Love of a Mama

I love when Marley wakes me up with sweet, delicate kisses like she did this morning. After waking me up, she goes for Asa. She usually has to work pretty hard to find his face under the pillows, but she gives him kisses to wake him up. We both say that is the sweetest way to be woken up.

I love listening to her chuckle when she really gets her way.

I love her hugs. Her arms wrap around my shoulders and her head falls on my chest. She feels totally relaxed and content.

I love watching her play with Asa. She lights up when he's rolling on the floor with her or hiding around the corner. Her bond with him is amazing and I love that she will have that relationship with him forever.

I love when the three of us are together and I feel like we can conquer anything. I know we're an amazing team and we're so happy because we have each other.

I love when she meets someone new and she doesn't quite know what to think about them. So, she stands in front of me and says to them, "Mama. Mama. Mama." It's like she is telling them, "This is my Mama, so you better watch it!"

I love that she can make any uncomfortable situation less awkward. We can talk about her or she can do something funny, and it eases everyone.

I love her adorably irresistable expressions. I find it very hard to tell her no recently because she makes such cute faces at me.

I love when I ask her where she wants to sleep at night, no matter what her answer is. When she says she wants to sleep in her own bed, it breaks my heart a little bit that she is so big, but it makes me happy she is becoming independent. When she says she wants to sleep in Mama's bed, I feel excited a giddy like we are having a sleepover together.

I love when she says Mama over and over again 20 times, just to have me pick her up. Sometimes a girl just needs to be held by her Mama.

I love the feeling of success that comes with convincing her to eat something. It is a constant struggle, so even if it is only one bite, I can feel so victorious the rest of the day.

I love hearing her say "thank you" when I don't expect it. and if I don't respond right away, she says it over and over until I do.

I love watching her figure something out for herself. Whether she discovers how to put something together or take something apart, her face lights up when she does it all on her own. She knows she did it, and she is so proud.

I love teaching her new things. Words, puzzles, numbers, signs, songs, anything. She loves to learn and I love watch her understand it.

I love that she wants to hold my hand while she is going to sleep. She slides her little hand in mine and pulls it up to her chest while she falls asleep. It is always hard to decide if I really want to leave her in there alone once she's asleep.

I love when she wants so badly for me to do something with her. Sometimes I don't feel like it or I think it will be too much work, but she is just dying for me to take a bath with her or blow bubbles with her or spin around the living room with her. I usually hesitate, but eventually give in. Her smile and joy are irresistable, and I love being what caused that.

I love family dinners with Marley. Whether it is just the three of us or a big group of ten, Marley lights up when she's surrounded by the people that she knows love her.

I love when my mom tells me that she has some of the same personality that I did at her age. I was a little stubborn, picky, bossy, and dramatic like Marley. But, I also love when I see Asa in her. She loves the thrills of flying in the air and being scared, and is her happiest when she can be outside exploring.

I love that she motivates me to be a better person: a healthier, kinder, more understanding and accepting person.

I love cuddling up with her under the covers. Our heads on the pillow and the quilt up by our shoulders, she loves to giggle and nestle up to me. I ask her, "Are you cozy?" She nods and says, "uh huh." Then I say, "You're not cozy! You don't even know what cozy means!" I said that one time and she it was hilarious. Now weeks later I am still saying it and she still thinks it's hilarious!

I love that one day we will get to teach Marley how to be a big sister. We will get to watch her be a loving sister and help me take care of a baby. She will be amazing and excited. Maybe a little bossy, but that's okay.

Most of all, I love loving my daughter. There is nothing like loving your child, and I am so so thankful every day that I get to experience that.

I am so lucky. Happy Mother's Day.