soaking up the last of her babyhood

tonight, about 30 minutes after putting azalea to bed, she was still rolling around her crib and talking to herself, so i picked her up and brought her over to the glider for what i thought would be a short-lived snuggle. 

normally she starts climbing out of your arms the second you sit down unless you have a bottle for her. but she didn't...she faced me and smiled, obviously excited that i let her get up. 

we played in the chair for a few minutes, rubbing noses, tickling, and snuggling. she would lay her head down for a few seconds, but then pop up again, careful not to waste her "fun" time by resting. 

but after a while her head started to stay down longer, her breathing slowed and her little body melted into mine. i could tell she was falling asleep as i rubbed her back and held her tight. 

she was out in no time. i sat there and rocked her for quite a while. breathing in her sweet baby scent and kissing her head. she was completely relaxed in my arms and i could have sat there all night. 

in less than two weeks she will turn one and while i'm so excited for all the milestones to come, i can't believe she will never be my little baby again. but i will love her more tomorrow than i did today and even more than that the day after. i knew i would like being a mom, but this is a love i never could have prepared myself for.