Hug Me

Eva received a toy dog for her birthday from Travis and Jessica Thomson.  The dog talks, sings and makes all kinds of noises.  Eva loves this toy.  She will sing along to "head and shoulders knees and toes"  in her baby talk and to all the songs.  The cutest thing is when the dog says, "Hug me."  She leans on the dog as if to hug it!  So cute.  She was reading a book and sat on the dog... "hug me."  So she hugged her book!

Just two days ago Jesika Priest was over and Eva gave her a hug, then gave me a hug!  Plus yesterday she gave me a kiss!  Its wonderful having her initiate affection.

She loves to lean into me now and cuddle up to me.  I love feeling like she wants to be close to me. 

Tapping

Often times when Eva is sitting in her high chair anticipating her next bite or savoring the flavor she will lean back, spread out her arms and rest them on the edges of her tray and tap her hands gently and rhythmically.  Its so precious.

What I love

One of my favorite things that Eva is doing right now is willingly she takes my finger to walk next to me.  I love the feeling of her next to me holding my finger.  

I love the feeling I physically feel in my heart when she lays her head on my shoulder and sucks her left them and plays with my hair with her right.

I love the way I leave a room shes in for 10 seconds and she is coming to find me, hard on my heels.  I love feeling like she wants to be with me.

I love the way she is so ready to laugh.  She loves to be chased and snatched up in my arms.

I love her so much.  She is the perfect baby.

Grahpa

Affection

Eva has not been an overly affectionate person so far.  She initiated kisses maybe 4 times ever.  Two times with me and two times with Janice, my dad's girlfriend...

I shower her with kisses and hugs and snuggles.  Because thats what I love to do!  Just recently she has been more into it.  Sunday night she was at the grocery store with me and while sitting in the cart she just looked up at me and stared with her mouth closed and so I kissed her.  She didn't pull away or avoid it!  To me that means she wanted it!  YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!  Yesterday I felt like she was giving me a hug too.

Now that she is walking and on the move it is a wonderful feeling to be busy doing something and then feel her little hands lean on my leg, her dive at me and giggle, attack my chest for want of milk.  I love it so much.  It is the best feeling!  

I love the Avril Lavigne song Innocence.  I always think of Eva and these special times.  Here are the lyrics:

Waking up I see that everything is ok
The first time in my life and now it's so great! 
Slowing down I look around and I am so amazed
I think about the little things that make life great
I wouldn't change a thing about it
This is the best feeling

This innocence is brilliant, I hope that it will stay
This moment is perfect, please don't go away, I need you now
And I'll hold on to it, don't you let it pass you by

I found a place so safe, not a single tear
The first time in my life and now it's so clear
Feel calm I belong, I'm so happy here
It's so strong and now I let myself be sincere
I wouldn't change a thing about it
This is the best feeling

This innocence is brilliant, I hope that it will stay
This moment is perfect, please don't go away, I need you now
And I'll hold on to it, don't you let it pass you by

It's the state of bliss you think you're dreaming
It's the happiness inside that you're feeling
It's so beautiful it makes you wanna cry

It's the state of bliss you think you're dreaming
It's the happiness inside that you're feeling
It's so beautiful it makes you wanna cry

It's so beautiful it makes you want to cry

This innocence is brilliant, it makes you want to cry
This innocence is brilliant, please don't go away
'Cause I need you now
And I'll hold on to it, don't you let it pass you by

This innocence is brilliant, I hope that it will stay
This moment is perfect, please don't go away, I need you now
And I'll hold on to it, don't you let it pass you by

Hair Accessories

Eva intently watched me put a clip in my hair, then took another clip and put it to her head repeatedly as if she was trying to put it on.  So cute!

Sweetness

Getting ready in the bathroom this morning, I had Eva in the bumbo next to me as I put my makeup on.  She smiled at herself in the mirror and leaned her head on my arm as I put on my mascara.  Oh, it was wonderful.  She kept doing that for the rest of the time she was in the bumbo.