It’s coming.

When I’m pacing through the dark, walking a baby back to sleep, I don’t see it.

When I’m rubbing a round baby tummy to help relieve the pain, it’s not there. 

When she fills her diaper the exact moment you click the last car seat buckle into place…

When muscles tighten and limbs fall asleep

when crumbs from your food land on her cheek

when you have to tell others no (again)

wait

it’s coming

the smile

I don’t think a mama’s pride in a simple smile can be understood until you realize the work it took to get there. 500 feedings. 500 diapers. And that’s the simple part!

Isn’t she beautiful?

 

And then there are the funny faces too:

After nap stretches also induce mama-pride. 

You know it was a good nap when mama’s sweater marks your face.