A letter to Celia....

Dearest Celia,

I am still smiling as I think about our short time together just a few days ago...and, I am still wishing for more time to sit on the floor and just watch you walk and play and coo and giggle and explore.

You have this way about you that is hard to define, but your presence makes people around you just feel good. It is almost magical.

Maybe it is those tremendous, gorgeous light grey eyes of yours that are always wide open with amazement. You observe the world around you with such delight from the tiniest blade of grass that you hold tight in your tiny little hands to the biggest toy that you pick up and try to carry around. I sat outside with you one day and watched you hold on to a minuscule flower without ever letting it go as you continued to explore the world outside your door. Those few moments alone with you were some of my very favorite times we had together...

Everything that you pick up goes right into your mouth...flowers, dirt, wood chips, toys, etc. When you are given real food to eat you seem so intent as you pick through the cut-up items to find just the ones that you want to have. You can spot a Cheerio a mile away! Amazing.

I love the little noises that you make before the food gets to your mouth...and, oh, how you open that sweet little mouth so wide when a spoon with something delicious on it is coming your way! You remind me of a little bird being fed by its mother...

I loved watching you proudly walking around....losing your balance....plopping down momentarily....and, then, popping right back up again. Once you started walking there was no turning back. Crawling seems almost passe' to you now as you busily maneuver your way around.

I am always pleased to watch your mommy and daddy with you. They are such naturals...and make it very clear that they are absolutely smitten with you! When one of them enters the room your face just totally lights up with joy! And, one day I know that you will come to appreciate all of the care and thought that they put into bringing you up. They make sure that the food that they serve you is not only tasty...but, fresh, homemade and healthy. And, you are growing up in an eclectic neighborhood where you will learn to appreciate differences in people with tolerance, acceptance, and compassion.

Celia, your smile is a gift that you give to those around you. Your beautiful eyes close a bit, you crinkle your cute nose and little dimples on each cheek begin to show as you break out into your "Celia smile". It is contagious...it is delicious...and I miss it, and you, so much already...

I can't wait to see you again soon.

In the meantime, please know how very much I love you,

XOXO

Grammie