My dear sweet child......

As it's been said before, Carly has always been a happy and joyful child. From infancy she's been quick with a smile, a giggle, a full belly laugh. Now that she's almost 2 1/2, she has also become quite affectionate. From the first day of her life, I've made a point of saying "I love you, Carly" several times each day. I wanted her to hear these words to be familiar with them and to associate them with feelings. Now that she's fully cognizant of words and their meanings, she is grasping the emotions that coincide. When I say "I love you, Carly, " I will usually get a sweet smile and "I love you too Mommy." I respond with "Thank you Honey, that makes my heart happy," and she knows what I mean. Carly will often grin at me, throw her arms around my neck, lay her head on my shoulder and say "I really love you Mommy," completely unsolicited but totally heartfelt. What's better than that? Nothing in this world.