“Children are intuitive scientists and armchair philosophers, brimming with such startling observations that it’s hard to believe they’ve come from people barely out of diapers.” The Importance of Being Little: What Preschoolers Really Need From Grownups, By Erika Christakis

The picture taking highlight of the week: Trying to take pictures using manual focus of Caroline playing in the rain, with Margaret strapped to me, while holding an umbrella.  To be honest, that’s frequently what mothering two children feels like.  It’s a day long juggling act. I won’t pretend that there aren’t times I drop the balls and all three of us end up crying at the same time. Generally, though, it’s magical.

We spent a couple of days playing out in the rain this week.  We didn’t have any plans and we’ve been trying to avoid “germ farms” (as one friend titled indoor play areas) during flu season.  This week gave us the perfect combination of warm + rainy weather; the kind of weather that is ideal for outdoor play if dressed appropriately.  Caroline was enchanted. The whole world was new to her.  She sought out and delighted in stomping through every tiny mud puddle.  She deemed the ditch on the side of our road “the stream” and told everyone about the earth worms and slug we discovered there.

Her unbridled joy and curiosity is one of the precious joys of parenthood.  Toddlers are so observant.  Even tiny Margaret was enamored by the sound of the rain falling on our shared umbrella.  My children force me to slow down and notice, to stop and savor the smallest wonders and pleasures of life.