The Eyes
Originally uploaded by kyleroth.

Liv was 8 months old on Sunday. I know…I can hardly believe it myself. She is on the verge of moving…really moving…which means Mama is frantically scouring the floor every 3 seconds to ensure that Kade’s ridiculously miniscule toys are safely put away. I walked in to find her popping a skeleton head into her mouth the other day…it took over an hour for my heart to stop palpitating once I removed it from those oh-so-chubby cheeks. She is starting to eat finger foods like cheerios and baby crack (those fruit puff things by Gerber….she goes nuts over them). It’s so nice to be able to put her in a highchair at a restaurant and let her go to town with her own food while we enjoy ours.
If I could freeze time, I would. She wakes up every morning talking to the animals in her bed and singing to the butterflies on her crib bumper. She doesn’t cry…she’ll whine a little…or even yell if she’s really mad…but tears…hardly ever. She reaches out for you to sweep her into your arms, and when you do, she buries her head into the crook of your neck as if to say, ‘I love you.” When she smiles and says “ma-ma,” I cover her with whisper kisses to thank her (even though her first words were da-da). She has the most precious, subdued laugh…it’s really more of an inward giggle that she doesn’t want to let loose. She’s the best kisser. She will grab your cheeks with both of her hands and pull your face towards her while squealing with delight. Even on the worst day, one kiss from her and you can just feel the love move down through your body straight to your toes. It would make anyone smile.
Liv, you bring me so much joy. I look into those eyes and I see all the love I have for you reflected back at me. Your calm nature brings serenity to our crazy days, your gentle touch brings peace to rough and tumble afternoons, your infectious grins and giggles bring a new dimension to the laughter that fills our home, and your gift of life brings our family full circle.