we are lying so close to one another that our noses almost touch

I reach out to your face, and gently stroke your cheek and you giggle, smile, coo…  your eyes sparkle

Your face leans into my touch

oh my child, how I love you, every inch of you

How can it be that a year ago, at this time, you were a wee chickpea in my womb?

A year ago at this time, I longed to know for sure that I would be able to hold you and that you would see light and I would not lose you

Every day was faith

Every day was begging for more grace to have faith and grace that gave me the words to ask

Every. Day.

And now, you are here and I am right beside you and we nuzzle noses and you reach out, those tiny hands of yours know to reach out for my face and you smile and laugh out loud as you love my face…  those chubby wet fingers on my cheeks…

And you coo again and again… satisfied, content, at peace to just be here with me… no hurry, no where to run, just yet…

We are here, staring at one another and laughing

Ah, child.

Your eyes are sparkling with joy.