Dear Sydney,
This year, you turned 4 years old. Little girl, you are so much fun! You have personality in spades, and you are not afraid to shine.
This year, you started gymnastics class. You were so excited on your first class, and you lined up with the other little girls, eager to get started. You love the balance beam and insist on practicing on every curb in every parking lot.
You love princesses, dressing up, make-up, high heels, jewelry, and all things girlie. You're starting to like to color and paint. You take it so seriously, scrunching up your eyebrows and frowning in concentration. And you get quite upset if it doesn't turn out the way you'd hoped.
This year, we visited Disney World. You rode on an airplane for the first time; you did a great job! You walked through security very calmly, and you sat very still on the airplane. We played games and ate snacks, and before either of us knew it, it was time to land. When we actually got to Disney World, you were SO not into the characters. While Sam wanted to meet all of them, you wanted absolutely nothing to do with them. But you loved the princesses and the parades and the fireworks and the Under the Sea ride. You've asked me at least once a week since we got back when we are going again. I can't wait, either.
This year, we got a couple of really big snows. You were so excited to play in it! We bundled up and got ready to go out and have some fun. Exactly 5 minutes later, you were ready to come back inside. It seems you like the snow as long as there's only a couple of inches. But when it gets thick enough that you have trouble walking in it, you just get annoyed. So while Sam and I ran and threw snowballs at each other, you would just sit and make snow angles.
You and I also got our first pedicures together this year. It was so fun! When we walked into the nail salon, the technician pointed to the wall of bottles and told us choose a color. Your eyes grew wide. So many colors!!! You were very proud and sat very still while the lady painted your nails. I have a feeling that was the first of many pedicures you and I will get together.
You love to play outside. I love that you love to play outside. You have been a great garden partner this year. You favorite jobs are watering the garden and picking cherry tomatoes. (Although, not many of the tomatoes you pick actually make it into the house. They're pretty tasty eaten right off the vine.) But the thing you love most is to swing. I think you would swing for hours as long as someone stands and pushes you. But not too high! Nice and easy is your favorite.
Sydney, I love how silly you are. I love that you wear your thoughts on your face. I swear, your expressions absolutely slay me sometimes. I love that you are always trying to convince your brother to play "get married." I love how you sing and dance and make up words to songs. And I love how you snug me...you climb in my lap and settle against my chest and weave your fingers in my hair as you heave a big sigh of relief. I love being your safe place to land at the end of the day.
Love you big,
Mommy
Showing posts with label letters to Sydney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label letters to Sydney. Show all posts
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Dear Sydney,
Last month, you turned 3 years old. I'm finding that I don't get a lot of computer time lately. I steal it here and there when I can to pay a bill or to balance the checkbook, but I get a little too much help when I'm on the computer. Often, if you catch me sitting down to type, you'll sneak up beside me, and I'll see a tiny, pudgy finger eeeeeeasing up to press just one key on the keyboard. You can't stand it.
This year has been an explosive vocabulary year for you. You know ALL of the words now. And you say them. All. Of. Them. You almost constantly keep up a running monologue during the day. It's like when you wake up in the morning you have a 10,000 word quota to meet. If you don't meet that quota during daylight hours you'll lie in bed and night and just give an endless speech, sometimes hardly taking a breath in between, mixing in little snippets of songs just for fun. You often talk in your sleep at night. One night not long ago, you were lying in bed having a hard time sleeping. I was sitting in the rocker in your room until you dozed off. Your constant stream of words sounded something like this:
"Mommy. Look at my face. Ugh. You're killing me. What's wrong with you? Mommy can I have some water? Mommy? Please? Pleaseplease? Can I have some orange juice? Can I have a big girl cup? Mommy look at me. Watch this. Look at this. I'm stuck. See Mommy? Like this. See? Ow! I hurt my eye. See? Watch this. Mommy? Mommy? Mom? *now singing* IIIIIIII'lllll driiiiiiiiiive. In Daddy's caaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrr.....not Mommy's caaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrr.... I'm the BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!"
Most of the time I don't know if I should kiss your face or spank your bottom. Your antics absolutely crack me up. A good friend of mine said you would keep me on my toes and on my knees. She's absolutely right. As you and your brother grow, I find myself praying more than I ever have before.
You love music. You and I started taking a little music class once a week at our church last year, and something just clicked with you. They took a break over the summer, and you cannot wait for it to start back up. The first few times we went, you just sat in my lap and wouldn't really participate much. I was even thinking that maybe it just wasn't your thing, but one day while you were playing by yourself, I heard you singing some of the songs from class to your toys. Then we had to miss a couple of weeks for this and that, and you couldn't understand why we didn't go to your "Wachel cwass" that Thursday.
You're all about princesses right now. Your favorites seem to be "'Punzel" (Rapunzel) and Ariel. In fact, you went through a spell this year where you didn't want to brush your teeth, and Daddy started telling you he thought he saw Rapunzel sneak in your mouth. You'd open your mouth wide so he could find her and it would give us just enough time to swipe over your teeth with the toothbrush.
You got glasses this year. I must admit, you look pretty stinking cute in them. The first few days you had them, we stressed that if you needed a break from them, that was fine but you had to give them to Mommy or Daddy...not just lay them down in the floor. You've actually done a pretty good job following those directions. And now you leave them on pretty much all the time, although we still have good days and bad days.
You're becoming so independent. You want to dress yourself, put your shoes on by yourself, walk instead of ride in the shopping cart, brush your own hair... And you love helping with chores for the most part--feeding the dog, folding towels, putting groceries away--although I must admit your attention span for those things is pretty short. But you have a spirit that others can sense in the first 5 minutes they're around you. People seem to know that you are your own person and you won't be pushed around. I like that about you.
My Sydney-bug, I love your big personality and how you walk into a room like you own the place. I love how when you're tired in the afternoon, you ask me to "wock" with you and how you snuggle down so your head is right on my shoulder and your arm is looped around my neck. I love how you wake up like you're ready to conquer the world. I love how you ask me to twirl "wike a pwincess" with you. I love how your gorgeous red hair has golden highlights woven into it by the summer's sun. And I love watching you become who you are.
Mommy
Last month, you turned 3 years old. I'm finding that I don't get a lot of computer time lately. I steal it here and there when I can to pay a bill or to balance the checkbook, but I get a little too much help when I'm on the computer. Often, if you catch me sitting down to type, you'll sneak up beside me, and I'll see a tiny, pudgy finger eeeeeeasing up to press just one key on the keyboard. You can't stand it.
