My cup runneth over

Today marks J's 16-month 'birthday.' I can't believe it's really been that long since she arrived. How the time has flown. A and I laughingly chart her growth in terms of how tall she is in comparison to our family room couch. Used to be she stood a little higher than the cushions; now she's able to climb up on that couch. (I tried to include a recent photo but bl0gger is being, well, bl0gger.)

Apparently, in honor of her 16-month mark, today she learned how to give real honest-to-goodness kisses, with little puckered lips and a 'mwah' sound (okay, she got that from watching A and I demonstrate how to give kisses, the noise was simply for demonstrative purposes but it appears that she thinks it's a required part of the process and really, I mean how cute is that?)

I could say so much about how she's started talking and recently (be still my heart) took to calling me "mama," or how she's got a real thing for her favorite blankie, or how much of a snuggler she's become. But really, is my kid the first to do those things? No, she's not, nor will she be the last.

I will say that, though, that my heart just swells with love for her. And that love seems to grow on a minute-by-minute basis...no lie. Just when I thought I couldn't love her more than I already do, I realize that I can. How do you put into words the deep, binding, and precious love you have for your child?

I guess you don't. You just ride the wave, enjoy the ride, savor the feeling. And know that you are but one of many many mothers who love their children this way...a way that defies measurement and knows no boundaries.