Something as Simple as Sharing
Cheese and crackers. Who would have guessed that would bring me to tears yesterday! But it did! :) I was eating cheese and crackers yesterday afternoon as a snack, and little Miss Kayla wanted some too. So, I gave her little bites of my cheese, and when she was reaching for the cracker and I gave her some little bites of that too. And that's when it hit me. She is becoming so involved in my life. She's now a completely active participant in our daily routine. She is no longer just "along for the ride" and sleeping most of the time, or even awake in a "quiet alert" state. We shared a snack together! She initiated in an activity that she wanted to participate in! I know it sounds simple, but it was huge to me. Not that she has never initiated anything before... she initiats playing with her toys, and hugging me and such. But this was an activity that I was choosing to do, and she wanted to be included in it!
I remember coming home from school every day and sitting down with my mom and having an afternoon snack together, and chatting up a storm. For those of you that know my mom, she is the question lady, and asks about a million and one questions! I seem to have inherited that trait too! :) I absolutely believe those "snack times" contributed to the open relationship I have with my mom to this day. Of course it's a one-way conversation right now with Kayla and I... but I envisioned Kayla as a contributing part of my life.. and it's really the first time I've thought of her past the infant stage.