Do you want to know a few of my favorite things?

When their eyes first focus on you and are learning your face by heart.

The way they smell—a sweetness that no one can quite name, but everyone recognizes.

How they startle at nothing, arms flying wide.

Whole-body sneezes that curl them up tight.

Squeaky little yawns that seem too large for their face.

How heavy they feel when they finally fall asleep on your chest.

Those tiny curled fists that open and close like they’re still holding onto a dream.

Those early smiles when you realize you’re forever changed and there’s no going back.

These are a few of my favorite things.