Little Moments

"They" say to cherish every moment.

"They" probably have no idea what it's like to raise a child that was longed for, prayed for, and struggled for.  "They" probably planned to raise multiple children.  "They" weren't constantly reminded that this was it.  That this would be the only chance to feel belly kicks, gaze into trusting infant eyes, watch a bald spot fill in, wrangle a first set of pigtails, nuzzle a clean little noggin, or dry a fresh set of tears.

Every day she needs me a little bit differently.  What was once a need for life and sustenance is now a need for security, validation, and love.  She rolled away, then crawled away, then walked, and now she runs.  She's always looking back over her shoulder.  Double checking.  Is mama still there?  She will run back for a hug.  A tight squeeze and a sloppy kiss with a big "Mwah!" at the end.

Cherishing every moment is easy.  The hard part is letting go of that hug and remembering that your arms are still open for whatever comes next.