New

I love how the things that are familiar to me are constantly new discoveries for my little one. She looks at them with her baby blues and with such focus. I want to be inside her precious brain: seeing the wheels turning, processing, learning, loving, maybe even hating. What does she think? What does she absorb as she takes everything in?

Everything is new and fresh to her, not cast aside as the everyday. the ordinary. the mundane.

Take for instance, a plastic, sour cream container. When was the last time you looked at it with new eyes? Discovered that it rolls, the colors that it has, the sounds it makes when you hit it. Or...how victorious you feel when you can lift it with both of your hands?

When was the last time you were able to reach your toes? Your feet even? When was the last time you tried to put them in your mouth just because you could and because you didn't know the difference or care who was watching? --- She thinks they're just as yummy and entertaining as ever.

Or....noticed a new friend for the first time that doesn't look at all like the other faces you've seen. However, he kind of acts like you (by putting almost everything into his mouth too) so you think you'll get along just fine.

Do you remember the touch and feel of a book for the first time? Being able to look at the pictures and touch it, trying to do what you've seen your mommy do and turn the page. Then, get so excited when you actually do it!

A hat. The feel of pick-a-boo. Realizing that you can take it off someone's head. Then..when it is on your head...what it smells like, what it feels like, wondering what is this thing for? I just know it makes me smile.

Tasting something but not knowing what it is or what you're even supposed to do with it. But, smiling after the fact because of the silly faces those big people make at you. Then, reaching for the spoon because you think that you've got it all handled and can take it over from there.

New. Each day is filled with it.