Identity

Last week our church had 4 night of VBS!  It was a lot of fun and very exhausting.  Natalia came with me 2 nights and assisted in the babysitting class.  Some of the girls in that class happened to be in my photography class, so they were able to meet Natalia.  They came to the class and told me how cute she was.

As the parents were picking up their kiddos, one of the girls walked by and I heard her say to her mom, "That's Natalia's mom!!!!"

I knew the day would come when I would go from Beth, to Mrs. Harkness, to Mrs. Beth, to Natalia's (Leona's) mom.  But, I thought it would be when she was in kindergarten.  I sat back after hearing that, and thought about it.

It is an absolute honor and privilege to be called Natalia's mom.  So, when I hear that again from the girls at church or our neighbor boy, I will smile and say, "Yes, I am Natalia's mom," and make sure that Natalia knows how happy I am to be her mom!

I Hope. . . .

When I go to bed and think about the day and all that was said, or what was done I hope for one thing more than anything. . . . that the girls know how much they are loved.  I can guarantee most parents hope for that one thing with their child(ren) as well.

Natalia says, "I love you," and "love you too," but does she really understand what love is at 2.5?  She knows that I get meals ready, help in the bathroom, read books, color, ensure her safety in parking lots, in the vans, near stairs, etc, but does that equal love to her?

I have a list of I hopes. . . . ..read or don't, it may cause tears for some (m&d)

*I hope Natalia and Leona know how much we love them, regardless of what they do in life.
*I hope I never forget this stage of life, even the sleepless nights
*I hope that I can always remember their birth story, because that is one story that there is only one of.
*I hope I can always remember how they smell (sounds gross, but when Natalia is away for a night, I sneak into her room and grab her blanket.  I sleep better that way.)
*I hope I never forgot how they sleep.  N is a back sleeper and L is a tummy sleeper.
*I hope I always remember their giggles
*I hope I always remember their sweet pre-toddler voice
*I hope I always remember their first time walking
*I hope I tell them enough during the day how much I love them and how happy they make me
*I hope whatever they do in life is honoring God
*I hope I never forget the way Natalia says certain words
*I hope I never forget how Leona moves her hand when she is playing with toys on the floor
*I hope I am alive when they get married so I know for certain that they married someone like their daddy and Papa.
*I hope they know how special their names are and why they were named after each person.  Natalie, Rachel, Grandpa Leonard, and Grandma Marie---It was an absolute honor to have our girls named after the four of you.
*I hope that there is at least one tradition that Dan and I start that they continue with their families someday

Some photos to look at while I wipe some tears away. . . . ..

The joys of motherhood are never fully experienced until the children as in bed.  Author  unknown.

 Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.  Natalia will be a great mommy someday.

 I hope I never forget this toothless grin she gives out frequently.  Her eyes tell a whole story.

 I hope I never forget the tiny features that make Leona who she is.  Her lips, the dimple in her arm, the blue vein across her nose. .

 Neither child will ever be lonely, for they have each other, always.

 Big and little sister splashing around during bath time.  Yes, Natalia has a cookie, don't judge.

My baby is 6+ months now. . . this photo was taken by yours truly.

I look into her eyes and a see such a bright future.  I love you Natalia for all that you are, and all that you will be.