Inspirational Traditions

In a moment at a baby shower yesterday, I realized just how inspired I am by you and your sister. Motivated, yes, to work and make a good life for you both to grow up in. But I am inspired to see the world in a different way because of you girls. My muses. 

Inspiration is what drives your creativity. I realized that creativity drive was for the two of you. Your father can also be included in that inspirational feeling. But in a way I am inspired to love your father in new and different ways by you two. Whether it's playing Beauty and Beast and to see the wonder and amazement in your eyes as your father and I stumble around the living room. Or it's how you see us say we're sorry /we were wrong for getting upset and not listening to each other. We are no where near perfect and I can't for Merlin's beard make it anywhere on time. We yell. We get cranky and hungry. We snap at each other. We dip instead of fill. But we recognize and love and apologize. We live in reality and not in some Pinterest-mood board. 

So I couldn't commit to any changes in this blog in over two years since Lucy exploded into this family  but now I have. I did this entire make-over (ok I changed the template) last night. But tonight, I found the picture below from last month. How beautifully perfect this represents my inspiration. And if you know your father, he is silly and goofy and fun to play with but will not smile for pictures. Here is his smile that grace us everyday, that both of you will remember but is so rare to capture on film. His arms full. Strongly holding onto you both. Look at your foot, Nora. Wrapped up tight in his love. I have a feeling I am not the only one inspired by you two. 

The Maryland Wine festival was last month. 13th year for your father and I (2001-2013). 6th time for you, Nora (I am counting your gestational stay in the 2008 festival) and only 3rd time for Lucy (2011-2013). Something so wonderfully  fulfilling comes with each year. Even if it pours buckets of rain, we cherish our time together and remember past years and look forward to the next. A tradition, most definitely, wholly and completely us.