Having kids is a pretty amazing experience. There's so much emotion and time and work and love - almost more than seems physically possible. But one of the coolest parts of being a parent is seeing the world in a whole new light... in a way you may have forgotten. As adults, we get so easily focused on the "daily grind" that we forget to appreciate how awesome it is that we have this chance to LIVE and to enjoy the things around us. Children are a beautiful reminder of how fleeting life is and how truly lucky we are to experience it.
When our children are infants, we watch in amazement at how quickly they advance: from learning to focus their eyes on a specific object; to discovering each of their own body parts and learning to control them; to feeling water between their fingers in the tub and grass between their toes outside; to tasting new foods; to taking their first step... etc, etc. Sophie is flying through each of these things and I'm desperately trying to keep up!
Then as one year olds, they really begin to communicate with the people around them and learn how to express themselves, all while continuing to explore.
And now, as we're finding out with a 2 year old, they really start to "get" things and become very passionate about new experiences. It is so refreshing to watch Will's reaction to everything; to hear him go on and on about whatever struck his interest that day. It makes me look differently at the things I might otherwise pass by without noticing. Will loves to explore and I want to keep encouraging and inspiring that. I find myself pointing out every leaf color, every tractor in the field, every little critter crawling outside. I explain how things work and why things are the way they are (to the best of my ability) because he really cares and wants to know. I want to show him how fun the world can be and keep him interested in learning.
I'm also more and more excited about how different things will be from just one year ago. This year he will learn what trick-or-treating is at Halloween; he will be able to talk about what he's thankful for at Thanksgiving; he will start to grasp the concept of Santa Clause and excitedly help me leave milk and cookies on Christmas Eve. Part of being a human being is getting to relish the joys of childhood - the innocence, the freedom, the wonder of the world.
And I guess I just feel lucky to be able share that with my children - to be excited about life and to be reminded of how great it is.
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