Camper

Dear Campbell: 12 Months

It still hasn't sunk in all the way.  Yesterday you turned one! I just can't believe it's possible.  My pregnancy was easy and I loved being pregnant but it was a slow nine months because we were so excited to meet you. I remember setting our alarm for 4:00 a.m. to get up and take a shower before reporting to the hospital at 5 to be induced.  I was so excited I woke up before the alarm even went off. Then we waited 12 hours through basically no change in your position until the doctor decided you weren't going to fit out the conventional way. Finally, at 5:18 p.m. we had our perfect little baby girl.  And the long wait was over.  Now in a flash it has been a year and I can't believe that 12 months can go by so fast.

 

Everyone warned me that time would fly and I've tried hard to savor every moment - a goal that you make easy because you approach everything with such happiness and energy that it's hard not to be amazed daily by how miraculous your little life is.  It has been the best year of my life without a doubt. You have changed who I am.  I have come from someone who wasn't sure I wanted kids when I was in college to a mother who is completely obsessed with her baby. I have changed from the friend who playfully teased other mothers for crying when their baby walked or crawled or turned one to the emotional mess crying into your bath water yesterday amazed at how blessed I am. I may not always recognize the sniveling person in the mirror but I wouldn't trade this version of me for the old one if I were offered all the money in the world.

The weekend was a big one - not only was it your birthday but it was Brass Band Festival time. Last year at Brass Band I was literally due to have you at any minute and my weekend was filled with concerned looks and inquiring minds wanting to know if I was feeling any contractions.  It was much more fun spending the weekend showing you off this year!  And show you off we did - starting with the red wagon contest on Saturday morning.  You were the cutest Statue of Liberty that has ever been and Nathaniel was Uncle Sam.  I am still in complete shock that you didn't win an award - my indignation remains so high that I have not ruled out writing a scathing letter to the editor protesting the idiocy of the contest judges. (And your Aunt Shana thinks it would be a good idea for me to enter you into this week's fair baby contest.  Perhaps it would be if I held a life long desire to end up on the Jerry Springer show wrestling some other mother because her baby isn't really cuter or prettier than you.)

Yesterday was the big birthday party.  There was a definite theme to your presents - water. You have bath and pool toys to keep you happy this whole second year of your life. You loved your first cupcake. And had fun playing with all of your little friends. I think the biggest hit though was the balloon bouquet. You were so excited by the balloons that the Kroger florist gave you two free ones! And Daddy loved the Father's Day balloon you got him - even if he isn't allowed to actually have it.  We'll worry about teaching you gift giving etiquette another time.

After all the festivities were over and you had squealed and splashed away in your second bath of the day with your new sea turtles and pelican pitcher, it was all too fitting that Daddy and I found ourselves watching Tiger's miraculous comeback on the 18th hole of the US Open.  Last year this time we watched literally EVERY drive, chip, wedge and putt of the Open while we were in the hospital. There was just one big difference last night. Instead of wrapped up snuggly sleeping on my lap, you were all cuddled up in your frog jammers in your bed like the big girl you are all too quickly becoming.

 

What a ride you have taken us on this year Sweet Girl.  My weekend was full of a constant mental slide show of the first smiles and giggles, of the sweet eyes looking up at me for the first time, of the funny faces, of the dancing girl with her musical toys, of the crazy curly hair and so many more amazing memories. I look forward to adding a zillion more images to that memory reel. I know that in the blink of an eye I'll be back here writing about your second year.

Happy Birthday, my darling girl, I hope you've enjoyed the first year of our adventure together as much as I have.  And though you won't remember the firsts that have marked these precious 12 months, I will never forget them. Everything about your life thus far is a cherished memory. You have made me happier than I would have ever thought possible. One of my favorite times of every day are the few quiet minutes I steal just me and you when I am putting you to bed. The adorable way you roll onto your side and tuck those little hands under your chin and cross your legs one over the other. It requires sheer force of will to make myself leave your bedside every night the sense of peace and happiness that floods over me watching you sleep is so intense. You have exceeded every expectation and I pray every day that I can be a mother worthy of your beauty, sweetness and perfection. May you always know how much I love you and that no matter what nothing will change the fact that you are more than I ever dared hope for.

