In a name

If you didn't know I was hanging out with an eleven week old and you heard me babbling around the house, you'd think I've gone crazy as a Betsy bug (whatever those are, besides a colorful southern expression).

Take this morning, for instance: 

"I like to swing-swing-swing, swingidy-swing!  I like to swing-swing-swing, swingidy-swing!"

 

.....which became:

"I like to sing-ah, I like to swing-ah, I like the moon-ah and the June-ah and the spring-ah!"

(And if you've ever seen the special features from the movie Happy Feet, you'll know that's not a product of my own genius.)

Around Ava Leigh, odd words and songs abound.  For example, today she's Monkey-Moo.   I was so happy that her chubby little baby body was big enough to sport her sock monkey onesie for the first time this morning, it seemed appropriate.  Never mind arguing the reproductive incompatibility of primates and cattle.  

Then we get to the real brilliance.

Pooter-scooter.  Moon pie.  Baby popper.  Snoozle.  Snortle.  Puglet.  Pea pod.  Peanut butt.  Squishy.  Pretty girl.

And then there's my favorite, the name I find on my lips more and more as her personality blossoms: Baby Bright Eyes.  The way her entire face lights up when she locks eyes with Mommy or Daddy.... Forget puppies, kittens, rainbows, and jellybeans.  This is The Stuff.

This weekend, as I attended a women's retreat at church and took the opportunity to   simply focus on being a child of God, I wondered what names I would inspire him to give specifically to me.  Would I be his bright-eyed girl? His lovely daughter?  His faithful servant?  His strong-willed child?  His quiet, thoughtful one?

Those are what I'd want to hear.

The names I have for myself sometimes aren't so loving, even if they carry a grain of cruel truthfulness.

Hermit.  Failure.  Inconsistent.  Big-haired, googly-eyed college dropout.

Sometimes we need to hear someone call upon us in a way that reminds us that we're worthy of love.  When you hear something repeatedly regarding who you are, it tends to stick with you, whether you believe it or not.

So today, daughter, I tell you that you are brilliant.  And I will tell you this over and over throughout your life.  Because in so many ways I will never be, you already are. 

You love me already, every day, consistently....and I really needed you to.