Those first steps, we’ve been waiting for them, watching you getting closer and closer to autonomy. And then you are off and there's no stopping you. Suddenly your tiny hand wants nothing to do with mine and I imagine it’s like watching birds fly and suddenly sprouting wings.

Over and over we begin again. Begin again. Begin again. A mantra that brings me back in moments that seem ruined. And I watch you watching me observing the way I begin again in the challenging moments when I’m not my best self, or rather when I’m not the version of myself that seems best. I watch you watching me and suddenly I witness you reflecting back what you see, and it’s the greatest gift to know that you feel safe enough to say, “Mama you can take a deep breath now.” You smile at me and we begin again.