My baby girl gazes at me, touches my face, strokes my hair or grabs anything else within reach. She savors her sweet potatoes, apples or bananas grasping the spoon to get more. Listening intently, she responds to her name and other stimuli. The smell of her poopy diapers and gas (which can smell like a grown man) does not faze her at all. Though I’m in awe at how quickly she’s growing in her first half year, I’m amazed at how she is able to operate at a level where she can take everything in slowly and become immersed in what she is doing. Observing Quinn makes me wonder why do so many adults fly through life without sensing it?
Sight: We’ve been here for a couple of decades or longer but struggle to gaze into the eyes of the person or people we claim to love with the same warmth a baby who has only been here for a few months can offer.
Touch: I love that my baby is so fascinated with my face and wants to explore it with those drooly little fingers. For some people, it has been years since they have experienced subtle touches that convey affection (minus the drool of course).
Taste: We are in a rush eating our meals on the run, wolfing down our food without really tasting and enjoying it like a baby might (minus the messiness of course). When I feed Quinn, I make sure she has swallowed her food before I give her another spoonful, but on occasion I’m guilty of not completely chewing and swallowing my food before putting another piece in my mouth. I find that I have more enjoyment in eating when I take my time.
Hear: Sometimes there is an overwhelming amount of mind chatter or distractions around us, and we’re unable to listen to our inner voices. Most babies, especially mine, has no problem listening to her inner voice that says, “I’m happy,” I’m hungry,” “I’m sleepy,” or “I’m just in need of some attention.” Nevertheless, there are times when I don’t listen to that voice telling me,”You’re taking on too much,” “You’re hungry” or “You need some ‘me’ time.”
Smell: Though there are benefits to smelling, I wish I was able to not get caught up in the “smell” as Quinn is capable of doing. It’s difficult to resist the aroma of certain unhealthy foods luring me, and some odors have been pungent enough to stop me in my tracks, distracting and preventing me from doing the task at hand.
Quinn has taught me several lessons I plan on applying to my life, and I sense that there are many more learning opportunities to come courtesy of my baby girl!
All the best,
Tanya
Journey of Anonomz 
Seriously, that is such a beautiful photo!
Thanks so much 🙂
babies gift of eternal freshness, thanks!
Your statement is so true. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
What great observations, Tanya! In the last two and a half years, I’ve thought a lot about the same types of things. It IS amazing how much you grow and how much you learn while raising a child.
Thanks Gina. I can only imagine how much you have learned within two and a half years from Jude. I’m really enjoying this learning experience with Quinn.