change

The past couple of days have been gusty and cold. Autumn leaves are heaped in swirling piles across our yard, shifting here and there. Matching the change of seasons, it feels like there is a subtle yet significant change slowly taking place within our little family. I can't quite put my finger on what it is. There is a strange energy about, and changes seem to be popping up on many different levels.

Miles has taken to walking (!) all over the house (holding tightly on to our hands of course, but still...) This newfound independence has caught me by surprise. My little boy now wants to explore on his own terms, and certainly expresses his dismay at anything that does not please him, which unfortunately, is a growing list of things. Two more teeth have arrived. As well as the sweet mimicking of our words that has amused both David and I to no end - "uck" for "truck", "ice" for "Miles". And so many other baby babbling sounds that hint at our little guy's inevitable path to being "all grown up". So many small changes that occur everyday add up to one very breathtaking gift - our son.

But things are difficult right now. Like so many other families, we are feeling the effects of the economic downturn. But, we feel hopeful about the upcoming election and what it might bring for our country and for the next generation.

We also are looking for a new child care situation for Miles, which I'm finding to be quite stressful, emotionally and (soon-to-be) financially. More on that later.

This undercurrent of change, on both a national level and a personal level, is mixed with challenges and opportunities. And when I'm feeling completely overwhelmed, it is an image like this that brings me humility, gratitude and optimism. It is an image like this that reminds me of why I must be strong and hopeful.