M is One

My darling baby is now one year old. It's been a whirlwind year, to say the least. This week alone was filled with commitments and logistics that left me feeling suffocated. Usually, on Thursday mornings, I drop Bam off at his joyschool class and run errands with M, grateful to do so with a minimum number of children. I had errands that I could have run yesterday morning, but after the suffocating week of "have-tos", I just didn't want to rush or race at all. So, I dropped Bam off and returned home to hang out with Miss M.



Being the fifth of five children, and because she is still so little, I don't get much alone time with my baby that doesn't involve nursing, bathing, changing--all with someone larger and more demanding yelling in the background. But things were different for her birthday. I fed her some bananas and cheerios and played with her a bit before cuddling her down for her oft-short-changed morning nap. I was repeatedly struck by the gift that she is in our family. She isn't a miracle child any more than all children are miracles and she has always enjoyed health safety and general well-being. Maybe because she may very well be the caboose. Maybe because she is a baby girl after 3 rough and tumble boys. Maybe just because it was quiet on a sunny November morning in the desert, but I was filled with such gratitude for this spirit that has been entrusted to me as my daughter.



There are moments when the goodness of motherhood settles upon me just a bit and I feel so tangibly the blessings the Lord has given me and the ones He's trying so tirelessly for me to notice and accept. How lovely for one of those good mother moments to come on my baby's birthday.