There are countless motherhood moments that I wish to burn into my mind. They can't be captured in words, photo, or video. All senses combine to form these perfect morsels of connection between my daughter and me.
As I rocked Nora just now, nursing her down to sleep (yes, yes, I know...not sure if it was her or me not ready to give this up)...my fingertips swiped wisps of her cocoa brown hair behind her ear, swirling around to smooth the skin between her eyebrows. Her eyes blinked heavily as her soft fingertips poked my nose, outlined my lips and patted my cheek.
I have memorized the contours of her face, the cadence of her frantic "time to nurse" pants, the scratches of her nails, and the smell of her milky breath. Please let me never forget.
Even when she resists my staged photo shoot and screams at me because I won't let her run into the driveway. Her screams, by the way, could break glass.
Here is a photographic evolution of one of Nora's ever-more-frequent meltdowns (I totally feel your pain, Luke and JeeYoung!).
"Hmmm...I know, I'm going to run towards the cars!"
"What? Did you seriously just tell me 'No'? Why?"
"Why aren't you letting me run down the driveway?"
"You are totally ruining my life."
"Ugghhh. Unbelievable!"
And no, she's not moving into adult cutlery...this is pure Filipino tradition. She was very curious.
Then pissed.
Her official "13 months shot." Captures her right now perfectly.
Finally, she officially has hair long enough to style into shampoo swirls and spikes!
Wait 'til she starts humming "Witchy Woman".....
Posted by: Susan Sanford Steyl | October 27, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Sam says...
"Dear Baby Nora,
We love you SO much, with all our hearts. Mommy, daddy, and Becca and Cousin Sam. Love your parents. Hope you have a great day! We will always love you, we'll make a card for you so you'll always remember us. Then, we'll send your card -- it will be so nice, that you're gonna love it! We love you so much. We'll always remember about you. Love, Cousin Sam"
Adorable photos. Your spicy personality is coming across the web very effectively. And I especially love the shampoo hair. Happy 13 months, Nora! Can't wait to see you and hug you and your parents. Love, Aunt Kathy & Uncle Shane
Posted by: Aunt Kathy & Uncle Shane | October 28, 2011 at 07:18 AM
This is hilarious! A true mom continues to take pictures as as the screaming escalates, for memories, of course! Love it. :)
Posted by: Natalie | November 16, 2011 at 09:51 PM