When one thinks of first moments, I immediately think of first words, the moment a child first crawls, first steps... all milestones that Chris and I will patiently wait for Vivienne to hit, having no expectations or pressure to have them happen within a certain timeline.

The lovely thing is, when we first saw our little girl smile, it came at a time when we were definitely not expecting it, which is what is the most exciting element of parenting; being surprised by our children. I was 28 weeks and we were at our last sonogram the Thursday before the baby shower, a week before I gave birth. We were watching the screen trying to get a better look at our little fetus and right before we were about to give up, an enormous grin filled the monitor, one that seemingly stretched from ear to ear. Did she really just smile IN UTERO? Looking back, maybe she was on to the fact she was coming early and was relaying her zeal. Not only did she smile, but when I realized Chris went back to being on his phone (typical), I began to sweetly reprimand him, "Honey, she just smiled! Put your phone down". As I glanced back to the monitor, she stuck her tongue out playfully. I took it as a gesture to her father - a "so there" for not paying attention. I gleefully approved the message.

So what has happened in the meantime, you ask? What firsts have we experienced? We are 10 weeks into our little girl's life and so far, every waking day includes something worth mentioning. A new and aggressive hair tug, a hand that lingers with intention alongside our cheek, a happy stare into the depths of our person, a high pitched squeal that sounds a bit too pre-teen. All these firsts that make it so wonderful getting to know Vivienne on her watch, in her time.

She seems a bit more opinionated and present lately. And with each passing day I know that this strong baby personality will flourish into a tiny and independent toddler that will be running this household (as if she isn't already!) But to be honest I can only stand thinking that far into the future. I already feel like the days with her being so small and fragile are quickly elapsing. But we happily trudge on, looking forward to these moments, to these beautiful memories that are enriching our life; not worried about them moving too quickly, but honored that our presence has been graced by them.