Cherish the Moment

It is so true what is said about not blinking or you will miss much.  One night as I was putting on your pajamas, you got the giggles.  All Daddy and I had to do was look at you and you would burst into a fit of laughter.  I found myself staring at you, burning the image in my mind.  Drinking in the shape of your little mouth spread wide in laughter, the shade of your pink lips, the glisten of your eyes, your little round cheeks shaking, and that sound. It was one of the most joyous sounds I had ever heard - the sound of a happy baby.  One that knows she is loved and secure.  It was then that your daddy made the comment about loving to have the moment captured on dvd.  And yet, even without the dvd, I will always remember holding your hands while you stood on your changing table in your little footie pajamas looking lovingly at us - so proud of yourself, the sound of your beautiful laughter.  Yes, I will remember it more clearly than if it were burned onto a thousand dvd's.  This laughter that was meant for only us is more precious because my memory carries it always, and it is memories like this that are close to my heart.

I find myself more and more often stopping to quietly watch you because time is passing too quickly.  In the 7 months since you were born, you have gone from a tiny helpless newborn to my inquisitive daughter who is funny, charming, and loving.  Every moment is precious, and I am desperately trying to soak it all in.

Grace at 7 months

Spetembert 13, 2007 - October 13, 2007


Well, Sweet Girl, the theme for this month seems to be the mouth.   Your greatest accomplishment for this month is getting your paci in your mouth all by yourself!  Thank you for that, by the way.  It saves you a lot of heart ache, and me as well!  

You have also discovered new sounds which include baba, dada, and gaga.  I love your little voice.  I could listen to it all the time, and if your incessant babbling is any indication, I will certainly get my wish!  

You have also learned to transfer objects from one hand to the other and lunge for things.  You are still trying your best to crawl, but it still resembles the worm.  You get on all fours, rock, and then lunge with all your might until you reach your goal.  Persistence is the key!  Our greatest lesson this month?  We have to stay on our toes to keep up with the uber-curious wiggle worm that you are!

Hush Little Baby

By the time this picture was taken, you had had your fill of the photo shoot.  I love it though, because it's a glimpse into reality.  A reality that does have a lot of smiles and giggles, but also a reality that has struggles and tears.  Sometimes you cry because you are hungry, sometimes because you are tired, sometimes because you want to be held or snuggled, or because you aren't getting exactly what you want, sometimes because you need a diaper change, and a few times because you have been hurt or scared.

These are the easy tears - these tears I can fix.  It is the tears that I know will inevitably come because your feelings are hurt or your heart is broken that I dread.  I wish I could take all your hurts and fears and pains away from you.  I wish you would never have to feel an ounce of disappointment or uncertainty or waivering confidence.  I know it is inevitable though, so my prayer is that you will only have to feel enough pain and cry just enough tears to help you become compassionate and empathetic.  And in those times, just as the one on the day of the photo shoot, I am your mama, and you are my baby.