A Letter For You, Little One

To our sweet S2:

You are nearly ten months old.

How can that be? It seems that just yesterday, we brought you home from the hospital as a tiny bright-eyed bundle... and that just yesterday, I was filled with joy (and anxiety) as your siblings crowded around to see and touch and love on you.

Was it yesterday that I listened with a sinking heart to M's preschool teacher tell me how he felt that I was so busy with you that I didn't love him anymore?

Was it yesterday that your big sister fought and fought her afternoon nap for over an hour before coming to lie on the floor beside  you and falling asleep?

Those early days were tiring and raw and full, as our family shifted and changed to welcome you, and to find a new rhythm. But even in the hard moments, when we were trying to figure out how to stretch ourselves thinner than ever without snapping, those days were so, so sweet. You were a laid back, easy baby so much of the time... happy to eat and sleep and just be held. You brought - and still daily bring - such joy to each and every one of us!

You aren't that little newborn anymore, the one who slept like a rock through all your siblings' mayhem. No, over the past ten months, you have gotten so big... and so BUSY!

We were in America over Christmas for about a month, and what a month of change that was for you. While there, you gained four new teeth (actually those broke through while we were flying high above the ocean... which wasn't fun for anyone). You also started to pull up, and you couldn't have been more excited about your new view and extended reach!  You said your first two words, although I am still not convinced that you knew what you were saying. First was Dada, and then was Mama. (These days, you are back to Dadadadada all the time!) And last but definitely not least, you also had the treat of meeting so many new-to-you people... your Nana and Pa, your great grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins! Not surprisingly, everyone thought you were absolutely adorable. (You are.)

Since our return home, you have continued to change every day. You are quicker than ever. Your sweet toes bear blisters from lightning fast army crawls across unforgiving tile floors. You can get up and crawl on your knees now, but when you are in a hurry (like to get a piece of lint or a Lego before mama catches you), you fly, flat on your belly, across the floor.

Unlike your siblings, you never liked a pacifier. We didn't offer you one in the hospital because they are so looked down upon here, and by the time we got you home, you had already decided that you liked your fingers much better. For awhile, it was two of your middle fingers, but for the past several months you have been all about your thumb. And let me just say this: I may not think it's cute when you are in elementary school, but oh my heart, it is the most precious thing ever for now! It definitely has its pluses... no paci to lose, clean, or pop back into your  mouth in the middle of the night.  If you are hungry or sleepy, in goes the thumb. You are an amazing little self soother!

M and S1 have always loved to dance, and it looks like you do too! If you are pulled up on the couch and a song is playing, you bounce your whole body to the music, sometimes falling over in the process! And if you are with me in the kitchen when the music starts, you make a beeline out into the living room, headed straight for your Daddy. You LOVE for him to dance you around the room!

You truly love and are loved by your siblings. They both love to rush in your room in the mornings, as soon as they hear any sound from your room. S1 is convinced that she is your second mommy. "I hold her?" she constantly asks. If you cry, she is quick to comfort you with a soothing "Shhhhh... Not Cry! and bring you a toy. M loves holding you too, and he is really good at making you laugh!

Now that you are so mobile, you are into everything - including their toys and books! They are both learning to keep their favorites up high. S1 has always been the little sister getting into things (and often she still is), but she is now experiencing the other side of that!

It is hard to believe that ten short months ago, we had never held you or kissed you or seen your smile.  And it's even harder to remember what our lives were like without you in them!

I still have so much to learn about being a mama, but one thing I have learned is to savor these times. I have watched your siblings grow from babies to kids at lightning speed, and I know you're right behind them. Since your birth, I have tried to soak in each moment of your babyhood. I have held you longer, cuddled you closer, and stolen more kisses. And I have consciously breathed in that sweet baby smell at least once per day.

You, my daughter, are a treasure and a joy.

And we couldn't be more thankful to call you ours.

With all my love,
Mom