New Experiences

I've been a mom since March 2016, but I have never experienced fully the joy of a one year old. When my big girls were one, I was working. So I only was able to be with them part-time. I missed out on a lot of personality that I never realized until now.

The baby is 13 months old. Her personality is big, bright, and full of fun. She is wild, brave, and a genuine explorer. There are a lot of things about her that remind me of her big sisters, but she is also fully her own person.

Experiencing this age has been fun so far. I see a little girl who is developing interests and fascinations. I see a little girl who is testing limits and wanting to be more independent.

I didn't have this with the big girls--not like this. The experience with them was evenings and weekends. It was definitely different and definitely harder if I am being honest. The full-time mom life is granting me a front row seat at something new. And so far, it's pretty incredible.

For example, tonight, I saw my baby wander onto the dance floor at her big sister's dance class and actually attempt to follow along. She was listening to the teacher, and copying the motions the teacher was doing--well, the best that she was able to at 13 months old.

She was fascinated by the big girls dancing and clearly wanted to try her hand at it, too. She wandered through the girls, and some how also stayed out of their way.

I'm so grateful for the teacher my daughter's have--she doesn't worry about a baby on the dance floor. She lives by the philosophy that we are doing life with our kids, so they will be where we are. She is showing these girls that it's okay to have a baby wander the floor at certain times, and that they can all still focus and work diligently while being aware of the tiny human coming to say "hi" and watch them move in their elegant ways.

My girl was so happy to have had the chance to wander, to try her hand at some moves, and to be part of the class with her biggest sister. So when it was time for her to let the big girls dance, it wasn't a big deal that she was kept off the floor. She got to watch and admire them, still, and she was happy with that.

I wouldn't have gotten to see this, or feel comfortable enough to let my girl wander like that, if I didn't have this front row seat at age one. I'm so glad that I do. Because so far, it's been pretty remarkable!