just like that

It seems impossible that she is this big.  Sitting across from me at our table in a cozy Starbucks, eating a pumpkin scone, saying "cheese" with all the enthusiasm she can muster for her mama.  Wasn't I just rubbing my belly with the anxious dreams of my daughter, who was busy growing and kicking away inside me?  Wasn't it just a few months ago that we were bringing her home from the hospital?  And now, just like that, she's becoming a little girl.  Her thoughts are her own, her questions come from the things she is curious about, and her words are unfiltered and sometimes just so stinking funny.  I look at her and just marvel that she is my daughter.

Some days are hard.  There are timeouts and temper tantrums and moments when I pray she sleeps three hours instead of two at nap time.  But other days the sweetness abounds.  There are "I love you's" and kisses and snuggles with her "brudder" and coloring cards for daddy.  I had no idea what I was actually signing up for when I became a mother, her mother.  But it is honestly the best, best, best.  God teaches me daily how much I need him through my babies, and gives me glimpses of his marvelous love.  What a sweet gift. 

Jesus, with all my heart, I want my motherhood to give you glory.  May these children of mine always remind me of the costly, but beautiful, love our Father has for us.