4am

As much as I thought I treasured sleep, now I treasure these dark, sleepy moments with you. One day you won't need me like this anymore. I won't get to listen to your sweet, breathy baby sounds and feel your little fists and fingers happily squirming against my chest. I won't watch your sleepy head bobble around while I burp you and steal countless little kisses on your cheeks and your temples. You won't snuggle up belly-down against my chest to fall asleep with a full belly and a contented sigh. When I (sometimes grudgingly) awaken from a deep sleep to engage in this little ritual of ours, I hope that I never take it for granted. I am so blessed to be able to give you this gift, and to receive such sweet little gifts from you in return. And though you'll never remember them, our quiet moments together in these dark hours are forging a special bond between you and I. I'd never trade that for all the sleep in the world.