This year has been an explosive vocabulary year for you. You know ALL of the words now. And you say them. All. Of. Them. You almost constantly keep up a running monologue during the day. It's like when you wake up in the morning you have a 10,000 word quota to meet. If you don't meet that quota during daylight hours you'll lie in bed and night and just give an endless speech, sometimes hardly taking a breath in between, mixing in little snippets of songs just for fun. You often talk in your sleep at night. One night not long ago, you were lying in bed having a hard time sleeping. I was sitting in the rocker in your room until you dozed off. Your constant stream of words sounded something like this:
"Mommy. Look at my face. Ugh. You're killing me. What's wrong with you? Mommy can I have some water? Mommy? Please? Pleaseplease? Can I have some orange juice? Can I have a big girl cup? Mommy look at me. Watch this. Look at this. I'm stuck. See Mommy? Like this. See? Ow! I hurt my eye. See? Watch this. Mommy? Mommy? Mom? *now singing* IIIIIIII'lllll driiiiiiiiiive. In Daddy's caaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrr.....not Mommy's caaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrr.... I'm the BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!"
Most of the time I don't know if I should kiss your face or spank your bottom. Your antics absolutely crack me up. A good friend of mine said you would keep me on my toes and on my knees. She's absolutely right. As you and your brother grow, I find myself praying more than I ever have before.
You love music. You and I started taking a little music class once a week at our church last year, and something just clicked with you. They took a break over the summer, and you cannot wait for it to start back up. The first few times we went, you just sat in my lap and wouldn't really participate much. I was even thinking that maybe it just wasn't your thing, but one day while you were playing by yourself, I heard you singing some of the songs from class to your toys. Then we had to miss a couple of weeks for this and that, and you couldn't understand why we didn't go to your "Wachel cwass" that Thursday.
You're all about princesses right now. Your favorites seem to be "'Punzel" (Rapunzel) and Ariel. In fact, you went through a spell this year where you didn't want to brush your teeth, and Daddy started telling you he thought he saw Rapunzel sneak in your mouth. You'd open your mouth wide so he could find her and it would give us just enough time to swipe over your teeth with the toothbrush.
You got glasses this year. I must admit, you look pretty stinking cute in them. The first few days you had them, we stressed that if you needed a break from them, that was fine but you had to give them to Mommy or Daddy...not just lay them down in the floor. You've actually done a pretty good job following those directions. And now you leave them on pretty much all the time, although we still have good days and bad days.
You're becoming so independent. You want to dress yourself, put your shoes on by yourself, walk instead of ride in the shopping cart, brush your own hair... And you love helping with chores for the most part--feeding the dog, folding towels, putting groceries away--although I must admit your attention span for those things is pretty short. But you have a spirit that others can sense in the first 5 minutes they're around you. People seem to know that you are your own person and you won't be pushed around. I like that about you.
My Sydney-bug, I love your big personality and how you walk into a room like you own the place. I love how when you're tired in the afternoon, you ask me to "wock" with you and how you snuggle down so your head is right on my shoulder and your arm is looped around my neck. I love how you wake up like you're ready to conquer the world. I love how you ask me to twirl "wike a pwincess" with you. I love how your gorgeous red hair has golden highlights woven into it by the summer's sun. And I love watching you become who you are.
Mommy
Friday, July 11, 2014
Dear Sydney,
You turned two a few days ago. I'm a little behind in writing this letter because, well...life happens. I don't want to go into it right now because this letter is about you, but the days immediately following your birthday were...eventful.
You are so much fun right now. I kinda feel like that's a generic thing I say in all of my letters, but it's always true. You and your brother are just fun. We delight in you. You, baby girl, have a light in you that refuses to be hidden. I hope you always let it shine.
Your appetite is still healthy. You will eat most things, and no meal is complete without some ketchup to "dip-dip." A few months ago, Daddy and I started fixing you yogurt smoothies with milk to trick you into drinking milk. You went for it for a while, but before long you were onto our sneaky games. And now you refuse to drink the yogurt smoothies too. Sometimes you will sneak off with Brother's chocolate milk, but after a couple of sips you realize your mistake and you will throw it down, vehemently proclaiming, "I 'on't yike it, milk." You still eat yogurt, but you really prefer to eat it with chips so you can dip them in it. We've settled for giving you calcium gummies, and you love them so I'm okay with it.
You love playing "outsideporch." I'm not sure how, but somehow going outside turned into "outsideporch" and you get most offended if we let Molly out and don't let you accompany her. You love to beat a path down the sidewalk. Every now and then you'll turn and look at me, shake your finger at me, and in a sing-song voice say, "Ah-ah-aaaaahhh." Almost like you KNOW I'm going to tell you that you've gone too far.
I think you're turning into a blankie girl. I have to admit, I've been a little bit sad that you haven't really needed a lovie or anything. You never really attached yourself to a particular stuffed animal (although you do love to torment your brother by running off with his Pooh). But lately, you've started wanting one of your baby blankets when you're tired or upset. It's this thin, gauzy material, and there is a hole in it where I think Molly chewed on it. You are very particular in how it covers you. It has to be completely flat with no wrinkles. But as soon as you wake up in the morning, blankie is the first thing to sail out of the crib.
You are all about Mickey Mouse right now. I mean, you are obsessed. I love watching you dance the hot dog dance. You have got some serious moves. In fact, you love to sing and dance in general. At night, we sit in your room and rock, and if you're having a hard time getting sleepy, we'll sing for a while. You will usually tell me which song to sing: "Go song" for the song from Frozen, "Dog" for the Hot Dog song, "B-B-B" for the ABC's. If I guess wrong or if you just decide halfway through that you don't like it, you'll grab my face, put your nose on mine and say, "No!" But if I do it to your liking, you reward me with a big smile and you sing with me.
We have another nighttime routine where we have to call role and tell everyone night-night. While we rock you'll ask, "Where'd Daddy go?" and I'll say, "Daddy went night-night. Night-night, Daddy." Then we repeat the whole process with Brother, Momo, Elmo, Mickey, Kitty, and anyone else who comes to mind.
You have really enjoyed the pool this summer. You're getting more and more brave. You love to stand on the steps and yell, "Fee, two, b'astoff!" and jump into my arms. You also love to ride the noodle-horses and race with Daddy and Brother. But I think your most favorite thing to do is to just play in the little plastic baby pool with Momo.
My Sydney-girl, I love how you'll reach up and pat my face when we're rocking. I love how you watch your brother with your eyes that miss NOTHING and you try to mimic everything he does. I love hearing you count your toys, "Eight, H, Two!" I love how you will dig through my purse to find my hand lotion and you insist on putting some on. But most of all, I love that you are my little girl. I'm looking forward to all of the pedicures, shoe-shopping expeditions and girl-food lunches we'll have together. And if none of that is your thing, that will be fine. We'll go rock-climbing or do whatever it is that you do. I can't wait to see who you become.
I love you forever,
Mommy
You turned two a few days ago. I'm a little behind in writing this letter because, well...life happens. I don't want to go into it right now because this letter is about you, but the days immediately following your birthday were...eventful.
You are so much fun right now. I kinda feel like that's a generic thing I say in all of my letters, but it's always true. You and your brother are just fun. We delight in you. You, baby girl, have a light in you that refuses to be hidden. I hope you always let it shine.
