This past week was full of highlights. I was finally feeling back to myself after a nasty flu bug which meant I could resume working out, getting out and being out. The weather has been spectacular and I had plans to see a good friend every day this past week. On top of that we went to see the truly epic Kamasi Washington and were able to soak in some transcendent jazz.
By any measure, any of the past days could be considered a highlight but the real highlight came in the form of a realization. Everest is growing in leaps and bounds and is now 2 weeks shy of his 2nd birthday. He continues to be a happy, funny, silly and sweet kid. Don't get me wrong, there are moments of exasperating frustration but I feel that's par for the course when raising a toddler. The highlight of my last week came the day I realized that the 3 most commonly used phrases that come out of Everest's mouth are "Yea," "Thank you," and "I love you." Taken on their own those phrases are filled with positivity, gratitude and joy but the fact that they seem to be the most prevalent things my 23 month old says, I feel blessed and lucky that I get to be his mom.
Every morning begins with a rundown of all the fun things Everest has on his busy schedule and in response to "are you excited to do *blank*?" his response is inevitably a joyous "Yea!"
Later we found ourselves at the park with a friend and she was handing out bites of granola bar to Everest and her son. With each mouthful Everest grabbed he naturally chirped "Thank you!" without being prompted or directed by me. It made me so proud and happy that gratitude has started early for him.
And finally, Adam and I say "I love you" a lot. To each other, to our dog, to our friends and family, and especially to Everest...and recently he's started saying it back. It began as a slurred blur of the whole phrase "ioveou" and it's slowly evolved into the crystal clear phrase that he warmly gives back to us throughout the day. Hearing him say "I love you" in such an intentional, natural, and generous tone moves my heart in a way that's hard to put in words.
I guess it's been a highlight kind of week.
