
[supplies list + journaling]
Seven years ago today, I swam 30+ lengths of the pool at Misawa AB, Japan.
Came home and had a ham and cheese sandwich on non-gluten free bread washed down with a glass of watered down apple juice. Miss that bread sometimes.
I rested a little on the couch and watched some TV before heading to the Commissary where I bumped into an acquaintance. I confidently told her that I had at least 5 weeks before baby was going to arrive.
It was 3 weeks until my due date, my Mum was induced with me and this was my first baby, so I bound to be late, right?
Wrong.
My waters broke at 8.45pm that night, and Ella was born with very little drama, at 10.10am on Wednesday, 3 July 2002. I remember just staring at her as she lay in the cot next to me. I could not take my eyes of her. I just couldn't believe that she was finally here, and ours.
When we left the hospital the reality kicked in. I cried all the way home terrified of how I was going to care for this tiny little person.
We placed her in her car seat on the dining room table and there she stayed until she awoke.
We had no clue of what we were going to do with her.
Seven years later, and I admit I'm still *winging* it.
Mum's words often come back to me, "Unfortunately, they do not come with handbooks."
So far so good, I think.
But on the eve of her seventh birthday, I can't help but reminisce.
[supplies + journaling]
Earlier this year I wrote the following:
"Time certainly flies... It's seems like yesterday that I received my first SLR.
It was an overcast day in Misawa AB, Japan, offering the perfect cloud
coverage to get some shots of my wee little girl. She was 15 months at the
time. Still a little unsteady on her feet, cautious but eager to explore the
world. It's hard to believe she is now hurtling toward age 7. Where did the
time go, Back then I thought I had all the time in the world but looking at
these photos, I just feel like the rug has been pulled from under my feet.
Feb 2009"
It's not that I want her to be little again. I'm enjoying her more the older she gets.
The thing I struggle with most is the passage of time.
Time is so very precious. Once it's gone, it is lost forever.
Which leaves me with one question:
Did I fully use it to it's potential? Have I done enough for her? Am I doing enough for her?