All of my love -
Mama

Dear Campbell: 11 Months

Tomorrow sweet baby girl, is your 11-month birthday.  And as if you can sense the miraculous milestone looming just one month away, you are turning into a little girl right in front of my eyes.  And I am not sure I am prepared to lose my baby yet.

You are still pudgy and adorable and the final signal of your inevitable independence - mobility - remains limited to scooting.  But you are so inquisitive - so ready to learn about the world around you, ready to conquer all that is out there.  These signs of the next stage in your life make me want to kiss your chubby chipmunk cheeks all the more while I still can - before they thin out into a beautiful little girl face and before it's no longer cool for Mama to kiss on you.

In the span of a one week vacation you learned to drink from a straw and wave better than the Queen of England herself. You figured out that water and sun are two of the most important ingredients to true fun. You love eating real foods whenever we will share bits of fruit or bread or cracker or Cheerios. In the last couple of days you have discovered the joys of petting the dog. 

We took our first family vacation last week. Since Mama and Daddy are still poor, new parents, we had to piggy-back with Grannydots and Grandpa but it was a great deal of fun. I look forward to a lifetime of vacations with you. The vacations my parents worked hard to provide for me growing up are still some of my favorite memories and I hope the same will be true for you one day.

Our first vacation was spent at the beach - your second trip but the first where you were able to swim.  At first you were a little unsure. The fact that a big wave got you in the face almost immediately could have left you averse to surfing forever but Mama, Daddy and Grannydots convinced you salt water up your nose is a load of fun.  From the first day on each time we topped the boardwalk and you spotted the beach you flapped your little hands and made funny little monkey noises to show your excitement.  You loved sitting in the tidal pools and getting wet, gooey sand between your fingers.

After last week you have returned a full-fledged water baby.  This morning's bath brought a great deal more splashing and playing than past ones have. You even cried when it was time to get out.  So, dear girl, we are going to have so much fun swimming at the pool this summer!

It is amazing to watch you grow but sad at the same time.  This has been the fastest year of my life. It has also been the best without question. Every second with you is exciting and so full of love I can't express the warmth I feel looking at you with mere words. Today at lunch your Grannydots asked me if I ever dared dream you would end up so beautiful.  To which I answered that you have exceeded every expectation or dream I ever dared have of you.

All my love -
Mama

Dear Campbell: 10 Months

I'm going to do a little something different this month.  A week ago Sunday, you were baptized.  We had a house full of family and friends to celebrate the blessed event. You and your cousin Jackson bonded over your shared love of food - in particular Cheerios. Your Aunt Kristin gushed and laughed at all of your funny faces and sounds.  The weather was tricky for Daddy and the gang that went to Keeneland to watch the ponies but was beautiful for the post-baptism brunch.  You were, of course, bee-u-tee-ful in your white dress.

   

And while Mama is Presbyterian and Daddy belongs to a church of one with no recognizable traditions, we decided to rebel a little, get crazy and name godparents for you. Then we got super crazy and named a total of FIVE godparents for you - all of whom have no official ecclesiastical role but are nonetheless exceptionally important people in Mama and Daddy's lives. They were all here for the big day and I am going to introduce you to each of them now.

   

The first two you know pretty well already.  "Aunt" Debbie (aka Mama Wags aka Deb-Deb) was one of the first people I told about you and I will never forget how she jumped with joy (literally) and started crying instantly. Debbie has been a dear friend, and in many regards, a second mother to me for almost two decades now.  She will be a fabulous source for all the Susie-Homemaker aspects of growing up that Mama probably won't be very good at providing. For example - she makes amazing brownies and chocolate chip muffins.  Her fried chicken is awfully good, too. But more than the good food, I look forward to you having Debbie as a source of joy in your life. She is one of the sunniest personalities I've ever known - a trait you seem to share so far.  Debbie is a warm and loving spirit - truly a mother to all.  I was not born with a strong nurturing tendency (though I've been surprised how much has come out since you arrived). Debbie will be able to fill any void I may leave in that department. She is one of the most trusting, loving and giving humans alive - and she loves you tremendously.

