Losses & Gains

This summer we've lost a lot.

Lillian lost her diapers... during the day. (She's now wearing panties...keeping them dry... all day long!)

Quinn lost his floaties. (As of yesterday, he is swimming without them. Sliding without them. Jumping into the water without them. Yea!)

I lost my alarm clock. (I can't seem to open my eyes before 9 am.)

Aiden lost 2 teeth. (The bottom 2... though we had to hold him down to pull them when they became so loose he risked swallowing them in his sleep...)

Camryn lost 1 tooth. (Upper incisor... Tooth Fairy was too generous, giving her $6!)

I'm losing my grandmother a little more every day (though she was truly lost to Alzheimer's over 10 years ago, her health is failing and she is slipping away...)

With all the losses, I've gained so much in the past few months.

I've gained a new appreciation for my husband (I remember every day why I married him almost 12 years ago! He keeps me laughing. He keeps me amazed. He just plain keeps me.)

I've gained a new love for my kids (as frustrating as they can be sometimes, they're each so unique and bring me SO MUCH JOY. My love for them deepens every day!)

I've gained weight (which I desperately need to lose. DESPERATELY.)

I've gained a righteous suntan (yes, I use sunscreen!)

I've gained contentment. (I have learned to be truly happy with what I have, because I have A LOT, and not necessarily monetarily...)

It's been a summer of losses and gains. I can't wait to see what the future holds.