Slices of Seven

It is true that there are stages and phases as we grow. One of the reasons I enjoy photography is the challenge of trying to capture a representation of those phases--it's an attempt to freeze time and preserve it for posterity.

I admit that the iphone has become my default camera (due almost entirely to its portability and availability.) Today I brought my 'big camera' to the pool to catch a few higher quality shots. When I downloaded tonight I was thrilled with the results--a few photos that really seemed to capture the essence of my trio at this point in time.

K is maturing into such a lovely, feisty & fun little lady. I want to freeze her innocence and her zest for life.

She can hold her own with the boys (which can get her into trouble)--but there is a responsible and nurturing element to her that is undeniable. Some days I think she really could hold down the fort around here if I fell ill.

She is creative and fiercely independent--yet really enjoys spending time with me. I know it may not always be so, so I am trying to drink it all in while I can.

P continues to entertain us with his antics while flooring us with his insightfulness. He is completely an individual, absolutely content to march to the beat of his own drummer.

He is imaginative, yet surprisingly literal when it comes to the way the world works. He is outwardly silly, yet inwardly quite sensitive. That sensitive side is simultaneously his greatest strength and his greatest weakness.

I could write a book chapter about this face. R is communicative and deeply committed to whatever hill he opts to die on. I think he is the most like me...which keeps me on my toes.

It is so interesting to watch him try to find his place in the world. He is more socially motivated than my other two seem to be at this point and fairly approval seeking.

R has a seemingly bottomless love tank that needs filling up by quality time with his Daddy & cuddles from his Mama--but it is on his terms.

R is tough, opinionated, competitive and passionate--a natural born leader who gives the world all he's got. I cannot wait to see how God harnesses all the fire that is in this belly for something amazing.

Until then, praying hard and keeping a ball in his hands seem to be the most effective of my parenting strategies.

I still have a hard time reconciling that all three of these kiddos shared a womb. They are so uniquely wired!

It is further proof of our incredibly creative Father and His distinctly different plans for the lives of His children.