Your appetite is still healthy. You will eat most things, and no meal is complete without some ketchup to "dip-dip." A few months ago, Daddy and I started fixing you yogurt smoothies with milk to trick you into drinking milk. You went for it for a while, but before long you were onto our sneaky games. And now you refuse to drink the yogurt smoothies too. Sometimes you will sneak off with Brother's chocolate milk, but after a couple of sips you realize your mistake and you will throw it down, vehemently proclaiming, "I 'on't yike it, milk." You still eat yogurt, but you really prefer to eat it with chips so you can dip them in it. We've settled for giving you calcium gummies, and you love them so I'm okay with it.
You love playing "outsideporch." I'm not sure how, but somehow going outside turned into "outsideporch" and you get most offended if we let Molly out and don't let you accompany her. You love to beat a path down the sidewalk. Every now and then you'll turn and look at me, shake your finger at me, and in a sing-song voice say, "Ah-ah-aaaaahhh." Almost like you KNOW I'm going to tell you that you've gone too far.
I think you're turning into a blankie girl. I have to admit, I've been a little bit sad that you haven't really needed a lovie or anything. You never really attached yourself to a particular stuffed animal (although you do love to torment your brother by running off with his Pooh). But lately, you've started wanting one of your baby blankets when you're tired or upset. It's this thin, gauzy material, and there is a hole in it where I think Molly chewed on it. You are very particular in how it covers you. It has to be completely flat with no wrinkles. But as soon as you wake up in the morning, blankie is the first thing to sail out of the crib.
You are all about Mickey Mouse right now. I mean, you are obsessed. I love watching you dance the hot dog dance. You have got some serious moves. In fact, you love to sing and dance in general. At night, we sit in your room and rock, and if you're having a hard time getting sleepy, we'll sing for a while. You will usually tell me which song to sing: "Go song" for the song from Frozen, "Dog" for the Hot Dog song, "B-B-B" for the ABC's. If I guess wrong or if you just decide halfway through that you don't like it, you'll grab my face, put your nose on mine and say, "No!" But if I do it to your liking, you reward me with a big smile and you sing with me.
We have another nighttime routine where we have to call role and tell everyone night-night. While we rock you'll ask, "Where'd Daddy go?" and I'll say, "Daddy went night-night. Night-night, Daddy." Then we repeat the whole process with Brother, Momo, Elmo, Mickey, Kitty, and anyone else who comes to mind.
You have really enjoyed the pool this summer. You're getting more and more brave. You love to stand on the steps and yell, "Fee, two, b'astoff!" and jump into my arms. You also love to ride the noodle-horses and race with Daddy and Brother. But I think your most favorite thing to do is to just play in the little plastic baby pool with Momo.
My Sydney-girl, I love how you'll reach up and pat my face when we're rocking. I love how you watch your brother with your eyes that miss NOTHING and you try to mimic everything he does. I love hearing you count your toys, "Eight, H, Two!" I love how you will dig through my purse to find my hand lotion and you insist on putting some on. But most of all, I love that you are my little girl. I'm looking forward to all of the pedicures, shoe-shopping expeditions and girl-food lunches we'll have together. And if none of that is your thing, that will be fine. We'll go rock-climbing or do whatever it is that you do. I can't wait to see who you become.
I love you forever,
Mommy
Friday, February 28, 2014
Dear Sydney,
You've been busy these last few months. It's hard to believe that we're on the downhill slide to your second birthday. When did my baby turn into a little girl? And a feisty one, at that?! The last time I wrote, you were just learning how to walk. Of course, your brother was the one who finally convinced you that you were ready. He was playing with a remote control train one day, and you just stood right up and took off after it. (His toys have always been more fun...) You still walk with the unsteady gait of someone who hasn't quite perfected walking, but you're deceivingly good at it. You swing your left arm in an over-exaggerated manner for balance. And the faster you walk the harder you swing your arm.
I think on the day God was handing out personality, you got a double dose. Your facial expressions absolutely crack me up. You could drop someone dead in their tracks when you're mad. But you nearly make me lose it when I'm trying to be stern with you and you flash one of your goofy fish-face looks at me.
Your favorite toy right now is the toilet brush. I don't know how many times I've taken that thing away from you and hoped upon hope that it didn't make it to your mouth when I wasn't looking. You're starting to get into playing with baby dolls (Ah-by), but you can race trucks with the boys too.
You appetite seems to have slowed down some, but you're still pretty adventurous with food. A couple of weeks ago, you tried sushi. You actually liked it, because you asked for another bite. (Maaarrr.) You're pretty insistent on trying anything I'm eating...except for milk. I don't understand it. You absolutely refuse milk. We have given you whole milk, skim milk, soy milk, almond milk, chocolate milk, strawberry milk....and we have watched you spit it all right back out of your mouth. You love yogurt and cheese, but milk will not pass your lips. So we're giving you calcium fortified juice and hoping someday you change your mind.
I talk a lot to others about how strong-willed and opinionated you are. I hope I don't come off as sounding like I'm complaining. While I'm sure we'll have our moments, I'm trying to remember that you are made exactly how God intended for you to be made. Just a couple of nights ago, Daddy and I were talking about yourstubbornness determination, and I pointed out that I don't think we'll ever have to worry about you caving to peer pressure. I'm serious. We actually had a good little laugh because we were feeling a bit sorry for the kid who tries to talk you into something that you don't want to do. I feel like if we can just lay the groundwork and convince you of right and wrong, our work will be pretty much done.
My sweet Syd, I love how you already have an opinion about which shoes you should wear. (The sparkly ones, of course.) I love how you want me to pick you "bup". I love watching you beat a path to the bathtub as soon as you hear the water start running. (We are going to have so much fun in the pool this year.) I love watching you play with your hair when your eyes are getting heavy.
I wouldn't change a thing about you...not a single red hair.
Mommy
You've been busy these last few months. It's hard to believe that we're on the downhill slide to your second birthday. When did my baby turn into a little girl? And a feisty one, at that?! The last time I wrote, you were just learning how to walk. Of course, your brother was the one who finally convinced you that you were ready. He was playing with a remote control train one day, and you just stood right up and took off after it. (His toys have always been more fun...) You still walk with the unsteady gait of someone who hasn't quite perfected walking, but you're deceivingly good at it. You swing your left arm in an over-exaggerated manner for balance. And the faster you walk the harder you swing your arm.
I think on the day God was handing out personality, you got a double dose. Your facial expressions absolutely crack me up. You could drop someone dead in their tracks when you're mad. But you nearly make me lose it when I'm trying to be stern with you and you flash one of your goofy fish-face looks at me.
Your favorite toy right now is the toilet brush. I don't know how many times I've taken that thing away from you and hoped upon hope that it didn't make it to your mouth when I wasn't looking. You're starting to get into playing with baby dolls (Ah-by), but you can race trucks with the boys too.
