Raindrops on roses are nice, but...

My favorite things have changed over the last few months. For most of my life, one of my favorite things was sitting down with a book and reading all day long, stopping only for bathroom breaks and the occasional snack. I used to love shopping all day. I loved going out for a pedicure or massage. My favorite things have changed.

I barely have time to read anymore. Well, I guess that's not really true, but I choose to do other things in the time that I do have. Elysen has never been one to take a long nap (except that one glorious day when she slept for 3 hours in the afternoon), so during the 30-45 minutes I have while she naps, I usually get ready or clean up or sometimes just sit and enjoy the quiet.

We don't really do shopping yet. Last week was our first venture to the mall. It was hot as blazes outside and I was laughing at myself in the parking lot as I tried to wrestle the carrier (with baby inside) while attempting to get the stroller open. Then I had to get the diaper bag and my purse stowed away. Needless to say, I felt like a sweaty mess when I walked into the mall, not the peppy shopper of my past. Not to mention that it's difficult to maneuver around a store with a stroller. (P.S. I don't even want to think about how I'll manage someday with more than one child...)

I suppose I might go for a pedicure soon - my feet need it - but the practical side of me is winning over more and more these days. I don't really need to spend that money. If I'm going to spend money on unnecessary things, I'd rather they be unnecessary clothes or shoes for Elysen. (Little girls are WAY too much fun to dress up.)

So this post sounds a little depressing, right? I either don't have the time or the patience or the money to do what once were my favorite things. But, the great thing is, it's not sad at all. I have new favorite things.

1- Sitting outside with Elysen and watching the dogs play. She loves to be outside and she loves Darsee and Remus (and they love her).

2- Watching her learn by putting her hands out to touch everything within reach, i.e. my cup, the milk jug, her toys, and (my favorite) my face. She maintains a constant look of concentration while she explores.

3- Her "full face". She makes the most hilarious face when she's full. It is the look of perfect contentment. But I only get to see it when she nurses in the middle of the night (or in the morning) or right before bed when she finishes her bottle. I need to try to get a picture because it is my absolute favorite.

4- Kissing her sweet cheeks, and nose, and tummy, and head. Thank goodness that short spell of gross breath is long gone. She smells so sweet.

5- Rocking her - a new favorite. She finally decided that rocking is great. (I think this is mostly due to her grandmothers). I sing, and she lays her head on my shoulder. Her hair is getting longer now, and once or twice I've inhaled it and ended up having to scratch my nose or sneeze. Ha!

6- Laying in bed and realizing that it's light outside and I haven't had to get up with the baby yet. This one seems pretty self-explanatory. Let's just say her sleeping is getting better. Perhaps the days of waking up regularly at 3 or 4 a.m. are moving behind us.

7- Watching David with Elysen. I like that he's selfish with her attentions just like I am. I sometimes get worried that he's tired and wants me to take her, but he'll say, "Hey, why are you taking her? I haven't had my time yet."

So, my favorites have changed. The loss of freedom makes me a little sad sometimes, but most of the time, I don't miss it because my life is so full. God is good. Every night, I read my Bible on the iPad and have a time of prayer and thankfulness for all He has done. And I'm sure, after writing this, that I will spend the rest of the day not only thanking Him for my new favorite things, but also humming about "bright copper kettles, and warm woolen mittens". :)