Sunday, January 1, 2012

All in a Day ...

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I had been racking my brain trying to think of a post to begin 2012 with. I was coming up with nothing. Nada. Came up with not a single, solitary quote that I loved. No words of wisdom.  But then again, who am I to think I have wisdom to impart? No inspiring little tid bits. No list of resolutions, as I really don't make them, per se. Nothing was jumping out at me. That was, until I took Zoey to bed.


Our nightly routine seldom varies with Zoey. She first gets her last tube feeding. Jammies on. Two layers cuz my girl does not stay under covers and she runs cold. All the time. Even in the summer. Then a round of kisses and hugs to everyone. Waves goodnight. Her trademark, crossing of her arms, furrowed brow, with a steel eyed nasty look. Slightly protesting going to bed but not really. She is usually exhausted by the time 7pm rolls around. I put her on on my bed. Grab a few books and we snuggle in. Read our books. Turn out the light and put on her Rockabye Baby Lullaby cd. And then, my favorite part. She curls up beside me. Snuggles against my chest. Plays with my eyelashes and then, out. Within minutes. I carefully transfer her to her crib. Cover her up. Say a prayer over her. And that is that. Our day ends.  Rest comes to her tired body. 12 hours straight most nights.

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Tonight one of the books I grabbed was " All in a Day". Beautiful book by one of my favorite children's book authors. Cynthia Rylant. Gifted to Zoey by the absolutely nicest bookstore owner. Ever. Owner of our little neighborhood bookstore that I have pined to own for like, always. Envisioned buying it with some money that would fall from the sky one day, when the darling elderly little lady could no longer run it. That happened not too long ago. But I was otherwise occupied birthing Zoey and keeping her here with us in this world.  The lucky, new owner and I were talking one day. I was sharing Zoey's story with her. She stood there, wide eyed. Eyes brimming with tears and paused, walked to a shelf and handed me. "All in a Day".


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A simple, yet beautiful book. With a message for all ages. A message to live life, each and everyday, to the fullest.

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"The past is sailing off to sea, the future fast asleep. A day is all you have to be, it's all you get to keep. Underneath that great big sky the earth is all a-spin. This day will soon be over and it won't come back again. So live it well ... "

Not a bad little mantra to begin the New Year with. I think I will give it a shot. Idealistic? Maybe. But honestly, as hard as this life can be, it really can be, just that simple. Simple enough to be mindful of the fragility of this life and the gift of each new day.

Happy New Year to all of you that have found your way here today. Wishing you peace and blessings as 2012 begins.

14 comments:

Rochelle said...

Beautiful, happy new year! A great way to end the year and begin the new. Hope this year is full of firsts and continued miracles out of Zoey!

Anonymous said...

lovely post Heather -
Happy New Year to the Needhams and everyone out there in Blogland

Loraine(Aunt Bluebelle)

The VW's said...

Beautiful! Happy New Year to you, and your amazingly wonderful family! Hugs!

Kristin said...

Happy New Year!!! I'm hoping this is the year we get to meet in person!

The Annessa Family said...

One day...one hour...one moment at a time! Praying for sweet blessings for your family in 2012!

Brooke
www.TheAnnessaFamily.com

Elizabeth said...

What a beautiful post to begin the new year. Thank you, Heather -- for all that you say and write and do. One of the greatest treasures of my year has been becoming your friend. Love to you and happy new year to your beautiful family.

Becca said...

I've never seen that book, but it looks so sweet and appropriate - I'm going to look for it, for sure. Happy New Year to you and your gorgeous family, and hugs to your beautiful little girl.

Reagan Leigh said...

Beautiful and well put...as always. Wishing you and your entire family the best of everything in 2012!!!

Lacey said...

My News Years resolution.....to keep in touch better with you. We are now so close, and we haven't talked in weeks. I feel like a horrible friend!

colleen said...

Love this post and share your fondness for children's books of all types and kinds.... All the best as the days of 2012 unfold...

Justine said...

Absolutely beautiful! I have never seen that book. Thank you for sharing! And your description of bedtime...just wonderful. Makes me want to do that exact routine with my new baby girl when she comes home.

And thank you for your prayers and congratulations!

Carolyn said...

Perfect! Happy New Year to you and your whole family. Thanks for sharing your beautiful Zoey with us!

Kristin said...

Re your comment about your camera... I am addicted to reading photography tip/tutorial websites. Pinterest just made it worse! Haha. Sort of my intent on the 365 blog - to share the tips & tricks I learn :)

Cheryl said...

I loved reading about Zoey's bedtime routine.What a sweetheart!I wish my Miss Ruby would go to bed at 7 p.m. My little stinker is a night owl and wont go to bed peacefuly until midnight. :)
My children love books by Cynthia Rylant.I haven't seen that title before though.I'm going to try and find it for Ruby and my other children.I hope you and your family have a healthy and wonderful 2012!