The Sweetest Thing

Last night, as I was sitting on the floor playing with her, my daughter came up to me and gave me a kiss on the lips. It was the first time she had ever kissed me that way; usually, she comes at my face with her mouth open and tongue sticking out. Her usual "kisses" end up somewhere between my nose and upper lip and they're usually very wet. Oftentimes, her wet "kiss" is a response to my many kisses and I interpret it as a defensive action (i.e. "get away from me, already!") This kiss was a "proper" kiss, lips pursed and the delivery quite dry and gentle. It took me aback and made my heart swell up when I realized what had happened. She gave me a heart-melting smile and went back to putting her blocks inside a paper bag.

It's moments like this that make up for all the sleepless nights and sleep-deprivation, the waiting 'til she's fed before I can eat even though I'm famished. The most simple, affectionate gesture makes up for all the minor inconveniences that a baby brings to your life. I can't wait for more such kisses and the day she can finally verbalize her love for me.