Dear Adelai | 9 Months |: Happiness

Dear Adelai,

"Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. 

If you did, what would there be to look forward to? 

Be thankful when you don't know something, 

for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow. 

Be thankful for each new challenge,

because it will build your strength and character. 

Be thankful for your mistakes, they will teach you valuable lessons. 

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,

because it means you've made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things. 

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. 

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. 

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings."

-Anonymous

Oh sweet girl, I heard this quote today at the end of my yoga practice and immediately thought of you. You were climbing all over me during my practice today, just like every other day, but I appreciate your willingness to give me some yoga time, even if you don't play on your own for its entirety. You make me smile and laugh so often with your desire to tease, giggle, and participate in life.  I have to just go with the flow and realize that yoga with baby climbing all over you is better than no yoga at all.  I thought of you when I head this poem because this is what I want for you. I want you to have a life full of gratitude and joy. You seem to be on the right track already.

Four weeks ago you came down with a cold. What struck me was how happy you were, despite your discomfort. Sure, you had a difficult time sleeping and we had many exhausting nights, but you were always happy when I was tending to you. I can still see in my mind your snot-covered face smiling at me with your two bottom teeth glistening. I know what it is like to have a cold, and I rarely feel like smiling when my nose is running and there is pressure in my sinuses. But you were happy for an entire week of mucous and congestion. Thank you. 

Thank you for teaching me to be happy. I'm not as good at it as you, but I know that's one reason you were sent to me. To teach me about the joys in life.

This past month you have become more "clingy" to me. You still love to play with your dad and you have no problem being held by others, but when you are tired or hungry, you only want me. It is an amazing thing for me because despite my constant mistakes, yet you still want me. You follow me around the house like a puppy dog. One morning we were kneeling down for family prayer and you were a few feet away playing with a shoe. Both dad and I knelt there and said gesturing, "come here," and we repeated the phrase until  you crawled over to one of us. You chose to come to me. I love the way you cling onto me when I hold you. Your hugs are like that of a koala's. It can be exhausting that  you always want me, but I soak up each time you hold onto me and I feel your soft cheek brush against mine.

Thank you for accepting me as your mother. Thank you for loving your dad and for crawling towards him when you hear him come home each night. You may want me for comfort, but you sure do love your daddy!

Thank you for gracing us with your presence for three-quarters of a year. I'm excited to share this Christmas season with you.

With love forever,
Mom