Every day, Liliana naps for about two hours. She is pretty easy-going about taking her naps, making little or no fuss about her mid-day slumber.
A couple weeks ago she was "supposed" to be napping, having been in her room for about 15 minutes. She quietly opened her door and crept out. As it turned out, I caught her in the act of attempting to avoid her daily respite. This seemed a little uncharacteristic of the Ladybug since I know she usually quite enjoys her naps.
She made her way over to me, where upon I told her in a rather stern voice that she needed to go back to her room and go to sleep. This parenting move left her feeling pretty distraught as tears welled in her eyes. I immediately started to feel a little guilty for scolding her because she really didn't deserve my stern reaction.
Feeling a bit tired myself, I asked her if she wanted to nap with me on the couch. She eagerly agreed. We curled ourselves up on the couch with her laying across my chest, and I, snuggling her close to me. She fell asleep immediately.
Before I fell asleep I thought about how special this moment really was. How amazing is it that this little girl and I share such a special relationship. Every little think about her makes me smile...
She is so cuddly.
She is really funny and loves to make people laugh.
She has the cutest giggle in the world.
She can put a smile on even the grumpiest person.
She is fiercely independent and rather self-sufficient.
She is really easy-going.
She is absolutely brilliant and amazes me daily with what she knows and remembers.
She knows the power of negotiation.
She is really good at reading people and knows the exact moment when someone needs a hug.
She loves to be a helper.
She loves to tuck us into bed.
She thinks that a slumber party with her parents is one of the best things in the world.
She eats just about anything and loves broccoli.
She squeals with excitement whenever lunch or dinner is served at a restaurant.
She loves to organize.
She thinks that cooking is really fun.
She is really color-coordinated, a fashionista in training.
She makes sure that her sock toe-lines are absolutely perfect, yet she cannot seem to get her shoes on the correct feet.
She loves to dance.
She loves to sing.
She absolutely loves to read books.
She loves her family with more love than I ever thought possible.
As we were laying there, I was reminded so easily how incredible this little girl is. This fragile, precious, gentle, strong, sweet little girl makes me smile inside and out. She has so blessed my life. As I laid there listening to and feeling her breathe, the warmth of her skin, and her occasional grunts or twitches, I realize how blessed I am to be her mother. Her life has made my life perfect. Thank you Lord.
And now... this is how we enjoy napping at least once per week.
~~Aloha
