and then the smile.

This sweet little face will be tattooed to my heart forever. Bald little head and all. Somewhere in the madness that was last week {packing for the trip, getting ready for the parties, and just plain keeping up with this boy} he smiled. Yes, his first true smile. Those curious blue eyes just lit up and his lips curled into this unmistakable, purposeful expression.

I don't think my heart has ever burst with so much unexpected joy in my entire life.

And that's when I knew it was all worthwhile: the acid reflux and shrinking jeans of pregnancy, the exhaustion of labor, the stretch marks and squishy belly that followed, and the insane sleep deprivation and frustration in our early days together...

I never knew I had so much to give. And that there could be so much more in return. Seriously, this little man is pure bliss. An unimaginable gift.

Although, I have to admit, he has been fussier in the last month--and it's sometimes tough. But I know it's just a phase that he'll hopefully be outgrowing soon. I am thankful for those healthy lungs and praying for a little more patience for the times he is completely inconsolable, crying his face off. We've been going for walks on the coast in the evenings. The baby front pack and sling are my saviors. He falls peacefully asleep almost instantly and gives me quiet time to breathe a little fresh air, listen to the waves, and just reflect. And that warm, sleepy little head curls into my chest and melts my heart all over again.