a gift

I was sitting on the floor watching Maci this morning in awe of her. Have you ever really watched what a baby does when they are looking at something for the very first time? They look at the object. Then they pick it up, rolling it around in their hand. Feeling every side of the item. Does it crinkle, is it slippery or if I move it- will it change? Then they put it to their mouth. What does it taste like? Does it even taste? Then Maci looked up at me and smiled. A smile of triumph, a smile of being proud of what she has discovered; a smile of this is new and I get it. Their innocent eyes gleam with excitement and mystery and love. Love. In that very moment I found what will probably be my most fullfilling moment of the day. My daughter is growing, learning, and loving. What came next was the sweetest and most special moment. She walked forward and gave me a kiss and hug and said "Mama". Then she walked off to find the next exciting adventure for the morning. Although the moment truely only lasted a couple minutes.....it was magical.