Butterfly Kisses...

I've really been trying to soak up these last couple weeks as a family of four. I remember when we adopted our second daughter, R, how weird it was a couple weeks before we traveled to think that our lives would never again be the same. We had a comfortable routine with our one child, J. She and I were best friends (I used to joke that my best friend was 2 years old), and I was so sad to think how hard it would be for her to not be an only child any more. I even felt a little guilty, wondering what this leap of faith that I was so eager to take would do to her. Now, 3 years after bringing home R, it's amazing how my blessings really have doubled. I have two best friends, and they have a close relationship (even when bickering) that really takes my breath away. But, I have to admit, those same feelings are starting to surface now that we're bringing home L in a few weeks. My two girls are so close, our family is so perfect, it will never be the same. The difference this time is, I know about how the blessings multiply. Yes, our lives will never be the same, but my daughters will have another sister to share things with and grow with. They will not only share the same closeness with each other, but will grow to have the same closeness with their newest sister. That is really special, and amazing.

As I'm feeling a little sentimental and overwhelmed, tonight while eating at our favorite pizza place, I taught R how to give butterfly kisses on the cheek with fluttering eyelashes. She was absolutely delighted. Of course, J had to get in on the act, too. They were giggling. Tonight when I tucked them into bed in R's room (Friday and Saturday are their "sleepover nights", so we blow up a full-size air mattress that they can share), they yelled "Wait, we need to give you butterfly kisses!" as I was walking out of their room. I am quite a blessed mommy...and I can't wait until I can get butterfly kisses from all three of my daughters.