Still a Rookie

I realize that in many ways, I'm still trying to figure out this mothering thing -- how do I show love and discipline, how do I balance between fun time and learning time, how do I let go every once in a while and realize that she's okay if she's in the care of someone else, how do I ... I could go on and on. I think I'm doing an okay job and I know I'm putting my heart into the job. Most of all, I believe that God will lead me and guide me. That's really all I need to know.

I was reminding today though that I'm not a pro at this, yet. I was giving Adelyn a bath a bit ago and she stood up and leaned over the tub wall to hug me. I hugged her back and she said, "I love you, momma." I said, "I love you, too, Bean*." I'm always so touched when she initiates the I love yous. Then said for the first time, "I'll love you always." Again, I was so touched and appreciated her saying it. Then she said, "I need bubbles." So, I wonder, were the I love yous just to make sure I'd blow bubbles or were they genuine? A more experienced mom would likely have seen the request coming a mile away, but I was blindsided. For those wondering, of course I got the bubbles out...

*Adelyn has many nicknames - Sugar Bean, sugarbina, and Sweet Bean are my most frequently used nicknames for her. Sometimes I just call her Bean or Bina. She's started calling me Bina too, but she pronounces it beenan. Funny girl.

The picture is from our visit to the library last week. We have an awesome library and they have fun programs for kids of all ages. After the program, Adelyn decided to visit with the animals in the barn. This was right before she decided to try "to ride this piggy, mommy." I took a picture of her sitting on the pig, but decided not to post it incase it would cause the librarians to ban us from Toddler Doodlers. :)

This girl is growing so fast and getting so smart and funny. She's got a ton of spunk and personality. She melts my heart with each bright smile, and I'm blessed to be her beenan.