I Love You Just The Way You Are

by Leslie

I took some photos of Julia while we were playing outside today.

This one is my favorite:

I haven’t been using my camera as much, lately. I’m not sure why, but today, I had to capture her, just as she was.

Her face was dirty, her hair was wild, with a leaf or two stuck in there. She was wearing a yellow shirt, red pants and purple socks - an outfit she chose on her own.

When I asked her about her selection, particularly the purple socks she replied, “My feet feel purple today.”

I couldn’t shake the overwhelming feeling that this - this time of filthy faces, sticky hands and scraped knees, this time of wearing purple socks because that’s the way her feet feel - isn’t going to last long. Maybe it’s because another baby is on the way or simply because Julia seems suddenly so grown up. Whatever the reason, today, I just can’t stop thinking about how fast it all goes. And how soon, she’ll begin to choose her socks to match her outfit rather than her mood because someone - who knows, maybe me - will make her aware of that “rule.”

I wonder how much longer simply being outside will thrill her. I wonder how many more times she’ll come running to show me the worm she dug up, the grasshopper she caught or the slug she found under the rock. I wonder how many more arms wide open, heart wide open, spinning, twirling, jumping, life-loving dances I’ll get to see.

And I just want grab my girl and tell her to never stop dancing, to wear purple socks if she wants to…and to never grow up.

Posted in Mommy's Stuff, Julia, Photos |

Comments

16 Cool Kids Came To Play

Jen in MI on September 7, 2007 3:58 pm
Ah, but the great thing about parenting is that each phase is special, special and precious. BTW… I love you even if you DIDN’T read P&P, but you should, because it’s wonderful. I commented on your comment in my blog.
Fourier.Analyst on September 7, 2007 5:06 pm
What mischief you can see in those eyes! I was sent a quote the other day, but I’ll have to look up the source. But it went” With children, the days are long but the years are short.” So true…
Karly on September 7, 2007 8:23 pm
Dang it, Leslie. Don’t you know that I’ve been all weepy for a few days. I didn’t need to read this!

And did you know that your site comes out a little funky in Safari? Not that I could begin to tell you how to fix it or anything. Just thought I’d let ya know.
Daddy Forever on September 7, 2007 9:05 pm
I agree, kids grow up too fast. What a cute smile. I always seem to miss the picture because the camera is never around.
SusieJ on September 7, 2007 9:37 pm
This just makes me sad. I’m feeling the same way, now that 3 of the boys are off to school.

But, she’s so beautiful.
Pam on September 7, 2007 10:17 pm
The quality of that photo is amazing! She almost looks like she’s jumping out of a cardboard cut out background… think, Steve and Blue’s Clues. Cool. Oh, and she’s completely adorable, purple is VERY in for fall!!
Chris H on September 7, 2007 10:43 pm
Ahhh, the joys of childhood… it will not be long mother before she really is all grown up! In about 3 years give or take a month! Just you wait… ha ha ha! And yes, she will seem even ‘older’ one Number Two arrives !!! It’s just natural.
mackeydoodle on September 8, 2007 3:00 am
You are officially the coolest Mom ever.
I still have a hard time with the whole matching outfit rule.
But today my friend, you have made me think differently….who cares what others think. If my daughters feet feel purple than purple it shall be.
Thank you to Julia too!!!!
BTW…she is an absolute doll & I swear I am coming on holidays to your house just so I can smooch thos awesome cheeks!!!!
Michelle on September 8, 2007 10:39 pm
Somehow the dirt looks good on her. Best accessory she could have.
heathersway on September 9, 2007 8:28 am
Such a great pic and such touching words
Jerseygirl89 on September 9, 2007 9:20 am
Oh, that was beautiful. And that photo - it’s AMAZING.

I love that her feet felt purple. That’s the coolest comment about dressing I’ve ever heard.
Toni on September 9, 2007 12:39 pm
That’s lovely. Tell Julia - my feet felt purple today too and to comply I am wearing purple crocs and a red shirt. You’re never too old to dress the way you feel.

They do grow up quickly to be sure but don’t worry mom she will continue to run to you with her treasures and discoveries as long as your heart remains open to accept them.
Sam on September 9, 2007 8:02 pm
What a little cutie! Great picture!
Mommy the Maid on September 10, 2007 9:36 am
THey grow up so fast. I hope that you do tell her that she can wear purple socks forever. She is such a beautiful little girl and the dirt on her face and leaves in her hair are proof of that. She is such a happy soul.
amanda on September 13, 2007 11:09 am
I love her eyes. And I have to believe their little girl spirits will always come back to dance from time to tim.
Denise on September 15, 2007 4:18 pm
So clear! What kind of camera did you use for this picture? Did you use any editing software?