First Kiss

I had a special moment with Malia last night that I have to share, she gave me her first kiss! Previously, every time you would go in for a smooch on the cheek she would turn her head away. Although she pretends she hates kisses, she giggles every time Stephen and I smooch, it has recently become a game for Stephen and I to give a quick peck and watch Malia erupt in laughter. Last night while Stephen was with the High School Boys, I was feeding Malia and whispering I love you in her ear when she looks right at me, leans in and smooches me right on the lip. I am a bit slow (in part due to her previous aversion to hugs and kisses) and didn't understand what she was doing until she did it a second and third time. Parenting often tries my patience, wears me out and makes me yearn for time alone but I also have never experienced so much joy, it seems like every day a new connection is made, a bit more of her personality comes out, or a sweet gesture like a simple kiss makes me stop and praise the Lord for a healthy little girl.