You appetite seems to have slowed down some, but you're still pretty adventurous with food. A couple of weeks ago, you tried sushi. You actually liked it, because you asked for another bite. (Maaarrr.) You're pretty insistent on trying anything I'm eating...except for milk. I don't understand it. You absolutely refuse milk. We have given you whole milk, skim milk, soy milk, almond milk, chocolate milk, strawberry milk....and we have watched you spit it all right back out of your mouth. You love yogurt and cheese, but milk will not pass your lips. So we're giving you calcium fortified juice and hoping someday you change your mind.
I talk a lot to others about how strong-willed and opinionated you are. I hope I don't come off as sounding like I'm complaining. While I'm sure we'll have our moments, I'm trying to remember that you are made exactly how God intended for you to be made. Just a couple of nights ago, Daddy and I were talking about your
My sweet Syd, I love how you already have an opinion about which shoes you should wear. (The sparkly ones, of course.) I love how you want me to pick you "bup". I love watching you beat a path to the bathtub as soon as you hear the water start running. (We are going to have so much fun in the pool this year.) I love watching you play with your hair when your eyes are getting heavy.
I wouldn't change a thing about you...not a single red hair.
Mommy
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Dear Sydney,
Maybe it's strange, but today, on your first birthday, I can't stop thinking about your actual birth day. It just seems a natural process for me to reminisce about the day we met you. On the day you were born, I was so nervous. I knew my life was getting ready to change radically, and I had no idea how I was going to keep up with it. Driving to the hospital, I was overcome with fear. I felt out of control. Like I was on a train that was going downhill too fast and the brakes weren't working. You see, I'm a planner. Before I go into something, I like to analyze and reanalyze and over analyze every possible scenario. It's a process that is maddening to your father. I read books, articles, anything I can get my hands on. I like to ask others about their experiences so that I can be aware of every possible situation that may come up and have a plan of attack in my mind. I like having not only a plan, but also Plans B, C and D. Motherhood has pretty much tested that quality in me every single day, but I felt like I had at least achieved some sort of controlled chaos with your brother.
But with you, I felt like I was in uncharted water. You were a girl. I didn't know how to be a mommy to a little girl. And somehow, I just knew you were special. That you would challenge me and change me in countless ways. And those impending changes were scary to me.
But the moment I saw your face, all of those doubts...all of those fears...every last anxious thought...they all just disappeared. It may sound cliche, but I just felt an immediate peace. I had My Girl. As I watched your face turn pink--then wonderfully red--and you howled with fury, I placed my finger in your tiny hand. In that moment, you weren't just holding my finger---you had my heart. And you have ever since.
You are so. stinkin'. much. fun right now. I love your smile. Your whole face smiles. Your eyes shine, your nose crinkles just a little, and you proudly flash your two bottom teeth. I'm starting to think you might not ever get any more teeth. You've had a few really fussy days, and you've even had a low grade fever a time or two. Every time I've been just sure another tooth is about to pop, but not yet.
But with you, I felt like I was in uncharted water. You were a girl. I didn't know how to be a mommy to a little girl. And somehow, I just knew you were special. That you would challenge me and change me in countless ways. And those impending changes were scary to me.
But the moment I saw your face, all of those doubts...all of those fears...every last anxious thought...they all just disappeared. It may sound cliche, but I just felt an immediate peace. I had My Girl. As I watched your face turn pink--then wonderfully red--and you howled with fury, I placed my finger in your tiny hand. In that moment, you weren't just holding my finger---you had my heart. And you have ever since.
You are so. stinkin'. much. fun right now. I love your smile. Your whole face smiles. Your eyes shine, your nose crinkles just a little, and you proudly flash your two bottom teeth. I'm starting to think you might not ever get any more teeth. You've had a few really fussy days, and you've even had a low grade fever a time or two. Every time I've been just sure another tooth is about to pop, but not yet.
Right now your favorite toy is whatever your brother is playing with. Sometimes you wait patiently for him to put it down, but more and more you just crawl right up to him and take it. And you really don't understand why it offends him so. You seem to sense that Pooh is extra special, so you ALWAYS make a beeline for him if he's in your vicinity. It's strange because you really haven't shown much interest in any other doll or stuffed animal yet. Maybe Pooh is laced with some kind of baby crack.
You're pulling up and just starting to cruise around. In fact, you had a pretty good little fall this week, so you have a lovely purple shiner for your birthday pictures. Awesome. I'm sure it's the first of many minor injuries. Something tells me you're going to be a tough little gal.
You LOVE music. Anytime you hear music...especially if it's a song you know...you get so excited and start clapping your hands and bouncing. You love watching your brother dance. I must admit---he does have some pretty impressive moves.
Your sleep routine is kinda funny to me. At nap time, I just take you in your room and set you in your crib and turn your little music thing on. You immediately stand up and scream. I mean, you totally let me have it. It usually only lasts for five minutes, if it's even that long. Then you immediately stop. You face plant down on your bed and you're out. There is no winding down or flopping around. Just one minute total fury and indignation...the next quiet rest.
Tonight we gave you chocolate for the first time. After all, you deserved some kind of special treat for your birthday! I pinched off a tiny piece of a brownie and gave it to you. The second it touched your lips, your eyes lit up. You looked at me with a smile of wonder and delight and immediately lunged for another bite.
Tonight we gave you chocolate for the first time. After all, you deserved some kind of special treat for your birthday! I pinched off a tiny piece of a brownie and gave it to you. The second it touched your lips, your eyes lit up. You looked at me with a smile of wonder and delight and immediately lunged for another bite.
My Sydney, I love how you lean into me and pat, pat, pat my shoulder. I love how you wave bye-bye in reverse. I love how even though mobility has slimmed you down a bit, you still have those awesome thighs.
Happy birthday, baby. This year has been so sweet. And while I'm so thankful for each and every day that I've gotten to spend with you, I'm even more thankful for the days ahead.
Mommy
Mommy
Monday, June 3, 2013
Dear Sydney,
Today you are 11 months old. I can't believe we're in the home stretch to your first birthday! You amaze me each and every day with something new you've learned. Right now you will wave hi and bye, blow kisses, give kisses and play patty cake pretty much on command. You play peek a boo like a boss. You will put your hands on top of your head and take them off over and over until someone realizes what you're doing. When we respond with, "Where's Sydney?" your face lights up and you clap your hands like you're applauding us for finally getting a clue. Your favorite foods are Cheerios, yogurt, Cheerios, peas, and pretty much anything else you can feed yourself. And also Cheerios. I have learned to never be without Cheerios. You can sign "more", but you usually prefer to just scream when you're out.
You're talking like crazy. I mean, you are a little chatterbox. You love to talk about Dadadadadada. Sometimes you say Mommmm, but it's mostly if you're hungry or tired. I think you're trying to say "dog" too. You keep yelling something every time you see Molly. It's not quite dog, but it is a "d" sound so we'll run with it. And you've discovered the "l" sound. That's pretty much all you say now: lee-lah-lee-lah-lee-lah-lee-lah. Sometimes you stop long enough to stick your tongue out at someone until they stick their tongue back out at you. Then you laugh like it's the funniest thing ever and continue your speech: lee-lah-lee-lah-lee-lah. I could listen to it for hours.
