Gifts

As Josh can attest, Avery is an expert at trying my patience and knows exactly which of my buttons to press. I am always on the search for literature and ideas on how to cope with frustration, how to effectively discipline, how to make bathtime fun instead of a chore, and the like.

I recently read an article on babycenter.com about appreciating the small gifts that your child gives you. It talked about how each gift is a sign that your child loves you and was thinking of you, and not to brush it off, even if it's a tiny pebble that they picked up in the parking lot.

Since then, I have taken this advice to heart and really made an effort to find love in all the gifts Avery has given me, in all the forms in which they come.  Lately when I have picked her up from school, she has had "presents" for me inside her cubby, which range from items such as drawings or handmade valentines to leaves, rocks, pieces of cardboard, or dandelion flowers from the playground.  Instead of being disgusted by dirty pieces of cardboard, I have retrained my brain to enjoy and appreciate the gesture, and to take in the moment of her smiling face beaming up at me as I admire my "gift."

Self-Portrait that Avery left for me on my phone

Portrait of Mommy, by Avery

With all the terrible things happening in the world lately, I have seen a lot of Facebook posts with sentiments such as "Hug your kids a little tighter tonight."  I think about what Martin Richard's parents did with this picture that he made at school, and if they saved it, and how much it means to them now.

Martin Richard, Boston Marathon Bombing Victim

If nothing else, these tragic events at the very least force me to push aside my fatigue from a long day at work, and read one extra book with Avery, or initiate one extra round of tickle games before bed. I battle with a constant internal monologue that tells me that I don't spend enough time with my kids. That I work too much. That I need to try harder in the kitchen to make healthier meals. That I need to stop checking my email and go play Barbies. That I should spend less time cleaning and more time just enjoying these little faces that are maturing way too quickly.

Photo and princess crown provided by Avery. Kisses provided by Camden.

...More time enjoying the gifts.