tess at 6 months

just as i was going to post these photos last night, i was handed wee tess who was tired but not quite ready to lie down in bed with her papa. So we sat on my exercise ball, listened to snatam kaur's grace, & bounced gently. And, in time, those little eyelids get heavy, looking up at me & then falling away, then looking up again, then falling, until the awakeness takes too much energy & she falls, into sleep, wrapped in my arms, gentle & full of ease. Is there anything quite as precious as that? The gifts she brings me are often unexpected & so abundant as to be staggering. How can i ever pay back all that i get from my children... all the opportunity to open to love, to kindness, to letting go of agendas, plans, ideas, & find instead, the wonder of each moment? I think the best i can do is try & love them, as fully as i'm able, moment to moment, for exactly who they are. I am learning. And grateful to the 3 of them for their patience. And willing hearts...