Oh the sweet sounds of a toddler filling the backseat while we drive through town. The precious coos and tiny giggles that have officially transitioned a great deal into small words and loud laughter filling the air with his precious voice. My loves only grows deeper as each day passes. Just when I thought I couldn’t love any deeper, any harder, or anymore, I am utterly surprised as each day approaches and the depth of my love that continues to take place.

My reality of losing my baby has been very tough for me; the snuggle time, gazing at my precious sleeper, the little smiles and tiny fingers has officially passed. My little baby is only growing and becoming a delightful little toddler. I am beyond surprised how much he has grown over night; literally over night. His vocabulary has flourished since yesterday. His interactions with me has become so much more “conversational” I use this word lightly, but the depth of this little personality and humor has just begun. We are barely scratching the surface of this amazing, gorgeous, precious, sweet, humorous, silly, goofy, lovable, huggable and kissable little one.

The little things are the greatest things to me. I realize how much he has learned and the growth is immeasurable. He continues to surprise me.

This morning while driving to church I hear little words coming from the backseat. I kept hearing “ah, ah, ah, ah” and as I look back in the mirror he is signing “more” as I have taught him sign language beginning when he was 5-6 months old. He has mastered the basics. Trying to figure out what he wanted more of I was quite unsure as he hadn’t eaten anything since being in the car. I ask if he wanted his milk and he quietly says “yup…moooo.” (moo is the best he can do for milk) A few miles down the road I hear “mama, mama, mama” and as I glance back I see him reaching out his hand trying to hand me his milk. He had finished drinking and instead of tossing it on the seat next to him, as he used to, he has learned to hand me things when he’s done  with them. I was beyond shocked as I realize how much he is advancing and how quickly it all falls into place. This moment gave me joy that I absolutely love and couldn’t fill without him.

Yesterday he loudly shouts “UP!” and uses it all the time. It was so precious last night how he signs “please” and shouts “up!”

Last night at dinner daddy and him were playing games and he was shouting “UP!” as daddy tossed him into the air. The giggles that came from this overly joyous baby simply melted my heart. “This is all I need in life” I think to myself.

I love these two men more than words can describe. I am beyond grateful to watch my little boy grow and develop and continue to snuggle with me praying that never goes away. He’s a little lover and loves to give love and kisses.

I love you Cooper John!