Growth Spurts

I don't know about you, but kids seem to grow in spurts.  What I mean by that is not just in stature, but in accomplishments/events.  Talking and walking almost start within days of each other.  At least it did for our two.  In recent days for Eliana, it was reading, tying shoes, writing phonetically, attending school, and losing teeth.  That was a longer "growth spurt", but one that makes us realize that while Eliana will always be our little girl, she's not so "little" anymore.

What a miracle she is!  What a gift!  As her birthday approaches, I find myself pondering, regretting, hoping, and praying.  I don't look for the positives enough.  I don't thank the Gift-Giver enough.  I don't take time to show my love enough.  I don't take time to talk with (not at) her enough.  Sounds to me like I am in need of my own growth spurt - growing in grace and knowledge of my Lord, while in the process becoming the mother I should and desire to be.

 First two "lost" teeth (They actually were pulled since 

we found adult teeth growing in behind the baby teeth.)

 Just learning to tie her shoes.  This was last summer.

 "Beware of Dog"

Eliana is really becoming an excellent reader. 

Eliana's first day of school.

Our "not-so-little" girl.

In thinking about and writing this blog today,  I ran across this picture.  

It's perfect!