Enjoying the Moment

There are some moments when watching my kids that I really wish I had a camera on me at all times. I know I've probably said this before, but it's so true! I think I finally understand why so many parents have thousands of pictures and home videos - you want to capture every moment of growth, every "first"- step, word, bike ride, etc, and every special moment.

I had one of these moments about a week ago. I was out in the Sala with the kids while the mamas were changing diapers after naptime and they would send 5 or so kids out a time. The first set of 5 kids included Gisel, a girl who has been in my Sala since I arrived last August and who has a deformed jawbone that leaves her smile a bit cooked. I'm not really sure I remember how it started, but I remember looking over at Gisel and she was moving the mats so that half of the mat has against the wall and the other half was on the floor. She then dragged one of the other kids over by his hand and stood him against the mat and repeated the process with 2 more kids. She then stepped back and started waving her arms like she was conducting a choir - getting them to dance and clap and "sing" along to the song. As soon as the song finished, she took each one by their hand and led them off the mat, as if to say "show is over!". And as soon as the next song started she would put them all in place again. It was absolutely amazing to watch them play together inventing their own game. And each time new kids would could out of the bathroom one of the kids lined up against the wall would beacon to them "Ven!" ("come!") with a wave of their hand and have them join in the activity. This had to have continued for at least ten minutes, all the while I just sat in the corner, desperately wanting to spring to my locker, grab my camera, and catch this on film, but knowing that if I left I'd miss just enjoying the moment.

I've always been eager to take pictures and videos to remember every moment of vacations, nights out with friends, and especially with my kids. But if anything, watching this event, just being able to sit and take it all in, I think, maybe, I've finally learned how to just enjoy the moment. And I am so grateful for all the moments my kids have given me this past year. Both the ones I've caught on film and the ones that will forever be in my memory.