a baby no more...

somehow she convinces her favorite to jump on the trampoline with her.  but only after asking forty three times.  perhaps i over-counted.   

no sooner they are out the door, i hear her crying.

i rush to the door to find she had tripped and scraped her leg.

i suppose i'll never stop being surprised over how perfectly she fits in my arms.

as we clean the scrape and have a rather dramatic demonstration of whimpering and whining, i'm certain her leg will need to be amputated.  one mention of the doctor and she seems brand new.

we head home for a nap.  she is still and peaceful before i can blink.  

i stare long at her. 

the soft rhythm as her chest rises and falls.

how her long lashes flutter the further she drifts into dreamland.

the sweet pucker of lips i keep kissing.

chubby hands that fit my own like a soft glove.

velvet brown hair that begs to curl.

a month from today, this angel will turn another year older. 

it seems impossible.  my heart is tender to each moment.

i never knew how bittersweet it would be watch your baby get bigger.

she is less baby and more big girl now.

most days, i think she can give me a dissertation on any number of topics.

she is wiser than most.

and the best friend i always wanted.

as we were leaving my parents this afternoon, she saw a cross in the neighbor's yard.

she reminded me that the cross is only a reminder that Jesus lives in our hearts.

and then she taught me that s-o-n spells Jesus.

i'm certain my heart burst wide open.

right there in the middle of southborough road.

the little girl she is growing into is rather amazing.

a little girl who speaks volumes to this heart of mine. 

a little girl whose personality is too big to contain.

a little girl who will always be the baby that fits perfectly in the nook of my neck.

a baby who is my heart's desire and a longing fulfilled.

this girl is the grace-gift i never earned.  a reward undeserved.

yet, a gift i will continue to give back to the Giver of all things good.