To Aida on her 6-month birthday

May 12, 2011

Dear Aida,

I love your creases. The folds in your thighs. The ones that mark the ends of your arms and the beginnings of your hands. The ones that bubble under your eyes and turn red when you're tired.

You have two long grooves that circle your neck and disappear into smooth, pink lines when you crane your head backwards as I rock you. (Because you just have to see what's behind you when I'm trying to rock you toward sleep).

The dimples in your elbows melt me.

Looking at you today as you swung in your swing and yappity-yapped it up with nothing but the air, I thought about life six months ago, when I tried my hardest to imagine what it would be like once you were born.

How to eat in your high chair

First, learn to sit up.

Then, open your mouth when the spoon comes around.

P.S. I love the look Aida gives her dad at the end of this.



Taken Sunday, May 8, 2011.

Aida sits. By herself.

This happened Friday...



Sure, it's easy for you now. But imagine how different your life would be if you never learned how to stay upright...