Twenty-One Months {and Ladybug Love}

Always exploring.

Exerting independence.

Soaking it all in.

My sweet side-kick accompanied me on a special errand.

On Maddie's birthday, we left purple flowers for her 

to see from Heaven on a special bench at CCDS.

My little Anderson Maddox was a little grumpy, and so was I.

But his presence was necessary - better to diffuse the mood of a 

grumpy 21 month old toddler than really focus on my own feelings.

{We had to stop to pick out some perfectly purple flowers, but 

before leaving the house, Alekzander noticed a ladybug on my sideview mirror.

We watched it fly off, but when Anderson and I got to the store,

we found a(nother?) ladybug on my car window.

We walked across the parking lot and over to the flower section inside Fresh Market.

I quickly found some purple tulips, 

but also wanted to find a potted plant that could be enjoyed longer.

A (third?) ladybug friend landed on Anderson 

and then flew to a pot of purple hyacinths.

Without looking anymore, I knew that was the plant to get.

The ladybug hitched a ride on the plant all the way to CCDS and then disappeared.

We spied a beautiful butterfly too almost immediately near her bench,

and I cannot help to think Maddie sent them to share a smile.}

 

Storm clouds moved in to cap off an emotional day

that included giving thanks for the toddler trials 

we face with this healthy, strong-willed little boy

and missing a precious little girl.