Come With Me, My Love...

It's Cinco De Mayo today. These pictures have nothing to do with that at all and neither does the song stuck in my head. That's okay though. Today I made vegetarian burritos. I cut up my first avocado and made black beans from scratch. Which, I discovered, means an 8 hour soak, 2 hours of cooking, and then additional time sauteing with jalapenos, onions and garlic. I decided to skip the gym tonight, which I dearly needed and take a walk with my family instead. That was the right decision. It rejuvenated my soul to be in the sun, with my family, and no pressure of chores or work. I visited my dad and sisters. I talked to Kyle from his mission in Guatemala. Taryn hung up on him. She thought someone was prank calling. I'm still laughing about that! My dad is doing okay, but still weak and hurting. Lucy played hard with her cousins, and took a late, late afternoon nap. I grocery shopped and retouched; returned emails and organized. Just a fairly normal day. I'm loving Lucy so much lately. We have conversations. She is picky about her shoes, she wants bread not applesauce. She likes to give me kisses on my neck. We play peek a boo and ready-set-go in the stores so she wont try to stand up. We chase Oliver like we are lions, and she sits in my laps spontaneously for book readings and snuggles. She has become neurotic over her baths. Once a favorite pastime, she has pooped one too many times and now only stands up in the tub. Her personality is so distinct. A couple of weeks ago, I found I was getting so frustrated with her. I think I found the solution. More playtime! Really, that has solved so many of our struggles. I don't want to be constantly frustrated with her and then one day realize she is a big girl and doesn't need me quite so much. It's weird, but I sometimes think of myself in the future, and how much I will yearn for these small, silly days. I really think I'm living some of the best bits of my life right now.