my son has gotten out of sleep routine the past couple weeks over the holiday break. we stayed up watching Christmas movies in bed and had activities so he got to stay up late (partially so mom could sleep in!). with school starting tomorrow, it was important he go to sleep so i stayed with him tonight as he drifted off. i often test if he's asleep by whispering really quietly, "i love you." because, if he's even partially awake, he'll whisper back, "i love you, too." we also like to play the 'i love you, i love you more, no i love you more, no i love you most' game. so tonight, fairly certain he was asleep, i kissed him and barely uttered, "i love you." to which a tiny voice responded, "i love you, too"...and then a few seconds later, unprompted and after a sleepy little sigh, he continued, "i love you most."

one of those moments that makes every other moment in life totally worth it.

and, for the record, baby: no, i love you most.