~Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life~

(Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real was originally hosted by the wonderful women over at Like Mother, Like Daughter. They’ve stopped publishing these posts, but the idea fits so well with choosing this moment, and it provides such a good reminder to me to stop and appreciate the small pleasures in everyday life, that I want to reestablish the practice of documenting these things each week.)

{Pretty}

I love spring. Everything is pretty. The daffodils are in bloom, there are fresh fingers of green on the cedars, the fruit trees are blossoming. At the park the other day, Katie and I spotted a train of goslings, shuffling along behind their mothers. Soon we’ll be planting a garden and enjoying the fresh veggies and light meals of summer, but for now, I’m reveling in the warm days and cool nights, the promise of new life all around.

Just last week, after several days of rain, we woke to a morning that seemed coastal, a fog rather atypical for our home in the foothills. The mist settled over the hill, draping the llamas in mystery. It later cleared out to reveal a gorgeous spring day, with just the right amount of sunshine.

{Happy}

Katie loves having a little sister. She’s always wanting to hold Abby, to give her something to eat, to offer her a toy or a book or a blanket. For her part, Abby adores her big sister. Nobody can make her laugh like Katie does. Nothing could make me happier than seeing the friendship and love between these two girls grow.

{Funny}

Somebody, who will remain unnamed, gave this little girl a strawberry in an attempt to keep her happy during a dinner gathering. That same somebody may or may not have forgotten to put a bib on her.

Fortunately, modern stain removers can do wonders!

{Real}

Most people will look at this picture and think, “Ah. What sweetness.” As do I. I love the feel of my baby girl nestled against my chest. I love her smiles and her laughter and the way her eyes light up when she hears my voice. I love that she needs me.

But at the same time – and this is the “real” part of this post – there are times when I wish she didn’t need me quite so much, when I feel almost overwhelmed by her. This photo was taken at BSF, after she’d become hysterical at being left in the nursery. I took it during the lecture, in the foyer, where I’d walked and bounced and kissed and soothed until she finally fell asleep. She’s in the throes of separation anxiety, this precious girl is, and I’m the one she wants. All the time. Which is sweet and normal and healthy and short-lived (though it feels so long) but also exhausting.

Motherhood is a mix of paradoxes, a jumble of extremes. I know this time is short, that these years with little ones will fly by and I’ll wonder where the time went, that I’ll miss the ways they love and need me. I know I should cherish the moments, treasure the time I get with them now, and I do. I do. But still, there are times when the constant contact of mothering small people is taxing for this introverted soul of mine.

Those are the {pretty, happy, funny, real} moments around here this week. How about you? Share in the comments!