I can hardly believe Elayna is 22 months old.

I wish I could slow down this time with her, when she will still snuggle sweetly on my lap for book after book to be read to her. When she still calls out “It’s Mommy!” or “It’s Daddy!” when she sees us after a while apart. When she still giggles like crazy when I just surprise her somehow. When she still loves her Honeybear and binky for bedtime. When her tiny hand still fits perfectly in mine. When she still thinks of Mommy and Daddy as her world. When she still gives us kisses, over and over again, at our request. When she still has the quiet time just after waking up when she will squish up close to me in the crook of my neck and just breathe.

She still needs me, but only most of the time now. It’s bittersweet to watch her getting bigger and smarter and braver and more beautiful.

What a blessing it is to be a mother.

While my post may sound a bit sappy, Elayna would have no part in that attitude. She would probably rather sing herself Happy Birthday, or at least “Layna’s Song (to the tune of “Elmo’s Song”) like she was doing at the park today. She is such a ham that she actually throws her hand up and holds the last note sometimes. We get some looks and smiles. Ha!!

Daddy always makes her giggle. 🙂