Before kids the world was a competitive place. My world was about what degree I wanted. What job I needed to get to the next level. I loved being outside laying in the sun and enjoying a refreshment but the trees were something I passed on the interstate on my way to work. A thunderstorm was something that interfered with Saturday plans with friends.The ant that crawled across my kitchen counter was my biggest enemy. Flowers were pretty but who had time to really “stop and smell the roses.” My life before children was all about what was next, where was I going in my career, what were my friends and I doing this weekend, where were we going to vacation next. Everything revolved around what was happening next!

Then on September 8, 2014 my world changed forever, our identical twin girls were born and it felt like time stood still. Life was no longer about what was happening next, it was about what is happening right now, what new discovery, new word, new ability is happening right now!

Everyday since then, I see the world through my daughters’ eyes. Trees are magical, their leaves blow in the breeze, they change colors, fall off and you can pick them up, wave them in the air, crush them with your hands or pile them up and jump in them. Then just as you are finally figuring out all these things you can do with these leaves, new green “things” start sprouting from the trees and you realize a whole new group of leaves are on their way!Through my daughters’ eyes, trees are magical!

A thunderstorm is mysterious. When you walk outside tiny pieces of water hit your face and head. The car is wet, the dog likes to shake a lot and water flies off of him. Then there are big, loud noises coming from the sky, sometimes they are scary but I also think they are funny! Through my daughters’ eyes, thunderstorms are mysterious!

The ant that crawls across the kitchen counter is no longer my enemy but my friend (as long as all his other friends don’t show up!) Where is he going? We must follow him to find out. Once we follow him outside we discover there is a whole world of insects and bugs to follow. Caterpillars, beetles, bees and worms crawling and flying through our yard just waiting for our curious eyes to find!

And lastly, the flowers, I will ALWAYS take the time to stop and smell the roses. My daughters brought my world into perspective, they show me everyday that life through their eyes is kind, adventurous, exciting, curious, innocent and wondrous! My life changed on September 8, 2014 and it continues to change everyday as I look at our beautiful world through my daughters’ eyes.