The little things

Did you know diet, caffeine-free Dr Pepper tastes about as delicious as the real thing?

Me neither. But now that caffeine is verboten — at least until October 10 — I've discovered this important fact.

It's a little thing that perks up my afternoon, even if I'm not getting a hit of caffeine.

These days, I've noticed it's the little things that are worth noticing, remembering, enjoying.

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It's not likely Jim and I will be able to take a vacation this summer — time constraints and budget limitations prevent it. We can't afford expensive furniture or much of anything beyond necessities, really. But little things, like an impromptu lunch date or planning the baby's nursery, have taken on greater importance. They're not overshadowed by flashier events, because frankly, we don't have any of those going on right now.

I think that's the way it should be. As the baby grows, we'll see the world through a little person's eyes again. By necessity, we'll slow down. We won't be go, go, going all the time (probably). And as soon as we (read: I) adjust to that, the easier this transition will be.

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I haven't always found joy in small things. Contentment has been a hard-fought battle for me. I don't say hard-won because it's not. It's an every day struggle to realize what I have is a blessing and not begrudge others who have what I don't. But it gets better all the time — especially knowing I'll be an example for this small person whose heart beats beneath mine.

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A good book. A cup of tea. A husband who takes care of yard work. A growing belly.

Little things make my world seem so very big.