Summerland

With the arrival of summer, the girls have just metamorphosed into toddlers. I have been here the whole time and still manage to feel like I missed it. They were babies one minute and then toddlers. They once felt content and heavy like bean bags, and now they feel balanced, strong and poised like saplings in my hands - almost like I can feel them growing. It's like a small fish that you hold in your hands under the water, insistent against your palms - you could hold it but are compelled to let it go. I think it's a good thing. They are curious, they are brave, they are hearty, they are smart as whips, they are resilient; they are amazing.
They have all learned to walk, they speak sign language, they seem to understand just about everything I want them to, and of course more beyond that.
They all love to go ride the swings at the park, and Lucy is very curious - I have to keep an eye on her, she has no problem wandering farther away than I am comfortable with. Ida on the other hand, has been walking the longest, but does not like to walk (or at least fall down in) the grass. Ruthie is the big talker with "mama", "dada", "cup", "da" (duck and dog), "ca" (cat and car).
The latest adorable development came two nights ago when Jason taught them about jumping. He was bouncing up and down on his feet and the girls where really, really trying to copy him. They were walking around and squatting and standing up very suddenly at random intervals, and often losing their balance in the process. You probably had to be there, but it was just wonderful.
Lots of love to all out there.