks won’t stack themselves, will they?

And why do they keep telling you to stop standing on the furniture?  They must be threatened by your taller stature from the coffee table and want to keep you down so they feel all big and superior. 

Don’t even get started about mealtime.  Clearly they are saving the best food for their own plates.  They try to convince you that the rice and beans on your plate is the same exact thing that they are eating, but you know better.  Fork over your burrito Daddy.  And what do you have over there, Mommy?  Delicious avocado?  It looks awful similar to what you put on my plate but I’m no fool.  Give it here, woman.  You can have mine.  I even mushed it up with my hands a little so it’ll be easier for you to eat.

Oh and one more thing, what’s the deal with the toilet?  They take you to a pool every week for swim lessons but you’re supposed to ignore this perfectly splash-able bowl of water?  It makes no sense. 

Just another day at our house. 

Frankly I don’t know how Sarah Beth puts up with us.  But I’m glad she does.

SB has a friend!

I was getting desperate.  Our girl was clearly getting bored of Mommy and was in need of companionship more her age.  I was about to put a personal ad out for our little girl.  Something along the lines of

Single female, almost 2,  seeks same for playdates.  

Likes rocks, sticks, purses, and running around in circles. 

Must love Elmo.

When low and behold, Sarah Beth met a new friend.  Even more shocking, she met her at the park across the street in our very own neighborhood.  Her name is Mimi and she is a blonde, blue-eyed 19 month old little firecracker.  And her parents are cool people too.  They teach at a local University.  Wow.  Not even boring bankers?  We hit the jackpot.

They came over last week for dinner and the girls were about as cute as could be playing together.  Running up and down the hallway squealing like banshees.  It was so fun to watch SB transform into a real little girl, playing games and getting into mischief. 

We met up again on Sunday for a park date and all of us had a blast.  Mimi drove her cozy coupe to the park.  (Ok , her parents pushed a little) SB quickly became enamored of her ride and after a brief power struggle, we crammed both girls in for a ride and they loved it.  Giggling, goldfish sharing, sippy cup-swapping little girls.  It was awesome. Next time I'm bringing my camera.