Little girl grows

"Peek-a-boo!"
Blank stare.

"Want me to hold you?
Blank stare.

"Here, come with me for a little bit."
  Picks little girl up.
    Huge eyes fill with tears.

Walk in room with crazy hat.
Crying ensues.


Time passes. Little girl grows.


"Peek-a-boo! I'm gonna get your tummy!"
Blank stare.

"Want me to hold you?"
Head shakes "no", then
  reaches up.

"Here, come with me for a little while."
Reluctance.
  No tears.
    Snuggles into chest.

Leave crazy hat at home.
No crying upon entry to room.


Time passes.
  Little girl grows.


"I'm gonna get your tummy! Gonna get you!"
Quick smile, then
  blank stare.

"Want me to hold you?"
Reaches up immediately.

"Here, stay with me for a while."
Snuggles into chest.
  Falls asleep.
    Too cute.

Too warm for crazy hat.


Time passes.
  Little girl grows.


"Hi! I see you!"
Mischievous smile.
  Ignores me.
    *sigh*

"I'm gonna get you!"
Chase ensues.
  Little girl caught.
    Tickled.

Giggles.
  Be still my heart.

Playing with toys, "Whatcha got there?"
Whisper. "What is it?"
Ever-so-slightly louder, "A froggie."

HA!
  Words!
    For me!


Time passes.
  Little girl grows.


"Can I get a hug goodbye?"
Little girl jumps into my arms.
  Soon she won't be quite a little girl anymore.

"Can I get a kiss goodbye?"
Kiss on cheek.

"I love you. Bye bye!"
  "I loooove you!"

What to do about crazy hat now...
  Hmm...