Bell Jars and Fireflies

I have two glass bell jars whose contents I change seasonally- after Labor Day the summer shells and sand make way for small pumpkins and lady apples - which after Thanksgiving will be replaced by pinecones and small ornaments- microcosms of the seasons temporarily captured.

Lila turned three months old last week and suddenly we are thrust into a routine of balancing schedules and our little girl's daily care.  My maternal instincts pull me home to the safety of our proverbial bell jar- where I can control the environment and Lila's every interaction.  I long for our times together, the weekends, the early dawn when we bring her into bed - our boat in a safe harbor before we set sail on our separate ways.

As much as we want to capture these moments, like a firefly in a jar, the pleasure is fleeting.  While Lila is still so small we know that by gently easing her into the big world the more quickly she will find the wings that will bring her home.