I am grateful for the reflection these monthly portraits inspire. In quieter moments I gather my thoughts about the month. About my charming eight month old, my little love. About sleepless nights and two teeth. About feeding her to sleep. About waiting, waiting, waiting before I move, so as not to wake her. About days and days spent holding and comforting her. Her little body perfect in my arms. Days that I wouldn't trade for anything.
I think back too on the many smiles, the giggles and cackles. The way kisses on her soft little neck always make her smile with delight. The smiles that even a dummy can't hide. Those clever hands - holding spoons, grabbing so many noses, tipping over my bowl of pasta. Those kicking legs that love the bath water. That little tongue, lapping and la-ing, and experimenting with teeth and gums and sound. Those dimples on her chubby hands. Her head, like a puzzle piece, fitting in to my neck and shoulder.
