How do I love thee, let me count the ways...

Last night S had a stomach ache from her new switch over to milk. She couldn't get comfortable and woke up many times throughout the night. I went in and held her for almost a half hour. While we were snuggling, it occured to me, as it always does in the dark as I feel her little warm body snuggling close, how much I love her.

I love the way that she likes to snuggle right before she goes to bed, usually with her face pressed to mine.

I love how her hair gets damp when she plays too hard and curls up into these little ringlets, especially at the base of her neck.

I love how she wanders around our living room with half of an english muffin, snacking and playing at the same time. I don't even mind the crumbs...

I love that how she pretends to touch the buttons on the tv, then shakes her head no because she knows she's not supposed to touch them.

I love the look of pride and accomplishment on her face when she learns something new.

I love to hear her laugh.

I love that she remembers where she hides all of her toys. (Hidden in pairs around the house, in pots, cabinets, and under tables).

I love her kisses.

I love that even though she is already fairly chubby, she makes the sign "eat,eat" over and over in the hopes that someone will feed her more.

I love watching her dance.

I love the way she climbs into my lap to read a book.

I love that she knows that she can trust 100% that we will come to her rescue when she needs it.

I love that even though she can walk independently, that sometimes she still takes my hand. Maybe we both still need that sometimes.

I love how she claps after she knows she did something right.

I love watching her play.

I love that when she's sitting in her high chair -she knows she's not supposed to throw food on the floor so she hides it under her instead. I pick her up and find mushed up food stuck to her.

I love how she has started to tell us what she wants.

I love how if you ask her if she wants to go "nite, nite" that she will walk herself into her room, gather her toys, and wait patiently for you to put her in the crib.

I love how protective I am of her.

I love how she gets jealous of me when I snuggle with M.

I love how she tries to give the cat kisses, and misses her face and usually plants them on the cat's back. What a patient kitty!

I love how she runs to the door every night when M gets home from work squealing with delight.

I love how she runs into the bathroom when she hears her bathtub being filled and tries to take off her clothes to jump into the bath.

I love how she hates brushing her teeth unless Daddy brushes his too.

I love how she runs to the door when you tell her it's time to go bye-bye.

I even love how she runs her fingers through her hair when they are covered with food.

I am blessed. We are blessed. And so in love.