Quinn has always been an easy child to parent. But that doesn't mean she has been without her little stages you kind of can't wait to be past. It's bittersweet, because we don't want time to go quickly and we love every little tiny bit of her - little stages and all. Fortunately, the stages pass quickly and on the other side of the rainbow you truly feel you have found a pot of gold. Right when Quinn turned four she had little moments of whining and trying to negotiate everything. "5 more minutes" "10 more crackers" "only 2 more bites" etc. etc. Everything I asked her to do took about a full day. ha! exaggerating a little. Well we endured and taught and she learned and she moved on.
Right now she is in this stage that I truly want to bottle her up! Everything I ask is immediately followed by a chipper "Okay mom!", a smile and then immediate action. She is happy to go along with anything. She is mothering her little sister in the sweetest way. Every "I love you" gets an "I love you more" in return. And she is dishing out compliments like there is no tomorrow. I mean, I'll take the "mom that is so gorgeous" - "you are the best baker" - "mom! you are doing such an awesome job watering those flowers - good job mom" for as long as I can! :) And Oh my goodness - her imagination these days is amazing. She plays so well with others and by herself. I love to listen to her talking while she plays.
NOTE to self - bust out the video camera to capture these moments and thoughtful compliments as much as possible.
This girl is truly amazing and a gift for us to spend each and every day with. We are so lucky to be her parents.
I just want to bottle up all the sweetness to save it all, but just maybe we don't need to bottle it up and this is just our Quinn forever more. Sure she will have bumps in the road along the way, but I'm quite sure her kind heart will always shine through.
We aren't so concerned about raising our children to achieve things, as much as we are to be things. To be kind, respectful, gracious, and brave. I want to raise the child that stands up for the peer being bullied or stops to help a person in need instead of passing by. The effort is more important than the A+. The good relationships built are more important than the popularity.
Oh her sweetness...
...now if I could just take away all of her worry.
She is far too aware and far too worrisome for a little four year old.
Something Todd and I talk about, and hope we can guide her a little to worry a little less.
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