If You're Happy and You Know It

BG must be a really happy baby, because now that she discovered clapping wildly in appreciation of something at our music classes, she claps whenever something amuses her. Which is pretty much constantly.

Joy

Having a kid has definitely altered my perspective on life. For one thing, it's made me think about the future and what it will be like when I'm not around. Estate planning doesn't mean much when it's just you. Add a spouse and it's a little more important... but add a kid, and suddenly, you care.

That's a post for another day.

Today, I just wanted to write down just how happy BG makes me. It was a long holiday weekend, and I got to spend more time with her than usual, playing and just hanging out. It was wonderful. It's amazing to watch her play. It's so imaginative and so fearless. I can't remember the last time I explored the world with so little fear. Of course, that lack of fear sometimes translates into surprise or pain as she falls. But it doesn't deter her. She gets right back up and gets back to the exploration.

And when she makes a discovery that makes her happy, she smiles and laughs. It's such a pure, honest and joyful laugh that it makes me truly happy. I haven't experienced that kind of pure joy in so long, it's refreshing. It makes me wonder if there is a way to make sure my children never lose it. I hope BG's life is always filled with joy and happiness, and that she never loses that sparkle in her eyes and the laugh that comes with discovery and learning.