"Uncle" Brent is the funny blond guy that hangs out with us a lot. He is one of Mama's oldest and dearest friends.  We met the summer before Mama started eighth grade and Brent fifth as I hung out with some other kids on his street a lot. When Mama had a terrible bike wreck (I'm still the stuff of legend at your pediatrician's office), Brent and his friends made me cupcakes and a "Get Well" poster. I still have the artwork - it's random dolphins and stick figures and bikes now worth millions for their eclectic genius.  Ever since that summer through track and college and marriages and divorces, Brent and I have been there for each other. Through everything, many qualities about Brent have proven admirable.  One of the qualities I hope you will learn from is his dedication - to friends, family or a simple goal. Mama and Daddy both lack stick-to-it-iveness sometimes. Brent will provide a better example for you in that department.  He is a kind and gentle soul - hopefully that presence will outweigh your fears of his dog one day so that you are willing to visit his house from time to time.

The three remaining godfathers are buddies of Daddy's from high school.  The Four Stooges, if you will. Unfortunately, because I have known these boys for only a few years I cannot share as much about them as Debbie and Brent.  I can without hesitation say that Daddy chooses his friends wisely as "Uncles" Jeff, Eric and Taylor are amazing human beings, all three are crazy smart and when they all get together ridiculously funny.

Jeff is an Air Force pilot. He recently married Katherine whom Mama and Daddy have not yet gotten to know very well.  But from all indications she is a truly class act - she is in medical school, too - so she will be a wonderful, strong and beautiful role model for you. Jeff, too, will provide a truly classy figure in your life. A more sincere person I dare say you may never find. Jeff is nothing if not honest and true.  He is one of the few people born with the innate ability to make it seem like the world revolves around you whenever he is talking to you. His uncanny ability to remember names and personal factoids is nothing short of amazing (a skill maybe he can help you acquire). Jeff also holds a very profound sense of self and faith that will make him a wonderful role model as you grow-up.

Eric is a writer for Nature magazine.  Mama and Daddy aren't too shabby with the words but your Uncle Eric is a true wordsmith.  He is a cultured individual all the way around - be it books, movies, music . . . Eric loves them all and is often your Daddy's pop-culture source. His seemingly boundless curiosity has taken him all over the globe - a love for travel I hope he will pass on to you through stories of his world conquests. A warm and gentle spirit with an amazing ability for empathy, Eric will feel the vaulted joy of every victory and the sadness of every defeat you experience.  Even from afar he will be a shoulder to cry on and a hand to slap - a warm embrace throughout your life. He already watches you with such amazement and admiration it is heart warming.  In Eric you will have a big brother, an uncle and a great big teddy bear all wrapped into one.

Last but not least, Taylor is a lawyer.  Hopefully you will never need his services! Taylor is the friend closest to your Daddy on the goofiness scale. A very funny and fun-loving person Taylor seems to me to be someone who does a good job of balancing the fun and work sides of life.  He has lived all over, done a little of everything.  Taylor is the one who introduced Daddy to the joy of cooking - a skill he and Daddy will have to teach you because Mama's kitchen prowess ends with the grilled cheese sandwiches I will one day fix for you.  Taylor, like Eric and Jeff, is a loyal friend.  His laugh is infectious and his love for those important to him sincere.

So, there you go dear girl. Daddy and I chose so many godparents because it was impossible not to include all five of these amazing people.  One thing I thank God for everyday - in addition to you - is the presence of so many amazing people in my life. I have been blessed with incredible friends and relatives and role models in my life.  One of my goals is to provide the same bounty of love and friendship for you.  The fulfillment of that mission starts with these five people - already you are blessed!

