Little Abby turned two last Saturday. As busy as the parents have been with little Zoe, they had planned the birthday party for a little while and on Saturday morning, we all got busy getting to the park with the foodstuffs and sparse deco before Kiddo and Mic’s friends and the Kohs arrived. It was a lovely little do for the little girl, who has grown up so much in the past 2 years. Last night for example, as I sat there in their lounge room reading and role playing a puppet book with her, I soaked up the joys of just engaging with her. Last night I said to Tress I felt so lucky; the blessing of having Abby wanting me to read to her and play with her, is one that I cherish and am very grateful for.

Little Zoe too, turned two on Sat. Two months, that is. She is a joy to hold and talk to. I’d like to think she is taking in all the sweet nothings I say to her. I tell her she is beautiful, as is the creation around her. I tell her she is much loved, not least by Jesus. I sing to her about that. Every time I have that “1:1 time” with her, I am filled with gratitude.

Yesterday arvo, after SBC, we went to the Southpoint Shopping Centre. We had lunch at the Japanese cafe there, then to a bookshop where Abby saw a book with Bluey eating an ice cream. She then said she wanted ice cream. So off we went to a gelato place in the food court. As we sat and enjoyed our desserts, I watched Abby working through her chocolate gelato. Momentarily, I marvelled at the focused and deliberate way she went about it. Even more, I was again soaking up the joys of being there with Kiddo and Mic and their two beautiful girls. As we drove home last night, I thought to myself that Tress is not alone in being happier. The gratitude I felt was also due to my own happiness.

The BC continues to present new things for me. I love the serenity, particularly in the mornings. This morning was a bit crisp and fresh and I donned a hoodie on top of the woollen jumper I had put on when I woke up. As Tress and I did our regular walk up to Warragamba Avenue where the little fella wanders in a dog park, the cool and fresh air was a touch invigorating. I felt fresh and alive. Maybe it was the good sleep I had, maybe it’s the fact that both Hawthorn and Man United won over the weekend. More likely however, it’s because I am with people who make me happier. The gratitude continues.