My Baby Is...

My baby girl is almost 8 weeks old. Here's a snapshot of what she is like.

My baby is clumsy. She is always scratching her face, despite my 5-star-spa-manicure skills. She also pokes her own eyes out. Both of these uncoordinated movements result in bouts of crying, but luckily, they can be easily soothed.

My baby is thermonuclear. She is a space heater that keeps me cozy and warm on these long winter nights. Even when she is stripped down to her diaper she is a ball of heat, radiating warmth and energy. She reminds me of mitochondria (so what if I am a geek?).

My baby is an actor. She uses her fists to act grown up:

• Sometimes she's on the phone (holds fist by ear)
• Sometimes she's in a gang (holds fists with fingers sticking out in a gang symbol)
• Sometimes she's riding a motorcycle (holds fists in front of her as if twisting gears)
• Sometimes she's fencing in a duel (holds one fist at hip, the other stretched out to the opposite side)
• Sometimes she's Mr. Burns from the Simpsons (twiddles fingers in her lap)

My baby is a bird. She chirps, clucks, squawks, screeches, screams and trumpets. Someday she will fly.

My baby is a model. She was photographed at 11 days and her portrait hangs in the lobby of the Birth Center. My baby makes me proud.

My baby is a perpetual motion machine. Swing her, rock her, bounce her, walk her, blah blah blah, all day long and she still wants more.

My baby is cute and sweet. I don't have to explain this one, I am her Mom, and I say that she is cute and sweet, so there!

My baby is patient and forgiving. She doesn't cry when Dad puts her clothes on backward. She doesn't complain when Mom brushes her hair in funny swirls. And she doesn't startle when the dog pokes its wet nose into her personal space. She accepts it all and moves on.

My baby is growing healthy and strong.

My baby is present in my arms. When I am with her, I don't dwell on the past. Although I often worry about the future. But just then, she cries, and brings me back to the present moment.

My baby is my meditation. And we are in love.