I tiptoe into her room every night. The door creaks, but she’s grown accustomed to this disturbance and does not move. I sneak to the side of her crib and suppress a giggle at the position she has found most comfortable for sleeping in that moment- sometimes sprawled across the whole crib, sometimes curled tight, sometimes (and this is my favorite) with her knees under her tummy and her bum in the air.
I lean against the crib rails while I watch her breathe perfect breaths- mesmerized by the rise and fall of her chest and tummy.
I reach down and touch her soft, round tummy to feel those perfect inhales and exhales. I stare at her tiny body, which really is so big compared to how we brought her home 18 months ago.
I smooth her hair and let my hand linger on her perfect, round cheeks.
Sometimes she stirs, and I quickly leave the room so as not to wake her from dreamland.
My husband just confessed that he often intentionally wakes her so he can hold her while she is in her most cuddly state.
Why didn’t I think of that?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s true! I am the Dad of this little angel and sometimes I cannot help myself. I do not get to see her alot, so sometimes these are the most precious times i have with her.
aah, Ryan’s comment is precious!
Van is 4, and I still go snuggle with her…easier on a twin matt than in a crib though.
How sweet!
Why am I crying right now? Because this was such a touching, beautiful post. So glad I popped over from SITS for a visit:)
*sigh* This is a lovely post! I was nodding throughout it as I read, because I do the exact same. And as Im staring down at DS in his crib, in the softness of the night light, I may just stroke his little cheek ever so gently, or touch his hair. Or I may just bend in close and breathe in that sweet, baby smell! Aaaah, I love this stage so much.
Babies/tots are the greatest!