As I wipe my tears away......

I will post this pic of Miss L's first school picture. (Preschool) Her babysitter took her for me while I was at work. Her bangs are actually going against her part, she has a trampoline burn on her chin, and her smile is a bit too rehearsed. I love it just the same. It captures her eyes and her spirit.

I remember vividly the first picture we had taken of Miss L. She was three weeks old.

I fretted over the outfit, finally choosing one similiar to one I had as an infant. I wanted the picture to capture just how perfect and beautiful this child of mine was. I wanted this picture to capture everything I was feeling as a parent. A picture is worth a thousand words, right? I wanted it to be timeless and perfect.

Of course, things don't go smoothly with infants. The pictures were great, but not perfect. We did, however, capture a smile. That is right. A three week old smiling baby....just for the camera. Gas, right? I don't think so.

At seven weeks we took her and had them made again.

Overkill? Probably.

Again, Miss L was smiling it up for the camera. These pics landed themselves in the front window and on the company's website.

Every month for over a year (some months twice) I had her picture made. Every month the same smiling baby.

Although she is no longer a baby, she is STILL smiling. A smile on Miss L's face is as natural as the sunrise. As natural as my love for her. For this I am thankful. Even at four years old she represents to me the person I want to become.

Does that even make sense?

For those who don't have the pleasure of knowing her, probably not.

But those who do understand that this four year old is wise beyond her years.

Even on days where everything is going wrong she will look at me, capture my eyes and tell me in her little voice. "Momma, everything is ok. It will all be fine. OK? Don't worry about it."

She is optimistic, happy, caring, thoughtful, forgiving, loving, compassionate and encouraging.

I hope that never changes and that the world never changes her.