Within the confines of motherhood there is a certain rhythm to your day. Aside from providing for your children's basic needs the details of the day can really play out however best suits you and your family. For us, a combination of meals, snacks and errands along with frequent outings and "treats" keep all parties engaged, involved and sane. One day, it might be an adventure to a museum and another day it will be hours upon hours of rock throwing, beach combing, puddle jumping and searching for worms. We have a lot to teach each other and I fear these days where we play, laugh, walk hand in hand, and smile will be gone before I know it. Every parent I encounter throughout the day almost begrudgingly states "They grow up too fast" and if the past two years are any proof than I know it is true. Although we are creatures of habit and could easily fall into a daily/weekly routine I have found our senses and energy levels are so much higher when we mix things up.

By nature I am not a home body, so I should not be surprised when half way through the morning my son is trying to wiggle the door handle to get outside and drink in the fresh air. I have learned through the process of raising a child for the past couple of years that schedules and checking things off your to do list is important as a mother, but not necessarily to anyone else. Learning, bonding, creating and independent play are essentials to a balanced day for us.

As a family we are fortunate to have many opportunities to travel and through this we have been able to create a strong sense of togetherness as we explore the world, sleep in unfamiliar places, eat new foods and dive into unfamiliar surroundings. Flexibility has been required by all of us and I know we are better people for it.

As a mother I am always walking a fine line between taking time for documentation and being present. But to be able to look back at these small moments which make up the sum of our lives is as priceless as my time spent with this little one. And so we will continue to learn counting by lining up rocks on driftwood, learn our colors by the dogs and rain jackets walking by and attempt to catalog all the different types of seaweed on our beach. I am grateful not only for the energy required to take care of an active toddler, but the health to live such a fun filled, dynamic life. This little man has made me more patient, more imaginative, more light hearted and has lit a fire in me for things I never knew I had an interest in. This little guy is a dream come true-

every. single. day.