Over the last two weeks or so a couple of my favorite bloggers have posted some very poignant posts and it got me to thinking a bit about where I am in my life right now. They both reflected on the here and now and what is important to them NOW, which is unique because I think some people, myself included, are always looking to the future. You can check out their great posts here (This & That and Going Dad ) and take a minute to look through their sites as I think they are both fascinating and inspiring!

As i mentioned in a previous post celebrating our one year in Puerto Rico, I overlooked another very important milestone: the first birthday of my daughter, Gabriela Esperanza. Well, I did include her but i really didn’t include her. It’s amazing when you think about it that the little one year old sitting in my playroom grew up in my belly (well, if you’re a woman) and now here she is. I am still baffled by this. What is even more baffling is now that she’s 13 months old, she really is taking in the world around her and you can see it in her face everyday.

  
So I wonder…what do you think these little creatures are pondering when they are playing/exploring/discovering all on their own? Do you ever just stop and look at them? I’m in awe at all that she’s learning everyday. 

We give Gabi lots of time together but we also want her to be a bit independent and play by herself. This actually works out great because her little “playroom” is right off the kitchen so I can prep/cook lunch and dinner and still keep an eye on her. She’s becoming quite mobile and I’m thinking she’ll be walking very very soon! I can hear her cooing and oohing and when i peek around the corner to spy check on her, it’s so sweet to see her little eyes darting around and she’s actually talking to herself in her own unique “gibberish”. This little one makes me smile.