A family-- a cycling scientist, a crazy little girl, a happy toddler, and me-- navigating the exciting, sometimes difficult, but most of all wonderful adventure that is life.
The Northwest has a problem with invasive blackberry bushes that will take over your entire yard if you let them. But since I don't have a yard and I love free blackberries, I don't mind a bit. Susanna-- who laughs or squeals with delight every time I show her a blackberry that I just picked-- doesn't seem to mind either. And take a gander at her purple elbow! She had to have a bath after this blackberry-infused lunch...
Susanna is one year old today. I can't believe that this day has already come, more because of what it means about me than her: she acts like a toddler but I don't feel mature enough to be the mother of one. Being a mother has been an incredible experience for me. It has been ever so difficult; far more difficult than I imagined and I was not expecting it to be easy. But it has also been supremely wonderful. I have learned so much about myself and humanity in general, have developed a much deeper understanding of God's plan for us, and have found (again) that true joy in life comes from simple things. On top of all this, it is great fun. Susanna is an absolute delight: she smiles and laughs at the simplest and smallest encouragement and her love is full of trust and completely without guile. Another one of the great blessings of motherhood is seeing my husband as a father and as the husband of a mother; he does both with great love. I am very grateful to him and for the greater understanding of his goodness that this calling has engendered.
