A Princess Like You

Today you woke up from your nap and greeted me with the faintest smile. As if you didn't want to show that you were happy to see me; afraid to show me how excited you were that I was there. You can always count of me, can't you? You can always count on me to greet you. It makes my heart happy knowing that you are confident and secure in my love. Your smile warmed my heart and refilled me with needed energy to tackle the next couple of hours until I lay your head down on the pillow for a final goodnight prayer. As you left your crib, you whispered in my ear, "Mom, can I wear my pink princess dress?" and we quickly whisked into your closet and slipped it on. We reached the top of the stairs and were about to go down when you asked me to hold you. You are still so little; I often forget. I held you close and down we went. You told me about your dreams of swimming in the pool and of butterflies that dance in the garden. You told me that you saw stars in your dreams the night before. We arrived downstairs together and I let you go. You were off to the next room to find your princess shoes, flittering around the room and laughing in glee that you had found them. I started doing the dishes and just focused on your sweet noises-- the shrill of your laugh and the softness of your voice, your little squeals and delights. Before long, you were back at my side again. Looking straight in my eyes, you said, "Mom, I want to be a big pretty princess like you!" And then my heart burst into a zillion love pieces, and the love I have for you exploded once more; multiplied over and over again is the love I have for you. You are growing up so beautifully right before my eyes. I love those small, little moments to just take you in, Eden.