I’ve seen heavenly beaches around the world, some with turquoise waters so clear that you question reality and others with soft white sands that cushion your feet like pillows, but no view could compare to what I saw today at Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas. I guess it could have happened anywhere. It wasn’t so much the beach that inspired me as the people, or person, surrounding me. Today, Athena lifted my heart to a new level of joy. The happiness on her face as she ran down the beach in her big, pink dress and messy hair was life-changing. I am a mother and every second of my life is more beautiful because of it.
She started off being silly in the Japanese restaurant that we went to for dinner. Her fork was a choo choo train and she quietly said, “choo choo” around the table while waiting for her food. Before dinner was over, however, she spilled an entire glass of water all over “Daddy” and had rice noodles all over her dress. I was caught laughing and had to turn my head not to encourage her. I figured she needed a run on the beach before going back to the room. Tiring her out seemed like a good plan.
We ran up and down the beach for almost an hour. I was the one exhausted. I put the camera on action and snapped photos as she ran, fell, laughed, and played in the sand.
I’m 33 years old and I’ve had a beautiful life filled with love, family, friendship, travel, adventure, and deep happiness, but becoming a mother has added another dimension that I didn’t know was possible. When Athena looks up at me with that smile on her face, it is the happiest, most fulfilling moment in my life and I get to experience it daily, sometimes hourly or even by the minute. People try to explain what it’s like being a mother but I think only mothers truly understand. The are simply no words.
Bucket List Publications 
You’re right, there are no words.Enjoy every moment, it will be over in a blink of your eye and she will be kissing you goodby as she heads off to college.
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It makes me almost cry just thinking about it. She is so full of joy and life. I just smile at her every movement and surprising growth. We are blessed as parents. It is a gift. 😉
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She looks so happy!
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You two are rich beyond everything. God bless your family!
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Thank you, John! May your days be filled with happiness and laughter. 🙂
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Big beautiful eyes!
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She is adorable. Yes nothing quite like it is there?
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Hard to believe, right? One second I want to kill her and that same second I want to hug her for eternity. She is a miracle. I am blessed. 🙂
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She is so beautiful and the Joy on her face is priceless. Smiling about the dinner and can picture that. What great parents you both are 🙂
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Thank you, my friend! You know, people have come and gone in and out of my life over the last two years of blogging but some have made a lasting difference. Thank you for all of your support and encouraging words. You are appreciated 🙂
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Thanks so much, Lesley and happy to do so. Love following your blog 🙂
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what special moments to treasure. Your daughter’s photos are beautiful
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Thank you! She brings such happiness to everyone around her. It’s a beautiful life. 🙂
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Beautiful, beautiful! I don’t have to tell you to enjoy every moment, yiu are already doing so! They do grow fast but each step brings another kind of joy.Thank you for sharing Athena with us!
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Beautiful. You are building the memories your child will have when she is your age
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Enjoy the little things with your children. It is amazing how fast they grow up and you will find yourself reminiscing about those days so “long” ago when she needed you to do her hair or even just getting her dressed. As a father of three, two girls and a boy, I have been there and those precious years go by so fast. Enjoy her, she is beautiful and happy.
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She is adorable! Being a mom is the hardest and yet most amazing experience. And you can see the joy in her eyes. So happy for you both.
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Hi Lesley, Athena is lovely. I agree with you, parenthood is a gift.
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This is beautifully written! Made me feel a little teary as I am currently expecting my first 🙂 One day I hope to visit this hotel too, as I have admired it before!
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Thanks for sharing these pictures and thoughts with us. Athena is precious! Enjoy each new phase as it comes along! I’m sure you will. 🙂
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I completely agree with you – my kids make me laugh and smile like no one else. Parenting is so life – changing and wonderful!
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Although I can’t comment on either mothering or being a parent, I got a glimpse of the joy you feel from being a part of my nieces life as she grew up. Helping get her ready in the morning, walking her to school, volunteering at her school (specifically to help her class), and going with her on school trips were all awesome experiences indelibly etched on my memory. You get to experience that in ways I never will, and I’m so happy that you can! 🙂
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I grew up with a much, much younger sister and it is similar. I’m glad you’re grateful for those memories. I don’t even want to take them for granted. I will always cherish all of the firsts I was able to experience with her and now I see similar smiles and happiness from my daughter. It’s beautiful!
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I agree. There are no words. Reading this post drew me back to the time my daughter was this age and I experience that awe with a lump in my throat. Athena is gorgeous. May your eye drink in her every mood. Sigh.
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What a radiant little girl! What a valuable lesson for all of us! Thanks for sharing.
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i am your follower since you started get pregnant .. i believe that was only 3 months. And now your daughter is here now in your blog .. she looks so adorable .. beautiful eyes and a charming face. Take care and God Bless to your family. ;D
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Thank you for being a long-time follower. I appreciate your encouragement and support. Loved the surfing pics. Good job! Stay in touch 🙂
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Unconditional love moving in both directions. I know you are enjoying each moment. Pure joy!
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Great photos! I’m staying at this resort next week. Any tips or suggestions for while I am there? Thanks!
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Oh wonderful! I’ll come up with some and post tonight 🙂
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Cool! Thanks!
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Your little girl is adorable, and it looks like she has your adventurous spirit!
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Darling! Enjoy every moment as they fly by all too quickly.
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What a beautiful child! Nothing and no one can ever prepare you for the love you feel for your children. My kids are all grown up now, but we still love each other’s company, and travel together whenever possible. My mom used to say the best friends you’ll ever have are the ones you raise yourself, and that has certainly been true in my case (not to mention the one whose genes they share!).
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She is stunning!
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You are so right! There are truly no words to describe what it’s like to be a mother yet all mothers understand perfectly. She is absolutely beautiful – enjoy her love to the max 🙂
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Reblogged this on Wr Opinion.
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Cool how a new surrounding kind of brings out a new perspective on a familiar setting.
Love reading your posts.
xo Amanda
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No words is so true, but often use “heaven on earth” or “pure joy and love” to try and describe motherhood 🙂
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That is the most beautiful sight!!
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Fantastic blogging. 😄
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What a beautiful post, it made me glow of joy. Athena is also one of the prettiest girl names I’ve ever heard of, thank you for sharing your precious story!
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Lovely, you’re so right – mother’s get it. 🙂
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She is SO BIG now…have I been following you this long?!?!
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How cute she is, and how happy you guys sound. Cherish each other! Time goes by so fast it’s important to enjoy every moment off it. Your post today put a big smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart 🙂
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Adorable!! What fun she is having and look at that big ole smile!!! Enjoy her while you can they grow up so very fast. Hugs
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When I tuned in to this post, I thought it was another beach promotion… and I planned to say: “The photo of Athena at the top of your post, is THE most beautiful thing in this post!” Love beaches, but oh, that face! What a wonderful surprise to get more photos and such a sweet post! Man, she looks more and more like D all the time!! She still has your twinkle, but she’s her daddy’s girl for sure. 😉 Sweet, sweet photos and sweet post, Lesley!
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Not only did you capture the moment, beautifully through your pictures, but you also did through your words. Nothing does compare to Motherhood! And you just wait, maybe you’ll be lucky enough to have your daughter join you in grown-up adventures, down the road, and write a blog about it…like my still precious girl and me. ❤
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The building is stunning, but your daughter out shines it. She is the cutest little girl and has the greatest smile. You’re not too proud, are you? 🙂
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You are truly blessed!
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