note to self. remember these things.

• the way that Sophie wrinkles her nose and laughs by blowing in and out through her nostrils (especially when I'm trying to catch her!)
• that Maya sometimes just randomly (and quite articulately) expresses gratitude for something we did long ago. And you can tell she's been thinking about it for a while.
  
• the way you just want to smell and soak in the feeling of your babies' skin.
• Sophie's little bottom in a diaper..and a onesie. Watching her eagerly crawl...so cute.
  
• the immense pleasure and safety of spending time with really good friends (even if we all just watch the kids play...and share a few words).
  
• the sound of Maya laughing and making Sophia squeal with laughter in her walker.
• the ever-present obstacles of toys in your living room that annoy you but make you smile.
  
• Maya's little bright pink Converse high tops.
• Grandpa Andy getting down on all fours to play with his great-granddaughter, Sophie on the ground almost every time he sees her.
• the sound of Maya's incessant chatter...all. day. long. :) imagining, acting out a dramatic plot, making up stories and scripts for all her little 'people' to play, gently scolding/correcting imaginary friends, requesting a drink--a snack--a show--a toy, singing loudly, explaining things to Sophie...
  
• the way Maya lowers her head and looks up at people with a shy (closed mouth) smile when she's feeling happy and a little shy.
• today..when Maya said: "Momma. I'd like some dum(gum) too, so I ten look pretty. (pause) (conspiratorial smile) Daddy dave me dum. It was behind da tar (car) at Bampa's. And dare was Isaac ann Will ann Untle Daniel. And Daddy DAVE ME DUM!!! (big open mouthed look of shared awe!!) Momma. Dat was an 'Island Story'. Now will you tell me an Island Story??"
  
• the way that Maya runs around naked, wiggly and silly, and so very amused with herself.
• Maya's constant question 'Is dat funny, Momma?'
• the flash of love and contentment in Ryan's eyes when he's holding his girls.
• the incredible new sense of awe and of 'freshness' of the Story of Jesus when you tell it to your own children.
• that Sophie has tripled in her weight over the last 12 months....this is happening fast.
• the way we hate it when Sophie throws her head back banging it on the back of her high chair over and over again...no matter how hard we try to stop her. She thinks it's hilarious.
• the look in Sophie's eyes when she sees you walk into a room after you've been away.
• that you are not just trying to get to the next thing...accomplish the next goal...be the next 'better version of yourself'.
  
• that you forget just about everything that you hear or think or feel or see and don't write down. So be more intentional about remembering your days.