You are crawling everywhere. Ev-er-y-where. You're getting pretty fast, too. You love the dog's water bowl. When I catch you crawling towards it at breakneck speed, I will say, "Sydney, no NO!" About half of the time you will sit up on your bottom and look at me all wide-eyed and innocent like, "What? I'm not doing anything." The other half of the time, you stop and look at me with your pouty lip out. Your face crumples as you reach to be picked up, and you start to wail. Your heart is broken. Sometimes you actually make it there before I realize what you're up to. You splash your hands in it happily while you look very proud of yourself. You're also pretty obsessed with shoes. And while it probably isn't all that unusual for a girl to be interested in shoes, I do think most girls want them to wear on their feet...not to chew on. I've never seen anyone more determined to put every single shoe that enters this house in their mouth. I think we're going to have to start hanging them on the wall just to keep them away from you.
I know I've mentioned it before, but you have such pretty hair. You get so many compliments on it. I'm learning that being a redhead is like being part of some elite club. When we see other redheads while we're out, they always joyfully greet you. "Oh look! A pretty little redheaded girl!" It seems just being related to or knowing another redhead grants one entry into the club as well. "Oh! She has red hair! You know, my granddaughter is a redhead..."
You're a biter. Not so much in a mean way..rather, I think it's a sign of love for you. When you're playing, you'll often grab my hands and stick a finger in your mouth. When you give hugs, you will often chomp down on my collar bone. And every now and then when you're sitting in Daddy's lap, you'll lean over and take a bite out of his belly. What's really hilarious about the whole thing is that after you bite someone, you always give them the sweetest smile. To my knowledge, you haven't bitten your brother yet, but as crazy as you are about him, it's only a matter of time.
As we expected, you're a total water-dog. We've had you in the pool a couple of times now, and you've loved it each time. The first time, I wasn't too sure about putting you in. The water was still a little cool in my opinion, and I had planned on just sitting on the edge with you. Yeah, right. You were lunging and bucking, trying to get to the water. I finally stuck your toes in, thinking that would satisfy you, but after that it was a lost cause. We were getting in. You loved it and cried when it was time to get out.
My Sydney, I love walking into your bedroom and seeing you peek over the crib at me as you say, "Hiiiiiiii." I love how you giggle from the back seat every time we hit a bump in the road. I love how you're obsessed with the dog's tail and you're constantly sneaking up behind her and trying to get it in your mouth. I love how you crawl but sometimes use your left knee and your right foot so you're crawling all lop-sided. You are the perfect mixture of sweet and spunk.
Mommy
Today you are 11 months old. I can't believe we're in the home stretch to your first birthday! You amaze me each and every day with something new you've learned. Right now you will wave hi and bye, blow kisses, give kisses and play patty cake pretty much on command. You play peek a boo like a boss. You will put your hands on top of your head and take them off over and over until someone realizes what you're doing. When we respond with, "Where's Sydney?" your face lights up and you clap your hands like you're applauding us for finally getting a clue. Your favorite foods are Cheerios, yogurt, Cheerios, peas, and pretty much anything else you can feed yourself. And also Cheerios. I have learned to never be without Cheerios. You can sign "more", but you usually prefer to just scream when you're out.
You're talking like crazy. I mean, you are a little chatterbox. You love to talk about Dadadadadada. Sometimes you say Mommmm, but it's mostly if you're hungry or tired. I think you're trying to say "dog" too. You keep yelling something every time you see Molly. It's not quite dog, but it is a "d" sound so we'll run with it. And you've discovered the "l" sound. That's pretty much all you say now: lee-lah-lee-lah-lee-lah-lee-lah. Sometimes you stop long enough to stick your tongue out at someone until they stick their tongue back out at you. Then you laugh like it's the funniest thing ever and continue your speech: lee-lah-lee-lah-lee-lah. I could listen to it for hours.
You are crawling everywhere. Ev-er-y-where. You're getting pretty fast, too. You love the dog's water bowl. When I catch you crawling towards it at breakneck speed, I will say, "Sydney, no NO!" About half of the time you will sit up on your bottom and look at me all wide-eyed and innocent like, "What? I'm not doing anything." The other half of the time, you stop and look at me with your pouty lip out. Your face crumples as you reach to be picked up, and you start to wail. Your heart is broken. Sometimes you actually make it there before I realize what you're up to. You splash your hands in it happily while you look very proud of yourself. You're also pretty obsessed with shoes. And while it probably isn't all that unusual for a girl to be interested in shoes, I do think most girls want them to wear on their feet...not to chew on. I've never seen anyone more determined to put every single shoe that enters this house in their mouth. I think we're going to have to start hanging them on the wall just to keep them away from you.
I know I've mentioned it before, but you have such pretty hair. You get so many compliments on it. I'm learning that being a redhead is like being part of some elite club. When we see other redheads while we're out, they always joyfully greet you. "Oh look! A pretty little redheaded girl!" It seems just being related to or knowing another redhead grants one entry into the club as well. "Oh! She has red hair! You know, my granddaughter is a redhead..."
You're a biter. Not so much in a mean way..rather, I think it's a sign of love for you. When you're playing, you'll often grab my hands and stick a finger in your mouth. When you give hugs, you will often chomp down on my collar bone. And every now and then when you're sitting in Daddy's lap, you'll lean over and take a bite out of his belly. What's really hilarious about the whole thing is that after you bite someone, you always give them the sweetest smile. To my knowledge, you haven't bitten your brother yet, but as crazy as you are about him, it's only a matter of time.
As we expected, you're a total water-dog. We've had you in the pool a couple of times now, and you've loved it each time. The first time, I wasn't too sure about putting you in. The water was still a little cool in my opinion, and I had planned on just sitting on the edge with you. Yeah, right. You were lunging and bucking, trying to get to the water. I finally stuck your toes in, thinking that would satisfy you, but after that it was a lost cause. We were getting in. You loved it and cried when it was time to get out.
My Sydney, I love walking into your bedroom and seeing you peek over the crib at me as you say, "Hiiiiiiii." I love how you giggle from the back seat every time we hit a bump in the road. I love how you're obsessed with the dog's tail and you're constantly sneaking up behind her and trying to get it in your mouth. I love how you crawl but sometimes use your left knee and your right foot so you're crawling all lop-sided. You are the perfect mixture of sweet and spunk.
Mommy
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Dear Sydney,
Yesterday you turned 10 months old. This month, you discovered independence. You don't want to eat pureed baby food. Only diced veggies or Cheerios that you can feed yourself, please. But yogurt is different. Yogurt you will eat all. day. long. (One night, Daddy pulled a container of yogurt out of the fridge, and from across the room you started yelling and pounding your high chair tray. You may not be able to speak, but you are an EXCELLENT communicator.) You don't like to get in your car seat because being strapped down is just unreasonable. (Luckily, you usually fall asleep once the car is moving.) And you CERTAINLY don't appreciate being still long enough to change a diaper. I think you have an eject button somewhere on you. When I put you on the changing pad, the eject button gets pushed, and you POP up off of the table. I seriously don't know how you do it. One second I'm wiping a bottom, the next you're holding onto my forearms and standing up. It often results in a bigger mess than the one we started with, but you are always amused by your acrobatic feat.
