Sometimes I think back to this girl…the one who, in this picture, is so close in age to my daughter today.
The girl you see here isn’t really so different from the one who dances around my feet each day.
She loved dolls.
She was a bit on the crazy…ahem, adventurous…side. (Gee, I wonder where Mae gets it?) 😉
She looked forward to playing with her friends, going swimming, just enjoying life. Mae does that last one really, really well.
Sometimes it seems like two seconds since I was three (maybe four…not quite sure when this pic was taken) and I wonder where time went. How I went from that to this in a lifetime that passed in about three blinks.
I was thinking this morning as I was in the shower (yes, I do my best thinking in the shower ;)) that there’s so much I want to tell her. So much I want her to know to prevent heartbreak and disappointment. And I wonder often what I need to tell my daughter so that her life will be the happy of sunshine and daisies all the time.
False reality, I know…or, maybe, that’s just a momma’s heart.Â
Sweet Mae, the days are going to fly. So quickly.
There are going to be the ones when nothing will get you down, nothing will make you cry, and everything will make you smile and probably turn somersaults because that’s just wonderful you.
There will also be those days when you run to me, arms outstretched, ready for that hug that will hold you tight and shelter you from whatever is breaking your heart. I’ll be there.
And I know there will be those days, too, when you don’t want that hug but want to navigate the world on your own instead, exploring those hidden nooks and corners, searching for whatever it is He has for you. And that’s ok. It’s good. It’s right.
I just pray that you’ll walk with your hand in His no matter where He takes you.
I love you so, so much, my sweet girl. And I wish I’d saved that dress for you, too.
(But that’s another story…maybe for next week.) 
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Happy Tuesday, friends! Today is the day when I join some sweet friends at Crystal’s space for Behind the Scenes. We’re sharing the silly and sweet and sometimes-tear-jerking moments that happen behind the camera lens…I hope you’ll take some time and pop over to read some great stories.
Social media and online relationships can make us feel like everyone else has it all together. We’re edited, proof-read, Pinterest-perfect versions of ourselves (or so some might think!) when – in reality? There is an unfinished pile of laundry around the corner. That cute toddler smiling for the camera just had a massive meltdown seconds ago. That yummy breakfast-for-dinner you just showed us on Instagram? It’s because the cat licked the chicken that was supposed to be for dinner.
“Behind the Scenes” is a fun link up where we show those photos – but tell the real story behind them. The sneak peek behind the scenes, a look past the edges of the photo to the real life behind it.
Well said! Mae will never doubt it. And shower thinking tends to be the best anyway. Love you.
Love that I get to be your neighbor here today Mel! And what, you too? I know that feeling of processing best in the shower! I hear your Mama’s heart so strongly in this – and mine echoes too – wanting to protect, wanting to let them navigate, wondering how to make it less painful. Sigh. All we can do is hold tight and put them in His hands, right? But what confidence we have in that! Loving your photos today friend!
Yes, exactly…hold them tight and put them in His hands. Thank you so much, friend…I always smile when I see you here! Have a beautiful week.
Aw. That is beautiful
Thank you, friend!
so adorable!! You guys have matching smiles!! and such truth in your words about wanting it to always be days of smiles!! But so thankful for the One who helps us navigate all our days!!
You are so sweet, friend…it’s always been the question in our house, who she looks like. (Most of the time her daddy wins, but once in awhile I see glimpses of me, too!)
Have a great week…was so awesome to “see” you earlier today!
Your Mae is simply adorable! Love this post!
Thank you, sweet friend! (((hugs)))
So sweet! And you two do look alike from those photos! Isn’t it amazing the thoughts that come to us while showering?
The problem with me is that I forget them to soon! Thanks for sharing!
I am such a write-a-blog-post-in-my-head, while-I’m-in-the-shower kind of girl. I come up with some awesome ones, and then I forget most of them when I sit down to write. Too funny.
Have a great week, friend!
I loved your post….Isn’t it interesting to see glimmers of you when you look at your daughter and hear her say your words and your dreams back…and you know that you would be best of friends…if you were both the same age…sweet post
You and your words make my heart smile. You are beautiful. And the outside is able to show it so well from the light that is inside of you. What a lucky baby girl Mae is to have such an amazing mama. Even when you feel like it doesn’t make a difference. Trust me , it does. I look at my girl and think how did that amazing creature turn out like that?!? Mama prayers. They are special
love you!!!!