Camilla has quite a collection of books ranging from the classics such as "The Cat in The Hat," "Make Way for Ducklings," and "Good Night Moon" to more contemporary titles such as "Urban Babies Wear Black," "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse," and "That's Not My Robot." Camilla clearly has her favorites and will request them by title (and oftentimes recite lines as you read out loud). Some books are very well written, others have much to be desired, but she enjoys them all nevertheless.

Camilla has so many books, that I've put some away which I found were not quite at her level of understanding yet. There is one book in particular which I recently (re)discovered and have been reading to Camilla lately. It was given to us by my doula, Sandy, for Camilla's first Christmas. The first time I read it, it brought tears to my eyes as I wasn't sure that some of the words will apply to Camilla for she was still very small and her future was (and still remains) unknown. However, as I presently read the words aloud to Camilla, I am delighted that the theme very much does apply and the book has quickly become one of Camilla's special requests:

You are my I Love You
by Maryann K. Cusimano

I am your parent;
you are my child.
I am your quiet place;
you are my wild.

I am your calm face;
you are my giggle.
I am your wait;
you are my wiggle.

I am your carriage ride;
you are my king.
I am your push;
you are my swing.

I am your audience;
you are my clown.
I am your London Bridge;
you are my falling down.

I am your carrot sticks;
you are my licorice.
I am your dandelion;
you are my first wish.

I am your water wings;
you are my deep.
I am your open arms;
you are my running leap.

I am your way home;
you are my new path.
I am your dry towel;
you are my wet bath.

I am your dinner;
you are my chocolate cake.
I am your bedtime;
you are my wide awake.

I am your finish line;
you are my race.
I am your praying hands;
you are my saying grace.

I am your favorite book;
you are my new lines.
I am your night-light;
you are my starshine.

I am your lullabye;
you are my peekaboo.
I am your good-night kiss;
you are my I love you.