You are officially crawling now. You're not breaking any speed records yet, but you can certainly get where you want to go. For weeks you have been practicing. You would do this thing where you got up on your hands and feet so you looked like a bridge, but you would get stuck in that position and couldn't figure out what to do next. About a week ago, you started doing this inch-worm thing where you'd be on all fours and I'd think you were getting ready to crawl---you'd walk your hands out all the way in front of you---then you'd plop down on your belly and walk your knees back up until you were on all fours again. I have to admit, I kinda wish you'd do that for a while. It's pretty cute to watch. But Daddy and I noticed this week that you were actually, officially crawling. I think the only person in the house who isn't particularly happy about it is your brother. It's no longer enough to just move the toys he doesn't want you to have out of your reach.
I may be wrong, but I think you'll walk sooner than your brother did. Sam was content to crawl for months because he could crawl so fast. You, on the other hand, already seem to be interested in figuring out how to make your legs work like your brother's. You love pulling up and standing up and are just not content to sit on your bottom.
I love your hair. You get so many compliments on the color. It's long enough now that I'm able to run my fingers through it in the back. At bedtime, you and I sit together with our music playing softly while I rhythmically stroke your beautiful red hair, and your eyes start to get heavier and heavier. It's a routine I've come to look forward to every night. As lovely as your hair is, you will NOT wear a headband. About five minutes after I put one on, you yank it down around your neck--or over your eyes, which TOTALLY ticks you off. But I have discovered that I can put a little clip in your hair and you don't seem to mind that. In the back your hair is growing at an uneven rate so that it's longer on the sides than it is in the middle. I have joked that your horns are just growing in upside down.
You are full of personality. You are so sweet and lovable, but you have some fire, too. I'm glad. Of course, I want you to control your strong emotions, but I hope when you're in elementary school and you see the new kid getting picked on, you show a little bit of that independence. When you're in middle school and another kid tries to get you to do something that you know is wrong, I'll be glad that you're so opinionated. And when you're in high school and some moron tries to tell you that you're not good enough or pretty enough or thin enough, you just go ahead and unleash your fury.
My Sydney, I love how you yell and bounce with excitement when you see your brother. I love how you wake up and immediately start talking to "Dah-dah-dah-dah" in your crib. I love how you crawl over to Molly's tail and reach your hand out to grab it as you look back over your shoulder to see if I'm watching you. I love how you bury your face into my neck and pat my shoulder when I pick you up. You make me want to find new ways to make you laugh every day.
Mommy
Yesterday you turned 10 months old. This month, you discovered independence. You don't want to eat pureed baby food. Only diced veggies or Cheerios that you can feed yourself, please. But yogurt is different. Yogurt you will eat all. day. long. (One night, Daddy pulled a container of yogurt out of the fridge, and from across the room you started yelling and pounding your high chair tray. You may not be able to speak, but you are an EXCELLENT communicator.) You don't like to get in your car seat because being strapped down is just unreasonable. (Luckily, you usually fall asleep once the car is moving.) And you CERTAINLY don't appreciate being still long enough to change a diaper. I think you have an eject button somewhere on you. When I put you on the changing pad, the eject button gets pushed, and you POP up off of the table. I seriously don't know how you do it. One second I'm wiping a bottom, the next you're holding onto my forearms and standing up. It often results in a bigger mess than the one we started with, but you are always amused by your acrobatic feat.
You are officially crawling now. You're not breaking any speed records yet, but you can certainly get where you want to go. For weeks you have been practicing. You would do this thing where you got up on your hands and feet so you looked like a bridge, but you would get stuck in that position and couldn't figure out what to do next. About a week ago, you started doing this inch-worm thing where you'd be on all fours and I'd think you were getting ready to crawl---you'd walk your hands out all the way in front of you---then you'd plop down on your belly and walk your knees back up until you were on all fours again. I have to admit, I kinda wish you'd do that for a while. It's pretty cute to watch. But Daddy and I noticed this week that you were actually, officially crawling. I think the only person in the house who isn't particularly happy about it is your brother. It's no longer enough to just move the toys he doesn't want you to have out of your reach.
I may be wrong, but I think you'll walk sooner than your brother did. Sam was content to crawl for months because he could crawl so fast. You, on the other hand, already seem to be interested in figuring out how to make your legs work like your brother's. You love pulling up and standing up and are just not content to sit on your bottom.
I love your hair. You get so many compliments on the color. It's long enough now that I'm able to run my fingers through it in the back. At bedtime, you and I sit together with our music playing softly while I rhythmically stroke your beautiful red hair, and your eyes start to get heavier and heavier. It's a routine I've come to look forward to every night. As lovely as your hair is, you will NOT wear a headband. About five minutes after I put one on, you yank it down around your neck--or over your eyes, which TOTALLY ticks you off. But I have discovered that I can put a little clip in your hair and you don't seem to mind that. In the back your hair is growing at an uneven rate so that it's longer on the sides than it is in the middle. I have joked that your horns are just growing in upside down.
You are full of personality. You are so sweet and lovable, but you have some fire, too. I'm glad. Of course, I want you to control your strong emotions, but I hope when you're in elementary school and you see the new kid getting picked on, you show a little bit of that independence. When you're in middle school and another kid tries to get you to do something that you know is wrong, I'll be glad that you're so opinionated. And when you're in high school and some moron tries to tell you that you're not good enough or pretty enough or thin enough, you just go ahead and unleash your fury.
My Sydney, I love how you yell and bounce with excitement when you see your brother. I love how you wake up and immediately start talking to "Dah-dah-dah-dah" in your crib. I love how you crawl over to Molly's tail and reach your hand out to grab it as you look back over your shoulder to see if I'm watching you. I love how you bury your face into my neck and pat my shoulder when I pick you up. You make me want to find new ways to make you laugh every day.
Mommy
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Dear Sydney,
You are one opinionated little girl. In nine months, you have learned how to communicate EXACTLY what you want. Your dad and I have started jokingly saying about you, "She wants what she wants and she wants it now!" When you are unhappy with a situation, you will arch your back and do this foot-stomping thing. And while I'm sure that the foot-stomping will not be nearly as cute when you're 13 or 14 years old, right now it's pretty hilarious. Your brother is most helpful during these situations, as he will always point out to me, "Mom, Nene cry." Yes, Sam. Thank you.
