Some firsts for today:

• We walked our 2-mile loop, which we haven’t done since the day before Mia was born.  And the first time all three of us went on such a long walk together.  Mia slept most of the way.
• Mia laughed!  She had two laughing episodes, which were entertaining for the whole family:  First, upon returning from our walk, I was folding up a swaddle cloth and being silly.  She often smiles and seems amused when watching us fold things (wash cloths, burp cloths, blankets, wiping mouths and faces with cloth napkins) but this morning she laughed!  Then later, this evening, while hanging out in the kitchen, I tried some silly antics with a dish towel and she started giggling again.  So I grabbed the camera while Papa took over the funny folding show…and we present this video of Mia’s laughter.  Music to our ears!

This afternoon, everyone in the house (Mia, Aaron, Tico, and the cats) took a nap, except for me.  Sleep didn’t come to me but it was oh-so-relaxing and calm.  I sat on the couch, with our sweet daughter sleeping in my lap and listened to the still house.  I watched people walk, run, bike and drive past our house.  I watched as the sun started sinking, and the light filtered in through the windows.  I watched Mia’s peaceful face, felt the weight and warmth of her body, and listened to the rhythm of her breathing.  And I thought about how much I love all the time I have with my family, including these quiet moments.  I am blessed.