“I love you, Mommy.”

Her voice, so new and fresh, whispers in my ear.

Tiny, silky-smooth arms grasp my neck, pulling me closer so we are cheek to cheek.

The early morning sun splashing on our faces as the coffee gurgles and steams and milk pours into an orange plastic sippy cup.

This deepening, mother-daughter love that

overwhelms and calms

amazes and exhausts

This love is two years new.