All of my love-

Mama

Dear Campbell: 9 Months

You are now 9 months and two days old.  We have your doctor's appointment tomorrow and I am very curious to see how much you weigh.  I was just looking back over the previous few months' letters and it is amazing how much you have grown and changed.  Carrying you in your car seat constitutes a full-fledged workout that I'm guessing burns approximately 100 calories per 10 steps.  You have so much hair now that you look like you were practically bald before, despite the fact that everyone has always commented on all of your dark hair.

Speaking of your hair, Grannydot's had my baby album out a few days ago and we were laughing because the pictures of me at this age look so much like you - right down to the crazy corkscrew curl on the side of your head.  So I apologize now for the genes I've shared.  I am bracing myself for the tantrums in the bathroom when your hair has a mind of its own and will not fix right for school picture days or dances.  I threw a few of those in my day so I know what to expect.  The only consolation I can offer is that you didn't get my nose. I prayed you wouldn't and apparently it paid off.  You can thank me early and often for that.

The first signs of your first spring are starting to show.  A few crocuses are popping up in the front yard and the sound of birds chirping has returned.  It's hard to believe this will be your first spring because in so many ways it seems like you've always been here - you have become so entwined in our lives, you are constantly in my thoughts and so much a part of the very essence of my being now that I find it hard to believe I was still pregnant this time last year.

 

 

Before I get to share spring with you and show you how beautiful your home state is this time of year, Daddy got to share a little taste of his Yankee roots with you a couple weeks ago.  There was a "major" snow storm and we bundled you up in the pink snow suit Ganny bought you.  It was a little big - both in size and thickness.  Your little arms only reached halfway down the sleeves and the padding was so thick we could barely bend you into a sitting position.  So all you could do was look around at the snow and flap your arms.  But you seemed to like the snow - that is until Daddy decided you should make a snow angel.  It seems looking at the snow and actually rolling in it are two very different prospects to you and you much preferred admiring the beauty warm and dry.  That's my girl!

As winter thaws into spring you are experiencing your first March Madness - though you clearly don't realize it.  Which I am thankful for because Mama's Cats aren't doing so great this year and Daddy's Devils are pretty good so I'd just as soon you don't remember this basketball season. In the spirit of the season we did take you to one of Centre's NCAA Div III tournament games. It was quite an ordeal getting the sweatshirt over your head, and I had to cut it off but you cheered like a champ!

That said, I have been trying to prepare you for the one-track nature of your Daddy's mind this time of year.  He will leave us in a few days for his annual trip to the cabin to watch basketball, drink beer, start fires and act like a frat boy with his buddies as they watch every single game of the opening rounds of the NCAA tournament. 

Some friends marvel at my letting Daddy go for four and half days but, truth be told I like this weekend as much as he does.  I usually get a lot done around the house and am free to make the most of some me-time watching chick flicks and reading.  I'm excited to get to share this year's weekend with you.  As you get older I hope this turns into our special weekend together every year.  I have wonderful visions of us talking and making brownies and watching our favorite movies and, of course, cheering for the Cats.  Then on Sunday we'll wait for Daddy to come home and we will laugh at how rough he looks - all scraggly and disheveled with large circles under his eyes.  This will be the fifth year I've been with Daddy for March Madness and each year he comes home looking a little rougher. (It seems this crew of guys refuses to acknowledge they are getting older and can't party like they used to.)

So, here's to your first spring and the first of many girl's weekends to come.

I love you very much-
Mama

Dear Campbell: 8 Months

I am a day late with this month's letter.  Yesterday was your 8 month birthday and I am late because the day before that was Valentine's Day.  I guess now is as good a time as any to let you in on a bah-humbug aspect of your Mama's being.  I don't do Valentine's Day.  Your Daddy on the other hand, more often playing the role of girl in our relationship, is the romantic and always wants to celebrate V-Day.  So, I gave in and we went out to eat and we got food poisoning! As a result I was recovering from a night in the bathroom floor rather than writing to you yesterday.

