Juna Laughs

Juna laughs
when she wakes
when she sees my face
at her favorite toys
like sleepy sheep
and singing bee
when someone she loves
comes through the door
at anyone at the store
her laughter fills the room
when you stick out your tongue
and whenever she is having fun
she laughs when she is singing
dancing and crawling and
when I hold her hand
to walk across the room

Juna, Who is Nine Months Old Today

My dearest Juna, 
Today you are nine months old:
1) Your time living in the outside world now equals the time you spent growing inside me
2) Clapping when you are happy, peek-a-boo played with the curtains, feeding yourself though very messy, walks and the great outdoors, cats & dogs, opening and closing things, water, licking everything and using your pinchers to pick up the tiniest objects off the floor, are some of your favorite things to do
3) You are becoming you and I am learning who you are
4) I don't know how you could possibly be cuter and more fun than you are today,
but I know it will only increase as you grow
5) When you laugh, the world is put to rights
6) When your heart breaks, mine will break twice
7) You amaze me every single moment I get to spend with you
8) You are my best friend and I am yours
9) Every day I will wish for a better world for you, and I will work to make it happen
Your loving mama, always

Daughter

I think
sitting here
warm body
in my arms
your breath
quick heartbeat
beautiful eyes
closed
you
lie asleep
and I don't know
how life was ever
lived without you
your small soft hand
against my breast
your sweet mouth
nose, ears, fingers, toes
I think
when do we start
hating our bodies,
our selves?
because you are
so perfect!
I want you
to know that,
I want you
to feel that
you are amazing
your body knows
just what to do
it is nature
I start to feel that
somersault
in my chest,
my eyes tear up
at the thought of you
at the sight of you
for the love of you
that can't be described
it's more than I
have ever felt
more than I
ever deserved
this incredible being,
my daughter