to remember

I want to remember how Layla cannot keep her hands off of any baby that she comes in contact with lately.  Seems like we've seen a surge of babies around us, and she strokes their faces, noses, eyes and probably drives the mother's crazy (in fact, I'm sure she does).

I want to remember how Ellery and Layla were sitting behind us in church- invited to hold the new baby in that row-  and how somehow the topic of freckles came up and as my girls each pointed to every freckle or mole they have, Ellery whispered to the new mother, "And I have one here on my leg, and it has a hair coming out of it."

I love how this morning, perhaps in a moment of nostalgia- McKay had the idea for all the kids to pretend they were my dogs, just like when they were little.  I named them all and McKay worked hard to put a fort-cage together for them to live in.  Ellery did tricks, Layla licked me and McKay crawled around on his hands and knees.  It made me smile, but also sad, to think how pretty soon he will be way too old and cool to do something like that.

I want to remember how McKay is trying out for some club soccer teams this week, and today it's all he wanted to talk about.  I know this boy, and I know that a hundred questions can only mean one thing:  he's nervous.  I think he's gonna do great, but I must admit, I'm nervous too.  This is a big step for us and our schedule.

I want to always remember how affectionate my little Layla is.  Almost too much so, but feeling those sweet little lips on mine, or all over my face, really, is just about one of the best feelings out there.  She loves to show her love through kisses and I don't mind, although I do have to draw the line at princess kisses.  You should only do those with a prince.  Another thing I always want to remember about her is how she shows affection by rubbing her hand on your neck.  She gently moves her hand up and down my neck, often with a compliment on how soft my skin is.  If she does this to you, you know you are loved by that girl.

I want to always remember McKay practicing for the 3rd grade talent show with his friends.  I never thought McKay had much rhythm...but he surprised me and was the leader of the choreography!

I want to remember how Ellery looks as she walks into my room, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and hops in bed to snuggle right next to me.  She takes a long time to wake up in the morning, and is usually the last one up, so it's a treat when I get to snuggle her in bed like I did this morning.  She's been my best sleeper and snuggler all her life!