A million times

Day 7 of 31 at TWT!

Fingers splayed, scrawny arms locked straight and opened wide, straining against her carseat straps, M&M's eyes crinkle as a huge grin displays her perfect teeth. I've just flipped back my seat to reach across and let her out of the car, but instead I find myself climbing into the backseat. Who could resist those outstretched little arms?

"Mmmm, I love you, Mommy! I love you a million times!" she squeals, yanking my neck to smush my head against her face. "I miss you when you're at work!"

"Awww, I love you too, Sweetie! And I miss you when I'm at work!" I pat her soft hair, close my eyes, breathe deeply to capture the scent of watermelon shampoo, and relish her little wriggles as she continues murmuring, "Mmm, I love you!"

Later, as I'm halfway through dinner, the clattering of toy kitchen tools, balls, and musical toys comes to an abrupt halt. Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud. "Who wants a sticker?"

"Oh, I would love a sticker!" I keep stirring the ground beef that's browning on the stove.

Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud. A blonde blur presses a crinkly rectangle against my hip. Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud. "Who would like another sticker?"

"Oh boy, sure! I love stickers!"

Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud. (Whoever coined the phrase, "the pitter-patter of little feet" had never met my daughter. She only has one speed, and it does not result in a soft pitter-patter!) Little fingers smooth another rectangle onto my back.

By the time the shepherd's pie is in the oven, I'm a masterpiece of My Little Pony-themed modern art.

"I gave you lots of stickers 'cause you love stickers!" She is so proud to be able to make me happy. I'm so proud that she's so sweet.

Well decorated... I ended up discovering 12 when I peeled them off just now!

"I love you, Mommy! I love you a million times!"