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She rubs her eyes, sits down, and cries. So I go to her. Do you want to sleep?, I ask her. Would you like some milk?, I sign. She signs milk at me, grunts an affirmation, holds her hand up to her cheek to show me that she is tired. So I pick her up and before we reach the bedroom, she has set her head upon my shoulder and closed her eyes.
I lay down with her like that, the entirety of her weight upon mine, and I watch the ceiling fan whir in circles until sleep claims me. We drift into a deep dream, the two of us, blissfully pressed together, sweating and warm and happy. A few hours later, when I open my eyes, she’s leaning over me, smiling down at me. PLAY!, she signs.
And play we do.
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(17) Comments | Permalink
Filed as Sarah Photographs of Sarah Parenthood Motherhood Boobs Breastfeeding Parenting choices Attachment parenting Family life Family photographs Charlotte Photographs of Charlotte Charlotte's toddlerhood; 12-24 months Sleep Nap wars Sleep sharing Emotion Love Sign language
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Beautiful. Love it! (and now I’m googling the sign for ‘play’- I really think Jackson will pick up on that one! He only does ‘milk’ so far :)
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I know I say this on just about every other picture, but you two are absolutely gorgeous!
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these are so dreamy. who takes these gorgeous photos when you’re in them? your husband?
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I love, love, love when Jasper sleeps on me. Definitely one of my favorite things. He also likes to put both hands in my hair and scrunch it while he drifts off. Totally dreamy.
You guys are precious.
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I was going to say the same as Amber. Working all day does not leave much time for moments like those. I do cherish them in the evenings though when a little body will crash out on me. Being almost two now, those are far and few between. Enjoy your babe.
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those are beautiful pictures. i love nap time with Lily also. just yesterday we took a nap together and i couldn’t stop looking at her sleeping face.
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Elizabeth loves to sign too, and I’ve got to say that doing the signing thing was one of the best decisions we made. It’s not common here at all. Actually, at our playgroup the other day the coordinators were all excited to see Elizabeth signing - “want that”, “I’m hungry” etc - apparently they had NEVER seen another child who knew more than one sign (Really???)
But even though she talks too, having the signs means that there’s no mistaking what the various sounds she’s making might mean. And when she’s feeling shy around others there is no way she’ll use her voice, but she will often sign.
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My son (8 months old) also sleeps this way on me! this is so precious. I would like a photo of us sleeping this way too.
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Finnley hasn’t fallen asleep on me in a very long time. I miss that. She just isn’t a cuddle-bug, though. Little Ms. Independent prefers her crib to her mama. Oh well! At least she naps!
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Aww, I miss those days. Of course the trade off is that now I get: Mommy, can we go snuggle in your big bed?, which is pretty great, too.
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I love baby signs! When my first daughter was born, she started doing signs at 6 months old with me and she learned close to around 150 signs! it was awesome!!!!!! even after she was talking she did signing also! LOVE IT! so cute to see their little hands forming signs!
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What precious photos…and precious moments together. Spending the time (as you are) will never be something you will regret. Quite the opposite. What a lovely beginning for your little girl. She will be all that she can be because you are allowing her to grow at her own pace. So few children get that opportunity. Bless you.
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oh nap time is just the best, isn’t it? I like to take my little guy and rock him to sleep for his afternoon nap and then close my eyes for a while too. We just sit there and snooze in our recliner for an hour or so. There’s no better feeling!
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Katherine - To sign play, put your hands into a y (both hands) and shake them. We use it interchangeably for toy and play based on if we use one hand or two.
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Sarah, this made me tear up. And that picture of her little diaper bottom! Absolutely precious.
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Sarah, this is my favorite post of yours. easily.
Isn’t it great…. being a mom?
By amber on July 21, 2010
I am jealous. Because I work all day, I never get those moments with my little one. Cherish them.