Happy.

The Light of Winter.

As the small signs of life begin to erupt in the awakening of spring, the light of winter starts to dwindle. The sharp shadows this season seem to cast have always stuck with me. Winter is a time of light and dark, quiet contemplation, and change.

Growing.

In the past month or so, I've noticed another shift in Gabriel. It's such a gift to be able to point out small growths in a young child's development, personality, and habits. These are the times parents never get back, and they're so blissfully important, not only for the child, but for the family to acknowledge, appreciate, and celebrate.

(making the penguins kiss)

Helping his dinosaurs drink out of his sippy cup; Picking up the telephone and cooing, "ble-loh leh-loh?"; Making his toy airplane fly in the air; Shaking hands with new friends; Rubbing his belly and murmuring, "uh... huuh!" when he's had a very good meal; Knocking on doors; Wanting to wash his hands after anybody else goes to the bathroom; Throwing away lint from the floor; Dancing to even the hint of a beat; Getting on all fours and panting like a puppy dog; Laughing loudly just because others are; Tickling everybody and everything he can reach and giggling about it; Being comfortable enough to play in the dark; Flopping onto the grass to watch the clouds roll past and chirp with the birds; Making and throwing snowballs; Blowing on steaming food before taking a bite; Holding the rails while walking up the stairs; Saying "uh-oh!" when he drops something... There are so many changes that children go through, and I feel so blessed to be able to be here to clap for every one of them.