thoughts on growing up

photo from yesterday's plane ride

Sometimes I am unsure about whether certain posts I write should be kept in my journal for me privately, or if what is in my heart should be shared with others. I tend to be a bit emotional these days, so bear with me over the next few months as I work out my hormones :)

Yesterday when Evelyn and I got off the plane in Virginia, there was mass excitement in my heart as I anticipated seeing my one and only. As we exited through baggage claim there we saw DaDa waiting for us. Tears swelled in my eyes as I put Evelyn down and she ran to the man she was so familiar with. When we got home Jared had a banner hanging up for us welcoming us home, with a caramel apple waiting for me on the counter {that man knows my weaknesses all to well}. We spent the evening with hands interlocked as we sat against the wall of all uncomfortable places, watching our little girl play. Occassionally she would run up to Dad and give him a hug and go back to playing. We were a happy family of three together again.

Being at my parents' for 2 weeks was amazing. I loved spending time with my siblings. And my parents proved to be interactive and giving grandparents, which I always knew they would be. My sister drove up one weekend from San Diego to make sure she got to see us. Time was spent laughing over family memories and making new ones with a first generation of grandchildren. Overall, Evelyn and I were showered with family love, which always does the soul good.

One Saturday we had a sisters day, where the 3 of us did girly things like give ourselves manicures. Amidst our chatter, we had Taylor Swift on. Her song "never grow up" circled about. Have you heard it? It's beautiful. As I listened to what she was saying, I obviously thought about what it takes to grow up.

I loved being a kid. I loved my wild forts in the backyard, riding my bike around the neighborhood with no hands, watering my mom's garden and thinking that the flowers could actually talk to me, having tea parties with my American Girl dolls, going fishing with Dad, making up songs with my sister and just being so so close to all my siblings. Those bonds can never be severed. But while childhood was fantastic and I wouldn't trade it for the world, I am so glad I grew up.

Had I not grown up, I would probably still be petty and teenage self-absorbed. I am so glad the days of friend cliques and Abercrombie clothing are behind me. Had I not grown up, I wouldn't know what true love feels like. Had I not grown up, I wouldn't know the joy and pain of child birth. The experience of watching Evelyn peacefully sleep in my arms or admiring her new found excitement for twirling {so darn cute!} would not be known to me. Had I not grown up, I would not have the appreciation I now do for my parents and their years of counsel and example. Had I not grown up, I would not understand the power and mercy of God. And had I not grown up I wouldn't know how strong I was capable of being.

Sure, the downside of growing up is getting older. I'm not saying that I'm excited to get to 50. I'm sure by then I'll be wishing for my younger body, but right now I'm happy to be growing up. Each new year, heck, each new day brings something better than before. But when it comes to Evelyn, that girl better NEVER grow up ;)