Joy, I guess this all ties in with the idea that "to give is to receive," right? It's all beginning to make sense to me now. There are so many things about parenting that you just can't really *get* until you experience them. (Thanks for reminding me to acknowledge my inner child, too!)

Nicola, isn't it funny how our mind plays tricks on us when it comes to age? I mean, a year is a year, no matter what number you attach to it, but certain birthdays do seem harder to wrap your mind around (whether it's 6 or 39!). I love hearing about both the joy and thoughtfulness you bring to motherhood—thanks for sharing bits of your journey here.