Remember This

"The days are long but the months are short." I've never heard a truer statement. There are rough days when I'm so tired of the routine, so physically exhausted and I have to remind myself how fast time goes. How much Annabelle has already changed in 5 short months.. How much she changes from week to week. She's so aware of the world. All she wants to do is explore -- sit up, grab (and bite) everything. Every sound, she has to see where it's coming from... From Simba's tail against the floor to the vacuum to music to our voices. It is amazing how much her brain is working each and every minute. 

It's easy to go into survival mode. Ok how long until the next nap? How long until Daddy gets home? The weeks go by with a blur. And I get angry at myself for sometimes wishing moments away (Just fall asleep already!). Or "I can't wait until she can...". 

But there's always something to remind me to never take this time for granted. Sometimes tiny little moments -- watching Annabelle sleep, or smile at her Daddy...

Then there are moments that make me stop. Moments that make my heart swell, and the world stand still for just a few seconds. Moments where these words repeat over and over in my mind: "Remember this. Laci, remember this. Burn it into your memory... LOOK HOW LUCKY YOU ARE." 

Two nights ago, Danny was washing dishes, Pandora was playing island tunes, and Annabelle refused to be put down. Danny and I always used to dance in the kitchen while we made dinner, or randomly. He'd often spin me around and it would drive Simba insane. 

Then this song came on:

I say hey, I'll be gone today

But I'll be back all around the way

It seems like everywhere I go

The more I see, the less I know

But I know one thing

That I love you (baby girl)

I love you, I love you, I love you

Annabelle started laughing at Danny dancing around the kitchen, while I took her hand and danced around with her. The three of us danced together and sang the entire song with big smiles. (Poor Simba circled around us, not sure what to make of this.). If someone had been looking in the window they would probably think we were nuts. We were all-smiles and I couldn't help but feel complete. It may not sound like much, but it's hard to find the words to explain. It was like the love between Danny and I had reached a new level and come full-circle. Nothing else mattered. Not only are we madly in love with each other, we are madly in love with our girl.. Our life together. 

I wished for time to slow down. Dancing in the kitchen. I know Annabelle won't remember it, but I believe she knows she is loved and that's all I can ever wish for her.