Today it occurred to me that I could have babies forever.

As I stood in the warm stream of my morning shower and Ella Faye sang to our shower songs from her swing, I realized this…

I could have babies forever.

In some way or another, we got on this kick of yelling the word, “hi” to one another.  I on the sudsy side of the clear curtain, she on the cooler end, soaring through the dwindling steam, big purple bouncy ball in lap.

“Hiiii…” I would drone out slowly and deeply.

Fits of laughter bouncing off the cool blue bathroom walls.

“Hiii…” from a smaller voice, though not much smaller.

Cackles bouncing off the wet slate tiles.

“Hi!”  A quick, high-pitched squeal this time.

Giggles bouncing off the cool blue bathroom walls.

“Hi!”  A little mimicking voice would counter back.

Chuckles bouncing off the wet slate tiles.

And I thought, I could have babies forever, if they were just like her.

I could play with dozens of tiny toes for the rest of my life.

I could tie ten thousand pigtails.

I could listen to little voices recount the tales of their days until the end of mine.

I could hold small hands and lead them until I could no longer walk, and they would lead me.

I could bask in the beautiful songs of little children forever.

I could soak in all the kisses and snuggles they have to offer.

I could let tiny fingers run through my hair all the days long.

I could tickle and make faces and do anything for smiles until the end of time.

I could watch those dimples appear, on and on and on.

I could dish out millions of kisses just to make things better.

I could realize over and over again, with every gentle roll or vigorous punch, that there is life growing within my body, my soul, and my heart.

Today it occurred to me that I could have babies forever.

We took a Summer’s eve family bike ride tonight.  After the heavy rainfall (again!) today, the air was left moist and considerably cooler.  We returned home from Ant’s family dinner and ran back out to catch the last of the sun for some belly photos.

The 80 degree temperature was too tempting not to bask in so we pulled our bikes out of the garage and went for a cruise around the ‘hood.

Ella Faye loves a good bike ride.

Ant had been waiting to take our bikes for a spin since we came home from a camping trip a few weeks ago (one that offered much cooler temperatures for any sort of physical activity).

It was a beautiful cruise, a feast for the senses.  The cicadas were just beginning to sing their evening songs, neighbors were standing guard at their barbecues, and the sky was spotted with neon pink and purple clouds.  It felt just the way Summer should.  It was carefree.

Now I am off to tackle a brownie coffee ice cream cake for the last birthday hoo-rah tomorrow.

This is last year’s ice cream cake.  Ain’t she a beaut?  (Don’t answer that…at least she tasted good.) I’m hoping we can improve on her a little this time around.  I’ve got a better plan up my sleeve this year.  Results to follow…

I will be back soon with baby details and the first of several belly posts that have been backing up over here.

(This evening’s outtakes, channeling a monkey for Ella.  Yes, I am no good at being photographed.)

Have a fantastic end to your weekend!