When I Thought She Was Sleeping

The other night, we were laying in bed - Kevin and I, with Makayla between us.  Kevin was watching TV and I was reading my book.  Makayla was laying there, so peacefully, with her eyes closed.  Her skin was flawless, soft, and smelled of Mason's lavendar baby wash.  Her lips were relaxed and shaped oh so perfectly - pouty, full, and red.  Her soft blonde curls layed gently across her cheek.  She was beautiful.  She was my baby girl.  I leaned in and whispered in her ear that I loved her, I gave her a soft gentle kiss, and couldn't take my eyes off of her.  I thought about what's in store in life for her and her brother as they grow and I thanked God for giving me Makayla and Mason. I'm not sure how long I was in La-La Land, but suddenly, Kevin ruined my moment. Kevin:  Stop staring at her! Me:  (as I look at him cross eyed) - Don't you love to stare at her when she's sleeping? Kevin: (looking at me like I am crazy) - No!  I don't stare at her! Me: (thinking if I re-worded the verb, I might bring out his sensitive side to push his admittance that he does stare at her) Don't you ever gaze at her?! Kevin: No!  I don't gaze at her, but you need to stop!  You look weird with your eyes locked on her and your body frozen with your book held up in mid air.  (as he imitates me)     I told him that I couldn't help it and started giggling. Makayla then popped her eyes open, grinned, and said "Read your book, mommy"...Then I started giggling even harder and told her how much I loved her.  I absolutley love that when I thought she was sound asleep, she actually had been awake.  She was quietly laying there, soaking in my gazes, kisses, and whispers. I ALSO love how our first Parent-Teacher conference went!  Yes, we had a Parent-Teacher conference for a 3 year old! I was surprised at how well Makayla is doing. She listens to the teacher, follows directions, and even raises her hand when she wants to talk. She loves story time and working in her Weekly Reader. She is very attentive to other children's needs and loves to be consoling when her classmates are sad, mad, or bad.  She is very intune with her emotions and her classmates emotions. She loves to play at the "kitchen" station, craft station, and reading station. She has her favorite toys in the class room and is very protective of them! She asks lots of questions and is so interested in learning what the answers are. She knows her letters, numbers, shapes, etc... She made me proud! The only things we needed to work on were cutting with scissors, zipping our coat, and galloping.  We've perfected the zipping, have fun in practicing galloping, and are getting better with the scissors! Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression. - Dr. Hiam Ginnot