Yesterday morning I woke up and showered before the Munchkin woke up, which is very rare. Oh, the luxury of showering in peace and quiet!

After I turned the water off, though, I could hear her tinklling voice as she talked to herself in her bedroom. I dressed and went over to her room and met her in the hallway outside, as she ran toward me. What a happy, beautiful sight she was, all fresh faced, chubby-cheeked and smiling in her cute little shortie PJs. I lifted her up in my arms and gave her a big hug. I love you sooo much, I said to her. Then I stopped and repeated in the singsong voice I use to get her to repeat what I say:

I….

Love….

You!

She looked up at me all smiles and replied, I love you, too!

Oh my goodness! You could have bowled me over with one breath. Too. I know I didn’t teach her that word or when to say it so all I can figure is that she’s heard us use it and figured it all out.

That remark earned Chiara an extra big extra hug!

I took this picture of her a few minutes later. She turned 22 months on this morning!