You have perfected your wave this month. I've been trying to teach you how to blow kisses, but every time I show you how to do it and then say, "You try," you pause for a second, give me a sly little grin, then wave. Nope, Mom. It's not my idea. But you're very good at waving. You also like to play patty cake. You won't clap on your own, but you like it when I help you clap. That always gets a giggle from you. But you LOVE the roll-it-up part. You are a master at that. Then when we finish, you wave bye bye.
We started practicing with finger foods this month. For now, I've only given you Puffs and Cheerios, but you attack them as if you haven't eaten in weeks. Sometimes you actually get them to your mouth, but most of the time you just drop them in your lap after you've gnawed on them and made them all gooey. Then you let out a war cry to notify anyone around that your highchair tray is void of Puffs.
You have started talking a little this month. You say Dada and Mommmmmm. You really only say Mommmmm when you're upset about something or when it's time to eat. When you're happy you talk about Dada. Your dad frequently reminds me that you said Dada first.
You're smile is changing, too. You have started squinching your eyes up and smiling with your nose crinkled up and your bottom teeth sticking out. When you do it, your eyes almost disappear into your chubby cheeks. When you're really excited about something, you add this little snort sound so you sound like a little pig.
You are SO CLOSE to crawling. You can get up on all fours, then you look around like you're trying to figure out the next step. One day last week you were sitting on your bottom and I notice that you had figured out how to scoot. Just within the last day or two, you have figured out how to army-crawl in reverse. But neither of these modes of transportation are your preferred---when you really have somewhere that you want to be, you just plop down on your belly and roll.
You've also figured out how much fun it is to bounce. No more sitting in someone's lap for you---you want to be standing up so you can jump. When you get your way, you make your happiness known by flashing your chubby-cheeks-squinch-smile and giving a snort or two. I have to admit--I'm a little reluctant for you to become mobile. Your legs have already slimmed down some, and I'll be sad to see your little rolls completely disappear.
Tweedlebug, I love seeing the little girl that you're becoming. I love how you prop your feet on my chin so I can kiss your toes. I love that you prefer your brother's cooler, big boy toys to your own boring, baby toys. I love how when you're sitting with Daddy, you always grasp his ear. I love your pouty lip that you flash when something hurts your feelings. I love that a zerbert to your belly can usually chase the pouty lip away.
Love,
Mommy
You are one opinionated little girl. In nine months, you have learned how to communicate EXACTLY what you want. Your dad and I have started jokingly saying about you, "She wants what she wants and she wants it now!" When you are unhappy with a situation, you will arch your back and do this foot-stomping thing. And while I'm sure that the foot-stomping will not be nearly as cute when you're 13 or 14 years old, right now it's pretty hilarious. Your brother is most helpful during these situations, as he will always point out to me, "Mom, Nene cry." Yes, Sam. Thank you.
You have perfected your wave this month. I've been trying to teach you how to blow kisses, but every time I show you how to do it and then say, "You try," you pause for a second, give me a sly little grin, then wave. Nope, Mom. It's not my idea. But you're very good at waving. You also like to play patty cake. You won't clap on your own, but you like it when I help you clap. That always gets a giggle from you. But you LOVE the roll-it-up part. You are a master at that. Then when we finish, you wave bye bye.
We started practicing with finger foods this month. For now, I've only given you Puffs and Cheerios, but you attack them as if you haven't eaten in weeks. Sometimes you actually get them to your mouth, but most of the time you just drop them in your lap after you've gnawed on them and made them all gooey. Then you let out a war cry to notify anyone around that your highchair tray is void of Puffs.
You have started talking a little this month. You say Dada and Mommmmmm. You really only say Mommmmm when you're upset about something or when it's time to eat. When you're happy you talk about Dada. Your dad frequently reminds me that you said Dada first.
You're smile is changing, too. You have started squinching your eyes up and smiling with your nose crinkled up and your bottom teeth sticking out. When you do it, your eyes almost disappear into your chubby cheeks. When you're really excited about something, you add this little snort sound so you sound like a little pig.
You are SO CLOSE to crawling. You can get up on all fours, then you look around like you're trying to figure out the next step. One day last week you were sitting on your bottom and I notice that you had figured out how to scoot. Just within the last day or two, you have figured out how to army-crawl in reverse. But neither of these modes of transportation are your preferred---when you really have somewhere that you want to be, you just plop down on your belly and roll.
You've also figured out how much fun it is to bounce. No more sitting in someone's lap for you---you want to be standing up so you can jump. When you get your way, you make your happiness known by flashing your chubby-cheeks-squinch-smile and giving a snort or two. I have to admit--I'm a little reluctant for you to become mobile. Your legs have already slimmed down some, and I'll be sad to see your little rolls completely disappear.
Tweedlebug, I love seeing the little girl that you're becoming. I love how you prop your feet on my chin so I can kiss your toes. I love that you prefer your brother's cooler, big boy toys to your own boring, baby toys. I love how when you're sitting with Daddy, you always grasp his ear. I love your pouty lip that you flash when something hurts your feelings. I love that a zerbert to your belly can usually chase the pouty lip away.
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Dear Sydney,
Today you are eight months (and two days) old. Sorry I'm late, Baby Girl! You have had a busy month! You are now sitting up almost entirely on your own. I still don't quite trust you to leave you completely unattended because you're not very good at catching yourself if you start to topple (and it really hurts your feelings when your head bounces off of the hardwood floors), but your toppling is becoming more and more infrequent. You have figured out that you can roll to get where you want to go. I will often put you in the floor on a blanket with some toys while I am zipping around doing housework, only to turn around a minute later and find you rolling after me. It really makes you mad if you get stuck on a chair or one of Sam's toys. I have a feeling that crawling is looming just ahead on our horizon.
You woke up one morning during the last month and decided that you like baby food. As in, you REALLY like it. Fruit is, by far, your favorite, but for the most part you will willingly gobble anything we give you. You make some pretty funny faces with the green vegetables, but if I wait longer than you feel is appropriate between bites, you still let me know.
You have become quite the clingy baby this month. You have always been somewhat of a Momma's girl, but lately you will absolutely not tolerate anyone else holding you if I am in the room--or within a 1/2 mile radius for that matter. I'm pretty sure you have another tooth working it's way through, and I think most of your Mommyness is due to that. But seriously, I can barely go to the bathroom before you're all red-faced and screaming your head off. The moment I pick you up, you stop crying and give a little laugh. Yes! It only took her 30 seconds this time! She's getting faster...
You started sleeping in your crib this month. I had been letting you nap in your crib for several weeks, but I was reluctant to move you in there at night. I just knew I would miss being able to wake up in the middle of the night and check on you. You will usually take a little catnap after dinner and eat one more time before bed. But one night this month you seemed especially tired, and when I put you in your crib for your nap you didn't even budge. I told your dad that I didn't expect you to wake up for your last meal, so when you didn't we just left you alone. You slept the entire night. Subsequent nights have not been quite as successful, but I can usually sneak in your room long enough to turn your little light/music thing back on and you settle down pretty quickly. You scare me a little, though. Sometimes you sleep sprawled out on your back with your arms stretched high above your head like Superman, but more and more frequently, you're sleeping face down. And you don't move in your sleep. The position that you go to sleep in is the one that you wake up in. So I'm constantly worrying that you can't breathe.