As I sit here writing now you are getting in some tummy time on the couch next to me. You still don't particularly like playing on your tummy (Daddy just put you back into a sitting position to stop the prehistoric screeching).  But you are getting better and when in the mood you will scoot and army crawl a little to get to strategically placed loot.  The remote control is usually a good bet when trying to entice you forward.  The days of chasing you around the house are just around the corner.

You have fully mastered sitting up since the last time I wrote.  You can steady yourself and right yourself when you fall back or to the side. You are like a little Chinese gymnast when trying to reach objects just outside your wingspan - laying flat over your chubby little legs and stretching to and fro, then springing upright again once the desired treasure is in hand. Your favorite objects seem to be paper products at present. You just rescued the Readers Digest and are finding the cellophane wrapping very entertaining.

The joy in life that you have exuded from the beginning continues to grow.  The simple pleasure you get from a piece of paper or a package of crackers is so much fun to watch. That big beautiful grin spread across your face, you get an amazing amount of joy from just switching the cracker package from  hand to hand. And I would swear on my life that when you are smiling there is a physical aura of light radiating from you. The other day we went to lunch with your Grandpa and Grannydots.  You were sitting in your high chair - another independence milestone you have mastered in the last month - playing with your big smile and the conversations around us slowly stopped as everyone noticed you and told me what a beautiful baby you are.

Your resume of baby skills continues to grow. You sit, you sort of scoot, you can roll (though you are often too content playing on your back to try), you have mastered eating baby foods.  In the past week or so we started giving you puff snacks.  You've only managed to get them into your mouth without assistance a couple of times.  Those chubby fingers are good at grabbing a fistful but not so good at then maneuvering one to your fingertips and into your mouth. But that doesn't stop you from having a load of fun playing with them.  Though, truth be told, I think your Daddy has more fun with them than you do!

You have truly started babbling. You have long been talking to us in coos and gahs.  Now you are stringing consonants and vowels together in the first versions of words to come. Much to Adam's joy you are dadadadadadada'ing a lot. He was very excited the other day when you clearly said "Dada" loudly - at least until he realized you were smiling down at Tex when you said it.  Many mornings you wake up and lay in bed babbling to yourself until someone else wakes up to play with you. 

Your happy disposition and seemingly endless curiosity continue to amaze me. We could not have asked for a more wonderful baby girl. And the adventure is just beginning. Once you are mobile and once you can really communicate I think we are in for a lifetime of fun with you.  I look forward to that lifetime whole-heartedly, sweet girl.

All of my love-
Mama

Dear Campbell: 7 months

In two days you will be seven months old.  The past month has been a big one for you. You experienced your first Christmas. You went to the beach for the first time. You rolled over from your stomach to your back. You learned to sit up by yourself. You learned to put yourself to sleep at night. You discovered your feet.  You started eating fruits . . . the list goes on and on. It's simply amazing how fast you change and grow.          

I can't believe you are getting so big.  I am starting to see glimpses of a little girl emerging where my baby should be and it is so exciting and heartbreaking all at the same time. I think you are going to be a funny little girl.  The amount of joy and love and pure light that radiate from you is already magnetic.  Just ask your aunts Debbie and Mary Quinn (or your Grannydots and Grandpa or your Aunt Kristin. . .). We are all in trouble when you figure out just how much you can exploit this quality.

Your six month check-up brought two milestones with it.  We were cleared to start you on fruits.  So far you have experienced the joys of applesauce, bananas, pears and peaches.  Pears were an instant hit - bananas, on the other hand, we had to try twice before you showed much interest.  You love to eat and hardly a meal goes by that we don't laugh at  you with food smeared all over, mouth wide open eagerly awaiting the next yummy bite. Thankfully, you still love to nurse in spite of the excitement of the food world beyond milk. You're already growing too fast - Mama is definitely not ready to let go of our special time together.  Seeing  you looking back at me while you eat has been my favorite view of you from day one - those big, dark, beautiful eyes looking up at me. Priceless.

