Baby Gazing

Emily implied that I am a baby gazer. She caught me staring at the newborn of my niece and nephew while holding her, and I must admit that I find little ones endlessly fascinating. I am incredulous at the perfection and sheer smallness of it all--from the tiny fingernails to the minute fringe of eyelashes. I also love the kaleidoscope of expressions, which are so unencumbered by social expectations and a fully developed (or maniacally controlled, in the case of most adults) nervous system. Yawns are like sunsets and squeaks and burbles like a symphony. I can observe endlessly and never experience the same thing twice, which is exactly what I used to do with Emily when she was that size.