What A Piece of Work Is (Wo)Man....

"I can't find my neck."

It's hard for me to believe that Little Stuff is 33 weeks old today. Watching her change from the tiny helpless bundle I brought home from the hospital, to the wriggling, wiggling, toddler candidate has been the most fascinating experience of my life.

Today, Izzy can clap her hands, wave "bye-bye," say "Momma" and "Dad-da," and scoot incredibly fast after the cats on her little belly. (They're thrilled, by the way. Deeply. Thrilled.)

As hard as her Daddy and I think we're working, it occured to me that Izzy is working just as hard if not harder. She's had to master sitting up, rolling over, hand eye coordination. Eating solid foods, recognizing Momma and Daddy, nursing, and drinking from a sippy cup. Not to mention crawling, scooting on her back, first words, picking things up, putting them down, blowing raspberries, passing objects from one hand to another, sleeping through the night and finding her toes!

Then there's also all those exhausting photo sessions with relatives and accepting all those compliments from strangers. (yes, yes, I'm adorable. But it's not all about looks people! Sheesh!)

No wonder she needs two naps a day.

"It's exhausting being this cute."

I know that every new parent out there thinks that their children is unique and miraculous and I happily join their ranks. I'm also going to go out on a limb here and say that we're all of us correct. Every child truly is beautiful, fascinating and enchanting, the way every flower is remarkable and lovely.

I guess what having Izzy has taught me is that just because something is common doesn't mean it isn't miraculous. Is a sunset any less astonishing because we see it every day? How long can you stare at the Grand Canyon before it loses its wonder?

So go ahead and enthuse to me about your baby's every nuance and every tiny achievement. I want to hear about it, I really do. I agree, it's wonderful and astonishing and strange. And I'm thrilled for you. I'm thrilled for me! And I can't wait to see what tricks Her Majesty performs next. It's the best reality show in town. I've got to sign off now. My little miracle just blew out her diaper. Looks like someone's been eating peas. Love and luck to you my friends. Enjoy all your miracles, big and small.

"More pease, pleas!"