She's a big girl now

For some reason, today at the park, Vivienne looked so grown up to me.  I kept having these visions of a soon-to-be time where I won't be chasing her around the playground anymore making sure she doesn't fall backwards off of the big kid structure (because it's ALL about the big kid play structure these days).  I think the reason she looks this way to me, is that she actually is getting very grown up in her almost 22 months.  We are literally 8 weeks away from a birthday party.  Amazing.  I've been working on a birth story that feels so fresh in my mind, yet my baby is almost two.  I am starting to accept this new phase of independence and tantrums, mainly because they are overshadowed by so much love and cuddles and intent expressions and words.  Words! 

Life is so good right now, and it hasn't always been a cakewalk.  Mitch and I are always working to grow and love each other for who we are, and I'm super thankful for all of it.  The great and not so great times, the arguments (and therapy sessions, ha!).  You know that feeling you get when all of a sudden, out of nowhere, you feel so happy on the inside?  Everything could be falling apart around you and still, the feeling of contentment is so strong?  It feels like a Christmas morning that keeps on going.  I'm in one of those right now, and I'm totally aware of it.  

I think I'll savor it for awhile, because I know that all too quickly life will take a turn and this warm and fuzzy space will be invaded by "stuff".  (It's okay though, it just makes these moments in your life even clearer.)  I'll sign off before this post becomes way too cliche.  I can't help it -- life is good!