Life Abundant

We are well. This past week was somewhat of a test in patience mostly because my mind becomes so efficiency oriented in the realm of productivity that it easily slips into overdrive, leaving me to feel unaccomplished and unfit in the realm of motherhood and housekeeping. When I do take the time to step back and re-evaluate the importance of my goals, the most important are met, leaving me without valid complaint. Lillian is in bliss when we take the time to snuggle and read, Paul appreciates a grilled cheese as much as Moroccan lamb stew (if not more), and I prefer to wear my hair in a simple, out of the way ponytail rather than chic and strait. I am quite sure my closets will eventually be put in order, the yard will look like the 'after' photo of The Secret Garden, my meals will be presented with five-course flare, and I will stop dropping plates, tools, and boxes of partially open cereal. Someday...

The latest news is as such:

Lillian's yellow balloon molly had her babies and although I've only seen one once, I'm holding out hope a few of the fry survive. Her white/silver balloon molly is looking to drop any day so maybe we will have a few from her as well. We spotted our female ghost shrimp (teeny shweeemp) carrying eggs a few days ago and recently noticed they had hatched and she has tiny, white-ish moving particles on her legs. Maybe some of these little guys will survive as well.

My parents blessed me beyond words last Friday and kept Lillian for the day. While I toyed with the tempting prospect of an uninterrupted nap, I finally decided it would be more refreshing and rewarding to clean without the interruption of last minute potty dashes and static toddler cling.

Lillian has recently developed her love for owls and asks daily to see snowy owls, dancing baby owls, and if the above cannot be provided, her bird book, in which she seeks out the burrowing owl and great horned owl all on her own. She also loves to take walks or explore our less-than-beautiful backyard with rapt interest in bugs, trees and birds. REI is in her future.

This is the morning routine. Lillian begins to stir and Mercy runs to her door and sits down, waiting patiently for me. I open the door to be greeted by sweet smiles while Mercy dashes through and jumps excitedly at the crib with tail wagging madly. It's wonderful to be loved, even if it's a 5 lb. something or other from the streets.