November 30, 2011

The Spark

(modeling her winter clothes)
I never thought about the little things. I assumed they came without ceremony, and that no one actually noticed or witnessed them. And maybe some of them do flutter away like that- but not this one.

The house was quiet- oddly quiet. Sky was at work, and Millie hadn't followed me from room to room like she usually does. My calls for her were left unanswered. I went to the doorway of her bedroom and tilted my head inside. She had pulled all of her blankets through the bars of the crib into a pile on the floor, and was laying across them, tucking her favorite one under her arm. She smiled when she noticed I was standing there.

I sat down and leaned against her dresser, and she hopped towards me. She put a yellow knitted afghan over my legs, and said, "Shh." in a comforting, soft tone. And I closed my eyes obediently and thought to myself, there it is. There is the spark. In that swift but piercing moment, Millie found her imagination. 

When I would rub a hand over my belly and imagine her, I imagined big things- her first words, her first steps. I even thought about her first time in the snow. I never considered the little parts of it all, like teaching her to use a spoon, or the first time she would know what was coming in a story before I read it. Or her imagination blooming in front of me. 

And I think some of the greatest gifts have been those I didn't know I was getting.

13 kind comments from you:

Nicole Dianne said...

so beautiful. what an amazing moment to witness <3

Melissa said...

what a beautiful moment :)

Ashley S. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ashley S. said...

It's amazing when they finally find their imagination. I found myself reminiscing about my own childhood as I read this just like I do when my daughter begs me to be the evil stepmother to her Cinderella and to have tea parties with her. The fun has just begun, my friend :)

Mrs. Nix said...

Chills. :)

Katie said...

This is beautiful :) Your little girl is adorable.

Southhamsdarling said...

Beautiful post, and what a truly lovely moment for you to witness!

Kaylee said...

So, so true. What a precious moment.

Unknown said...

Thank is so wonderful Erika!

beka said...

ahhh my.
*melting*

Contemplating Beauty said...

the sweetest and best gifts are usually the unexpected, especially the ones from our children.
sweet contemplating beauty moment...!

charla beth said...

gosh, that made my heart melt. what a darling daughter you have there, miss erika. :)

Allie said...

I absolutely love this entry. Love.

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