A nighttime ritual

Some may say she's too old. Some may say I'm too indulgent. All I know, is it's her favorite spot and I love it. Cuddled up into a fetal position, she takes a deep breath and every muscle in her body loosens. Her eyes gaze upon me, glassy and peaceful. Her little fist secures itself on my shirt. Her tiny toes brush gently against my arm as she stretches them to the sky. It won't last much longer, but every last second, I will drink up greedily and gratefully. Rocking my precious baby to sleep I whisper... "You are beautiful. You are smart. You are so very very loved."