I Miss Her

I think one of the most rewarding parts of parenthood is watching your children grow, learn, and mature.  Especially if this happens more or less as you would like it to.  The overwhelming pride you feel at times, and let's face it, we totally feel justified in this.  I mean, isn't your child just the best?  You know you think so.  I do.  Even though I am honest about her imperfections (right, like she has any! -J) and the natural kid things that happen (I did them too, although I'm sure my parents will agree that I was adorable while doing them... or not), at the end of the day I think she's perfect!  Or perhaps Mary Poppins said it a little more accurately: practically perfect.

So what is there to possibly complain about, really?  Well, this super rewarding part of parenthood?  It also happens to be one of the worst parts of parenthood.  At least for me. It's a weird paradox, but a true one.  Every moment she grows takes her further and further away from that precious baby and little girl she once was.  I still think she's precious, of course, but in a different way.  I hope you know what I mean.  I'm guessing you do.  There are times I wish I could go back and relive everything with her again up to this point.  And not because I want to do things differently, and not because I don't like how things are now, but just because.  I want to keep that little child version of her in my pocket at all times, and not lose it.

What brought all this on you ask?  Well, aren't you nosey!  J.  I was searching for a particular picture amongst our photo files when I stumbled upon a little video of Emma from a trip to southern California that took place exactly 4 years ago this week.  I watched it half a dozen times, either smiling or almost crying every time.  That makes me sound extremely emotionally unbalanced doesn't it?!  I thought I'd share it with you along with a couple pictures from the same trip.  For those who knew her then, please come reminisce with me.  If you didn't know her then, then here's your chance to meet my little girl from back in the day.  I can't believe how much she's grown and changed since then...

I love her squinty face in this picture due to the bright sun!

  By the way, in case you can't tell from Emma or my terrible introduction, she is singing I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home.