One thing I've learned...

This morning, Clementine was upset. I didn't know how to help her. She is usually only upset when her basic needs are not met. I had just fed her and knew that she was in a clean diaper. I put her in her bouncer and tried to do the dishes but she cried. I wrapped her in a blanket, held her in my arms and rocked with her as I checked my email. She cried even more. Finally, I held her out in front of me and said softly, "Clementine, I don't know what you want." She stopped crying, looked at me, and smiled. "Aha," I realized. "You need to talk!"

I took her over to the sofa, propped her on a pillow and started speaking with her. I told her about her family members that were far away that loved her, even though they hadn't met her yet. She stared into my eyes and smiled from time to time. It was such a sweet moment. Then, finally, as if she were satisfied with the conversation, she closed her eyes and took a nap.

I realized what a fundamental aspect of life communication is. Today, my baby was hungry for it. I often am too, as Jean Marcel will gladly attest. Today it became evident that it was not the words that were important. We just needed to connect and she made it happen.

These pictures are pretty old. I'll post some new ones soon. She's getting so big!