Now we are four

on Nov 23 in General by

IMG_3459-1

There was a time when I could throw Amy high into the air. I’d swoop my arms under her and fling her skywards, her body so small and light that she’d escape gravity’s notice for one brief moment. Then her giggling and squealing would alerted its attention to her once more and she’d be returned to my arms.

These days she is too big for me to casually sweep off her feet. She sees me throwing her brother up and down and she always asks “Do it to me Daddy”, but there is a bittersweet melancholy to the request. Both she and I know that, while I’ll gamely try, I don’t have the strength required to propel her to any significant altitude anymore. She no longer flies through the air with the greatest of ease. Our lift offs are heavy and the landings ungainly. She’s just too big.

Today Amy turned four years old. Our baby is no longer a baby. And it’s true I miss being able to effortlessly throw her into the air, or fastening up her zips for her, or holding her hand so she doesn’t stumble as she walks. But where there have been goodbyes said, we have also said hellos. Hello to the articulate, compassionate, and fun loving girl she has grown to be. Hello to the sweet little girl ever eager to talk, explore, and laugh. And while we look back with fondness, we look forward with hope, joy, and pride that we are her parents.

Because while we may not be able to throw her in the air anymore, we’ll always be there to catch her should she fall.

Related posts:

  1. Birthday boy
  2. “…and that’s the heatbeat.”
  3. An emotional moment
  4. Tree watch, week four
  5. A baby Rose by any other name

« « A report from our man in Grassington| Saturday Review » »

18 Comments