Toddler Toes

Children's feet amaze me. My daughter, at the ripe old age of 2 years, has feet that never fail to make me smile. Children do not care what their feet look like, how dirty they are, or if the toenails are painted. In fact, I have clear memories of when I was little and not caring if my feet were dirty or not.

Ever since my daughter was born I would kiss her feet while changing her diaper, after a bath, when she woke up/went to bed, and just to make her smile. What is it about feet that we loose sight of as we grow older? We become more aware of all the "things" we step in, so we're less likely to want to touch someone else's feet. They seem to get "uglier" with age. When it comes small children, their feet are always adorable.

On a trip up north one weekend I captured a picture of Melanie's feet while she was sleeping in the car seat. That picture alone captures so many emotions for me. The crossing of her feet at the ankles to rest on one another; dependence. The curvature of her toes as she wiggles them during her sleep; endless energy. Yes, I would have to say that her toddler toes are an amazing summary of what makes children so enduring... the innocence of something real that will be tainted later with age. Until that occurrs, her toes and feet will be kissed.