For Tricia

I have been following for the last few months an amazing journey of an amazing family. I have them linked on the side (Nate, Tricia and Gwyneth). Through their blog I was linked to another blog where this mother encouraged all other blogging mommies to make a list of the things we can't wait for Tricia to experience with her little one. Check out the post here.

Somedays I feel like I can't remember what it was like when they were little bitty but then there are times like yesterday as I was cleaning out the linen closet, I came across ALL of Zack's blankies. Just putting them up to my face and breathing in the smell of them and feeling the texture of them brought memories flooding back to me, here are some of mine...

• Going to the grocery store and having little old ladies ooh and aah over your sweet baby.
• Walking into their room before you go to sleep just to watch them sleep (I still do this)
• In the morning when you go to get them and they have the happiest look on their face because there is no one in the world they would rather start their day with than you.
• BATHTIME!!!!!
• The smell of them after bathtime!
• The first Christmas they actually "get" the whole Santa Claus deal.
• The first time they bring you flowers, even if they are weeds.
• Whenever they get hurt they only want you.
• The first time they get on a school bus (heartbreaking)
• Feeling the need to hose them down after they have been playing outside.
• Hearing your child read on their own for the first time.
• Hearing your child sing "Jesus Loves Me" all by themselves
• Good night prayers
• All of the deep conversations you will have about life. i.e. Who made the streets? What does our dog do in Heaven all day?
• Laughter, more importantly belly laughter

Tricia, I have to stop my list. My heart is so heavy right now... I know that you too will one day have your own list. Gwyneth is going to do some things that are going to seem so simple to anyone else, but to you, her mother, they are seem heart wrenchingly wonderful. I feel so blessed to be able to "be in on" your story. Your complete surrender to the will of God is amazing, and I think of you and your wonderful family everyday. Know that you are being prayed for by me and my two little boys every night. Thank you for sharing with us...