"Why do you love Dada?" That was the question I asked Adelyn today. I was helping her make a Valentine card for Matt, and she just wasn't into coloring or decorating the card like she usually is. So, I improvised. We decorated the outside of the card together, and on the inside was a list of questions and answers. I would ask a question like, "what is Dada's favorite treat?" Her response, "jelly beans!" (Which is not correct by the way...) Another question was, "what do you like to do with Dada?" Her response, "I like to go to the gaygound with Dada." (Translation: gaygound means playground.) Her answers were all very sweet. But, my favorite was this question and answer: "Adelyn, why do you love Dada?" Her response, "I love Dada!" I asked again, "Addy, but why do you love Dada?" Her response, "I love Dada!"
Her answer made me realize something. Children love unconditionally. She doesn't need a reason to love Matt. She loves him. Plain and simple.
Even Tobin, at his young age, shows unconditional love. Matt walks over to him, smiles, and says, "hi buddy, hey Tobin, how are you?" And Tobin always answers him the same way: with a huge smile. It's as if he's saying, "oh, there's that guy again...I love him." I guess some might argue that he's smiling because that's just how babies are. They just smile at whoever smiles at them. But, I know him. I've been there since the first minute. I know what his smiles mean. Smiles, facial expressions, crying...that's his language. I understand his language. In a way no one else ever can. And I know, his huge smile for Matt means, "I love you." Mothers know these things.
Thankful for Adelyn and Tobin who continuously teach me about love. And how to love. And why to love.
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