Happy Birthday to Marge...

Yesterday I celebrated my 35th birthday. Thirty Five. Kinda old.

Lucy's gift was one of sleep. She zzzz-ed out from 11 p.m. - 6 a.m. two nights in a row?! Will contributed an extra hour by entertaining her from 10-11. That's two eight-hour nights for me. A-freaking-mazing. And especially valuable as I fight this darn cold.

Maizey's gift was a wonderful rendition of The Waiting Song, and a beautifully sung Happy Birthday.

(We lit and blew out this candle 3 times.)

When Will arrived home, he and Maizey presented me with a be-candled german chocolate cake, and along with a skyped-in B&B, another rousing round of "Happy Birthday!"

I am one lucky lady.

Little Lady Love

In a month, Maizey has become such a little person. Will and I are astounded at the changes we've seen since early April. She has a sense of humor - is giggly and silly. She chatters non-stop. Favorite phrases? "What's up, Mom," "See you later," and "I came back." Not to mention calling anybody with freckles "Polka-dot face."

She loves to sing.

Especially in bed.

Her symmetrical thigh-rolls are nearly extinct, replaced by long, lean legs. She entertains herself for thirty minute intervals outside, shoveling rocks and dumping them into different buckets. She amazes me.

But, more than that, the love I feel for her amazes me. I loved her so much when she was born. And I love her more and more every day. Last weekend was Mother's Day and instead of wanting respite from my bustling toddler, I wanted to spend time with her - a definite departure from last year. It's not that I didn't love her just as much before - we just weren't "friends." Weird, I know, but I honestly feel like this little towhead is my pal. I enjoy her company. Wow.

What else amazes me? The speed in which the last two years have passed. Every parent I know (including check-out-line acquaintances) told me this but I had to learn it myself. I remind myself regularly that there is no rewind. That I need to enjoy this time. Sassy or sweet. But, not to dwell too much. Not too spend too much time "capturing" the moment or reflecting, and by extension missing the real moments that matter.

Another thing Mamas of two (or more) have said? You don't think you can love another child as much as you love the first, but you can. Just as much. And like the first, your love will grow every single day. This comforts me as I fret about how much I have to give...

And, as I wrap up, I'll repeat an adage a dear friend shared when I was struggling with infant Maizey: The days are long but the years are short. Oh so true.