Today, he climbed my hair like some fairytale prince, gripped my index finger in his little hand, looked over at his father and said, with authority, “Mama.”

Yes, he’s used the syllables before, but never so precisely. Usually in a string of other random sounds. Or while upset.

And instantly the joy burst out of me in laugh after laugh. So much I almost cried.

I’ve had some great mama moments since that plus sign appeared, but I hardly imagined it could be like this. This amazing. This strange. This simple and shocking and beautiful and crazy and happy. Wow.