Things Passed Down...

Tonight, as I grasped the air for patience... H did not have nap.  I caught hold of some miracle "patience" dust... and soon he was off to dreamland.  But first there was a long pause in my nightly ritual (of bed time) as I let him lay on my lap as I tickled his face and back, and soon heavy breathing was all I could feel.  What a simple joy.

As he lay there all I could hear was R singing (some would say screaming) from their shared room.  She obviously didn't get the idea of sleep when I put her in bed.  I walked H in, tucked him in and swooped up my little R.  I took her out and let her loose.  She had her own agenda.  It could be titled: Turn mom's house upside down.  But she is cute, so I let her... with a heavy & tired sigh.  

I turned out the lights, the sun was setting and there was this warm glow.  I put soft music on; hoping that the music and low light would settle her big spirit.  Nope.  So I just enjoyed her.  I forgot all "my" wants at that moment and sat on the floor and just played.  Not many moments do I have with R to just be with her.  And I need to take more time.  As I watched her play and poke around, I sat there thinking how amazing it is to love something so intensely as I love her and H.  It is a love that comes from out of no where.  When I was pregnant I was ready for H, but never had the image or foresight of this love.  A love of a mother.  I am grateful I have the chance to feel this depth of love daily.  

While laughing at her spicy old soul (Reagan that is) I started to pick up on things she was doing.  How she moved and the looks she offered me.  From her gut laugh face to her burrowed brow fake cry... I started to see others in her.  And this evening I made a mental note to not forget what I saw... so here is my list of things that are passed down... things not meant, but passed:

• Reagan's looks: Her Grandma Clegg, almost scary how much she looks like her.  Although I claim her mouth as mine.
  
• Her swaying hips (crawling) which will become a sway in her hips in her walk: me- Grandpa Clegg - G. Grandma Clegg.
  
• Her passion for her little world: Spencer - R's Grandma Brinton 
  
• Happy soul: Spencer - Grandma Brinton (one of the most positive people I have ever met)
  
• Awareness of other's needs: I think she has has a wide range of those who have been before with the gift of being "aware".  But her Grandma Clegg comes to mind first.
  
• Her love for a good wrestle/ dare devil in her blood: Grandpa Clegg
  
• Love of books & a curiosity of all things and how they work... while leaving a small mess behind: Grandpa Brinton 
  
• Love of food: Brinton family
• Dance Skills: Hudson?  That might be her own.  She has game my friends.  :)
  
• Spicy yet full of tenderness: me
  
• Dainty but great strength: I would say all women in her/this family
  

Her spirit is almost alive itself.  

Such life she brings into our home.  

Such blessings that have followed with her trail of messes.

I am sure there will be many more discoveries while watching her grow.

How happy I am to have that chance.  

To have these moments to just watch her.