The other milestone hasn't been as much fun as feeding you smushed fruits. Your pediatrician advised me that the time had come to make you cry yourself to sleep so you could learn to self-soothe.  While I knew you had to learn this skill - if for no other reason than I think the Dean will look down on my coming to college with you to rock you sleep at night - it was not easy letting you sleep so far away. The first night almost killed me. You (okay we) cried for an hour. Stubborn and strong-willed just like both your parents. We are in trouble. Now, though you are a very good bedtime baby and rarely cry. Instead we sometimes hear your sweet little voice as you babble yourself to sleep.

In the last couple of days you have really mastered sitting up by yourself. You sat in a big girl high chair the other day at lunch. I think Daddy is still coming to terms with this new found independence. And you are so proud of this new trick. I will watch you play with toys while you teeter and wobble from side to side with sudden movements. You'll catch me looking at you and flash the proudest, widest gummy grin that ever has been.

Your fascination with your hands - while still very much alive - has been supplanted some by a new obsession with your feet. Turns out those chubby toes are almost as tasty as pears. The other day we did a photo shoot for this post and watching you roll around wrestling those fat feet at the end of those fat legs into your mouth was more entertaining than all the best movies ever made.

I know every Mom feels this way, but when I watch you there is just no way anyone will convince me you aren't the most special, beautiful, amazing, fun and perfect baby girl ever. I watch friends and family with you and see how drawn in they are and that sense is only solidified. There is something magical about you, Campbell Keepin.  I am in awe watching that something take shape as you come into your own and grow.

But, please, baby girl, don't grow too fast.

All of my love-
Mama

Dear Campbell: 6 Months

You turn six months old today! Happy Half Birthday, my dear Campbell!

This month has been a busy one for you. You had your first plane ride.  You went to your first college football game.  You met your great-grandma on my side of the family, along with several cousins, aunts and uncles for the first time.  You survived your first Camuti get together (that is something to be proud of, just ask your Grandpa).  You started eating cereal.  And you made your Momma, Daddy, Grannydots and Grandpa all sick for the first time.

We spent Thanksgiving at your Grandmum's house.  You met almost all of the key players on the Camuti side of the family - save one very important player - my Grandpa.  It was great fun all weekend getting to see the rest of the family play with you. You loved watching your cousins, Jay and Samantha, run around the house.  And you thought Aunt Erma was a very fun lady. Despite all the fun - or perhaps because of all the fun - I couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow that you didn't get to meet your Great-grandpa Camuti.  You would have loved him and he would have made over you like there has never been another baby girl in the world.

Unfortunately, our time with Grandpa was too short - he died when I was just six.  But I will make a point of sharing stories of him with you because he was an extraordinary man.  I've never met another so wonderful, so fun, so loving.  He dedicated his life to helping those less fortunate.  He was the kind of person that just lit up a room - all the activity always seemed to center around him.  So far, you seem to have a bit of his magnetic charm and innate happiness. You get it from him.  Perhaps Gina is right - I like the idea that you were in heaven with him before you came to us and he shared his best qualities with you during that time together.

Aside from the trip to Pennsylvania, you also ventured to Oklahoma City and to Georgia this month.  You were a perfect angel traveling to and from OK. You were a flying ace.  Though next time, if we could try to time our diaper blowouts so that they don't require Momma and Grannydots to deftly change your clothes and diaper on their laps, that would be grrrrreat! But you score major brownie points for sleeping the entire four hours we were stuck on the plane coming home.

You were a little less amenable on the way to GG's.  You decided right as we hit Atlanta rush hour traffic that you were done with traveling.  So Daddy and I got to hear you give your lungs (and our eardrums) quite a workout the rest of the way.  All in all, you are an unbelievably good traveler for your age, which is good because Daddy is having enough trouble dealing with all the "stuff" that has to come along with you and with your need to stop and eat every few hours.

