Our little love is turning into a full on little girl. Full of energy, opinions, things to say and things she wants to do. What's become increasingly evident is just how much this person who's only been around for 19 months seems to grasp. And so (and not that I didn't before), I am making a very conscious effort to take my job as her mommy very seriously. I work daily to be thoughtful about how we interact with each other, our peers/friends/teachers, and the world.
When I think about who she is right now, I feel like it's all the same things I've said for months (which I guess means they're true!): loves swimming, music, the park, her babies and animals, blueberries and cottage cheese. But if I had to choose one thing that defines her right now it would be her kind-heartedness. She thinks of others, shares (as well as a toddler can), hugs, and looks so sad when one of her friends is upset. And it makes me so, so proud.
There's been so much ugliness this summer - so many sad things happening in our world and the only way I feel like I can combat it is to make sure that I'm raising someone who is kind. Empathetic. Loving. Emotionally healthy and responsible. Thoughtful in every sense of the word. And it's a daunting task, but I'm trying. Which is the best I can do, and the best way to be a good example - not to be perfect but to always try. (We talk about this a lot.)
There have been a few examples recently that lead me to believe things I'm doing and saying are sinking in - I've blogged about them - and that is the best, best feeling. I know she'll have stumbles along the way, but I'll be there with (hopefully) something appropriate to say to right the ship again. I know I'll have stumbles too, and will apologize when I make a mistake, attempting to reiterate that no one is perfect, not even her mommy.
There have been a few examples recently that lead me to believe things I'm doing and saying are sinking in - I've blogged about them - and that is the best, best feeling. I know she'll have stumbles along the way, but I'll be there with (hopefully) something appropriate to say to right the ship again. I know I'll have stumbles too, and will apologize when I make a mistake, attempting to reiterate that no one is perfect, not even her mommy.
It's so true what you read and hear - if you let them, kids will teach you so much, if not more, than you teach them. She has given me a reason to hit restart, to be so much more thoughtful about how I live my life, how I treat people and myself. And if this tiny girl full of wonder and awe isn't a good reason for me to continue to work to become a better me, then I don't know what is.
We adore the person you are, Eleanor Claire, and celebrate everything that makes you, you. Thank you for giving me what have so far been the best 19 months of my life. 
