After we read the long bedtime story she asks: “Can you stay with me for a little while?” –“Sure!” I say, not worried one bit that I’m going to spoil her. The thought had crossed my mind during the first months. Not anymore.
I caress her face. I trace her forehead, nose, chubby cheeks, chin… she starts breathing slowly. I kiss her goodnight and slip away to spend some quality time with her daddy. My husband, friends and great conversation partner.
She looks at me through half-closed eyelids. I return the gaze smiling. It’s darker in the room. It’s peaceful.
I love her little face. She is beautiful to me. She is my baby. When I cuddle her in my arms, like a baby, she says it. I acknowledge it.