 

You are growing up so much! By the next time I write you will be sitting up on your own. You can play with toys now.  Gerry is still your favorite.  Daddy and I spend almost all of our spare time trying to make you laugh.  It is the best sound I've ever heard.  You think your Daddy and Grannydots are the funniest people on earth (and you don't know the half of it yet).

You are starting to get ticklish and between giggles you have a habit of holding your breath.  And, yes, we just laugh as you turn red.  I will warn you now - your Daddy and Grandpa have grand plans to exploit this weakness.  I can't wait to hear you giggling and squealing with glee like I used to when your Grandpa tickles you.

You have discovered the joy of eating something other than milk. Daddy couldn't be happier that we get to start feeding you "fun stuff."  You chomp your cereal with real gusto and your meal times provide a great deal of entertainment.

It is so much fun watching you develop your personality and learn to play and interact more and more each day.  You are such a joy of a baby.  Your Ganny teases Daddy that he served as birth control for the neighbors when he was a baby.  You, my dear, sweet girl, have the opposite effect.  Quinny noted just the other night that you were the kind of baby that makes her want kids.  We certainly hit the jackpot with you and though I know I would have loved you more than words no matter what, you are such a treasure and the light of my life.  You are growing up too fast but at the same time i am so excited to watch you grow into the amazing person I can already see taking shape inside that chubby little being.  I can hardly wait to see what wonders are in store . . . .

All of my love-
Momma

Dear Campbell: 5 Months

Dear Campbell–

As I sit here writing what I plan on making a monthly letter, you are laying behind me on the couch snoring like a freight train. Your Popper would be proud!

Before I get into the fun facts of your life so far, I have to admit that I have stolen this idea. I admit this in honor of what I hope is the start of a very open and honest relationship between us. Now, stealing is wrong. I learned that when I was about 7 and decided to take a pack of sugar gum even though my mom said no. I spent a weekend dreading having to go back to Wal-Mart Monday after school to apologize to the manager and return my stolen merchandise. Lesson learned. But, every time I read Dooce’s newsletters to her daughter I’m bowled over by what an amazing idea that is so I had to steal it. I want you to be able to read back over your life, the impact you’re having on my life and to know how much your Daddy and I love you.

Now that the origin of this idea is out in the open, let’s get cracking. You will be five months in a few days. I can’t believe it. I swear I went to sleep last night in the hospital having just had you. In the rapidly ensuing months you have been the source of unending light in my life. When I was pregnant a zillion people kept telling me “A baby changes your life.” Your Daddy and I laughed at how ridiculously obvious this statement seemed. Yet, looking back now – I had no idea just how much truth those predictions held. You’ve changed the way it feels to be alive, you’ve changed the way the world looks to me, and you’ve changed my view of myself in the world.

You, my dear, sweet girl, are the most amazing little being. You are one of the happiest and sweetest babies in the world. You smile so readily and it is hands down the most beautiful smile on the planet. You are a wonderful mix of your Daddy and me – like me you are slow to wake but, like your Daddy, as soon as you are up you are ready to party and play. Like me you have dark hair and eyes. Like your Daddy you have long legs and a tiny little bottom.

Right now you make the same amazing discovery every morning – your hands! It’s as if you have taken a psychotropic drug or two when that hand waves in front of your face every morning on the changing table. You are instantly mesmerized and we will catch you just considering that little, pudgy hand all day long.

You discovered your voice ages ago – an early “talker” you have been babbling in your sweet little girl voice for a couple of months. This week, however, you have discovered the volume control inside you and have decided you like it cranked up! You’ll still tell me stories in your sweet, almost whisper of a coo but when you are in full go-go mode you have decided there is nothing more fun than squealing at the top of your lungs! You love to stand up and hate, hate, hate to go to sleep.

But watching you sleep is one of my favorite things. You are truly angelic when you slumber. No matter how crazy my day has been, how tired I am or how foul my mood – 30 seconds of watching you dream peacefully and I find myself marveling at how truly blessed I am.

I love you sweet angel –

Mama