Ch-ch-ch-changes...

Here's the inspiration for the title...

Since I'd thought about having children, the video in my mind's eye has always included two little boys, one with golden locks and one with auburn. This suited me, because I'd decided I didn't know anything about raising a girl, nor about doing cute hair stuff. As it turned out, my movie is somewhat true. I have a golden haired child, and what would be an auburn haired child, were I to let his hair grow.

My little SohlGal revealed several things about herself today. Of course, today is by Murphy's law, the perfect day for her to reveal these things, with her dad's work-related departure. The first occured this morning, while we attended a "don't-be-too-sad-because-your-child-will-end-up-loving-this-school-just-please-drop-him-off-and-pick-him-up-on-time" meeting at Carter's new school. The director was incredibly sweet, and gave the best advice to the parents who'd never dropped a child off - hug 'em and leave 'em, quickly... kind of like ripping off a Band-aid. (Totally agree, having been a teacher, that this is the right way to do it!)

My sweet SohlGal decided this meeting was the perfect time to unveil the recent additions of her maxillary collection, the central incisors, which join her mandibular collection, also currently featuring central incisors. Interestingly enough, I found these not by sight, but by touch, and unlike her overall gentle nature, these new teeth are sharp.

My Sohl son has been in a phase of shyness the past few weeks, and while I'd hoped this would clear up before he started school, it did not. While I'm not sure why it's started, and I'm striving to let it go, it made me a bit sad when I saw his craft today. He told me he made a shy face, because he was shy today. While his teachers said he was good, I'm interested to see how they react when he reaches his comfort zone and lets his true self show.

This evening my SohlGal continued to amaze me with her new talents. Her brother recited the "Pizza Man" rhyme (kind of like Baker's Man, but with a couple of twists), and she decided to clap along. Her first claps! Then, when it came time to "toss it up HIGH!" she tilted her head towards me, smiled so I almost melted, and threw her hands up in the air. And at this I realized my baby's no longer a baby.

It seems like every day I'm wanting something to change. I want to be thinner, tanner, blonder, older, younger, more experienced, less uptight. I pray for more inspiration, less on my plate, strong friendships, and banished temptations. I ask for more knowledge, less guilt, increased understanding, and fewer mistakes. In some ways, I get what I ask for; it's just not always in the way I'd expect it. I'm learning patience and humility; true friendship and loyalty; beauty and appreciation of it in all forms.

Time does change me, and I can trace the changes time's made. I can reflect on the blessings He's given me over time, and how even when I'm not looking for it, He's teaching me and giving me things I've prayerfully requested, just in His time. Even being able to say that - ch ch changes.