Today I took you outside to "play" this afternoon -- you pushed around your little Alligator Push Toy on the sidewalk for a bit but got distracted by the leaves, sticks and acorns on the ground. I don't think you're gonna mind getting dirty and play in the sand or dirt at all :)
But I started thinking about what makes you YOU and how much I love those qualities in you. So here's a very abbreviated list (there's waaaaay more than 10 things) of what I love about you.
1. Your head: You have the cutest little features and profile; little upturned nose, perfectly proportioned forehead, round cheeks, and a cute little double cowlick on the back of your head. I just love that little head; I can't stop kissing it all day long! (p.s. sorry if that's really annoying, I can't help it!)
2. Your eyes: Ok, first of all, you have the most gorgeously blue eyes I've ever seen. Your eyes must be stunning to other people too because random strangers in public comment on them. One thing that is so apparent about you is that you are VERY observant. When you see something or someone new, you stare and stare until you decide that it's all ok in your world. I think your natural inclination to observe is part of a gift of discernment: you'll be able to see things in people that the average person won't see. You'll have a great compassion for them because of it.
3. Your mouth: You've started to say baby things like "dadadadada" or "babababa" or my personal favorite, after drinking milk in the middle of the night "ya ya ya ya ya." I kind of wonder if you say "ya ya ya" instead of "ma ma ma." I'm ok with that. Plus now you've got 2 teeth, which are sharp little daggers, but are so adorable!! The process of getting those teeth through the gums wasn't pretty (read: sleepless nights, cranky girl, and chewing on everything), they sure are worth the effort.
4. Your hands: When you are nursing, you often swing your hands around wildly (you just don't like to be still) but sometimes you are still enough to hold my hand or put your little fingers on my face. It's sweet. Nowadays you are using your little fingers to pick up food and smash it into your mouth...and to point (not at things, just to point). Can't wait to see what things these hands are going to paint.
5. Your laugh: Yeah, as I've mentioned in an earlier post, it is NOT easy to get you to laugh. I think it's because you are so observant and want to take everything in. However, your dad and I finally have your laughter vault cracked: You like to be bounced up and down, you like to be tickled after I say "wiggle wiggle wiggle," (random, I know), you like being tossed up in the air, getting licked by dogs, and getting raspberries from your dad. Your little giggles are so precious.
6. Snuggles!: I cannot get enough snuggles from you. I'm so glad I've nursed you because of all of the snuggles I get. Normally you are on-the-go but the moments when you nuzzle into my shoulder or crawl into my lap are so precious; I wish they could last forever.
7. Your tenacity: You are a go-getter. You don't stop until you get what you want. Although this can be a negative thing at times (when you just HAVE to put that extension cord in your mouth), its totally a good thing. You have a determined, tenacious, ambitious personality. You will set goals and achieve them and not accept anything less. I'm excited to see how this trait will propel your life forward. Use it to advance the kingdom of God!
8. Fascination: Yes, you are a baby right now and it is normal for babies to be fascinated with new things but you seem marked by fascination. I took you outside yesterday to play and you found some leaves, sticks and acorns and I literally had to pull you away from the dirt in order to take a nap. I think you were playing for an intense 30 minutes.
9. Gentleness: You have a very delicate way of touching things and playing with your toys. I can tell that you have a very peaceable, gentle, sweet spirit in you.
10. Love for dogs!: What more can I say? You absolutely LOVE dogs of all shapes and sizes. You get so giggly when they lick you or sniff you and its such a wonderful sound. Even your dad and I cannot elicit the same amount of giggles from you that a 4-legged slobbery mess can and I love it.
Of course I have a lifetime of being able to express how much I love you and I'm so grateful for all of the unique characteristics God has given you.
Love,
Your momma
