Friday, February 12, 2010

Girl Smiley


It was gas.

She was sleepy.

Her tummy must be full.

She's exercising her face muscles.

It was an accident.

Everyone seems to know the reason for our babies' smiles. They may be true — they may not. But, in all reality, does it matter?

Crying is a way of communicating our most basic needs. (Just ask my older sis, she did her PhD on it!) Babies cry when they're hungry, have a dirty diaper or just want to be held. Toddlers throw temper tantrums. Elementary school kids cry when they get bumps and bruises. Teenagers cry when their friends leave them out. High schoolers cry when their boyfriends break their hearts, and college kids cry when they leave their childhood behind.

Sadness, pain and heartache are ever-present with kiddos. It's something beyond our control. Just a part of life. And it's something that every parent would give their left arm to avoid.

So when your child (even your six-week old baby) smiles — shows that moment of happiness — it doesn't matter if it's gas or true joy. You're just so happy to see that tell-tale sign of happiness.

And as a parent, is there anything better than that?

(For those keeping score at home, that's Claire grinning up there.)

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