toddler love

Isabel loves me.  For a two-year-old to love her mother is no surprise, but at times I am overwhelmed by her love.  It is absolutely wonderful to know that this beautiful little person thinks I am the center of the world (or rather, that she is the center of my world), but it can be a little troublesome as well.  Since she was a year old she would push her brothers out of my lap when we were cuddling, only now she accompanies that action with an angry, "My Mommy!".   I can't count the times that she refused basic care from her father in deference to me.  Tonight, after insisting that I get her out of her car seat, she flat out would not let Andy give her a bath.  She ran from him yelling, "No, no, Papa.  Mommy give Izzy bath.".  The men of the house all seem to take these antics in stride.  However, I worry that she will eventually hurt Andy's feelings, and I certainly feel like I miss out on some quality time with the boys.  I cannot read with them at bedtime without her planting herself right in the middle of the action. 

But I adore my little girl.  She's funny and sweet and such a joy to all of us.  There are times when I literally yearn for her cuddles and affection, but my feelings pale in comparison with the fierce intensity of her love.  I admit, there is a part of me that hopes this will never change.