You LOVE bathtime. One night you were sitting in the tub, and I was showing you how to splash your hands on the water. Suddenly, a light bulb clicked, and you happily splashed both hands in the water then looked at me with the biggest grin on your face. I did it!!! I'm not sure why, but it always amazes me that I can really communicate with you even though you're so young. I wonder how many of my words you really understand---and it makes me want to ensure that all of my words are uplifting and full of love.
You are becoming more aware of your toys, and you have a few that are definitely your favorites. You love your little cloth cookbook that crinkles when you chew on it. You love your keys. You love your little fish teether that we keep in the refrigerator. But your absolute favorite is the little Sophie giraffe that someone gave you not long ago. I had seen Sophie in the stores and knew it was touted as the "World's Best Teether" but I honestly never gave it a second thought. I mean, really, it's a teether--what could possibly be so special about it? It looks more like a dog toy. It's a little rubber giraffe that squeaks when you squeeze it. I have no idea what the appeal is of that thing---maybe they infused the rubber with strawberry flavoring. Whatever it is, you are wild about it. Unfortunately, Molly is too. When you start chewing on it, and Sophie goes to squeaking, I can see the torment on Molly's face as she tries to resist. More than once I have turned my back for a moment, only to hear you start screaming and look around just in time to see Molly sneaking away with Sophie. She's always very gentle when she takes her from you. She sloooooooooowly walks up to you, gently grasps Sophie in her mouth, and then tiptoes (I didn't know dogs could tiptoe, but I SWEAR she does) to another room to relish her new found toy. But you never let her get away with it. You always tell on her, and when I take the toy away from her she hangs her head in dejected defeat.
My precious Sydney, I love the way youreach for me launch yourself at me when I walk into the room---you just take a dive and expect me to catch you. I love how your toes curl together when you're sitting cross-legged on the floor. I love how you play with your hair when you're getting sleepy. I love how your hair is starting to curl just behind your ears. I love how when you smile you stick your bottom teeth out to show them off. You make even the dreariest winter day seem like springtime.
Mommy
Today you are eight months (and two days) old. Sorry I'm late, Baby Girl! You have had a busy month! You are now sitting up almost entirely on your own. I still don't quite trust you to leave you completely unattended because you're not very good at catching yourself if you start to topple (and it really hurts your feelings when your head bounces off of the hardwood floors), but your toppling is becoming more and more infrequent. You have figured out that you can roll to get where you want to go. I will often put you in the floor on a blanket with some toys while I am zipping around doing housework, only to turn around a minute later and find you rolling after me. It really makes you mad if you get stuck on a chair or one of Sam's toys. I have a feeling that crawling is looming just ahead on our horizon.
You woke up one morning during the last month and decided that you like baby food. As in, you REALLY like it. Fruit is, by far, your favorite, but for the most part you will willingly gobble anything we give you. You make some pretty funny faces with the green vegetables, but if I wait longer than you feel is appropriate between bites, you still let me know.
You have become quite the clingy baby this month. You have always been somewhat of a Momma's girl, but lately you will absolutely not tolerate anyone else holding you if I am in the room--or within a 1/2 mile radius for that matter. I'm pretty sure you have another tooth working it's way through, and I think most of your Mommyness is due to that. But seriously, I can barely go to the bathroom before you're all red-faced and screaming your head off. The moment I pick you up, you stop crying and give a little laugh. Yes! It only took her 30 seconds this time! She's getting faster...
You started sleeping in your crib this month. I had been letting you nap in your crib for several weeks, but I was reluctant to move you in there at night. I just knew I would miss being able to wake up in the middle of the night and check on you. You will usually take a little catnap after dinner and eat one more time before bed. But one night this month you seemed especially tired, and when I put you in your crib for your nap you didn't even budge. I told your dad that I didn't expect you to wake up for your last meal, so when you didn't we just left you alone. You slept the entire night. Subsequent nights have not been quite as successful, but I can usually sneak in your room long enough to turn your little light/music thing back on and you settle down pretty quickly. You scare me a little, though. Sometimes you sleep sprawled out on your back with your arms stretched high above your head like Superman, but more and more frequently, you're sleeping face down. And you don't move in your sleep. The position that you go to sleep in is the one that you wake up in. So I'm constantly worrying that you can't breathe.
You LOVE bathtime. One night you were sitting in the tub, and I was showing you how to splash your hands on the water. Suddenly, a light bulb clicked, and you happily splashed both hands in the water then looked at me with the biggest grin on your face. I did it!!! I'm not sure why, but it always amazes me that I can really communicate with you even though you're so young. I wonder how many of my words you really understand---and it makes me want to ensure that all of my words are uplifting and full of love.
You are becoming more aware of your toys, and you have a few that are definitely your favorites. You love your little cloth cookbook that crinkles when you chew on it. You love your keys. You love your little fish teether that we keep in the refrigerator. But your absolute favorite is the little Sophie giraffe that someone gave you not long ago. I had seen Sophie in the stores and knew it was touted as the "World's Best Teether" but I honestly never gave it a second thought. I mean, really, it's a teether--what could possibly be so special about it? It looks more like a dog toy. It's a little rubber giraffe that squeaks when you squeeze it. I have no idea what the appeal is of that thing---maybe they infused the rubber with strawberry flavoring. Whatever it is, you are wild about it. Unfortunately, Molly is too. When you start chewing on it, and Sophie goes to squeaking, I can see the torment on Molly's face as she tries to resist. More than once I have turned my back for a moment, only to hear you start screaming and look around just in time to see Molly sneaking away with Sophie. She's always very gentle when she takes her from you. She sloooooooooowly walks up to you, gently grasps Sophie in her mouth, and then tiptoes (I didn't know dogs could tiptoe, but I SWEAR she does) to another room to relish her new found toy. But you never let her get away with it. You always tell on her, and when I take the toy away from her she hangs her head in dejected defeat.
My precious Sydney, I love the way you
Mommy
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Dear Sydney,
This month you learned how to blow raspberries. This is especially interesting because your favorite time to do it seems to be when we're eating. You, my little future physicist, spend most of your highchair time studying the trajectory of your food as it moves through space. You have observed that foods with a higher viscosity (such as green beans) travel at a greater velocity and distance than others (rice cereal). You are also researching ways to incorporate baby food into one's daily beauty regimen, particularly as a face cream or a leave-in conditioner. I'm just sure we're on the brink of a major breakthrough in this area that will make us millionaires and forever change the course of our lives.
You still aren't all that crazy about baby food. So far, you have tried green beans, sweet potatoes, peaches, bananas, pears, carrots and avocado. The only foods you really eat with any enthusiasm at all are peaches and pears. But mostly peaches. You LOVE peaches. The first night we tried them you were grunting and smacking your lips because I wasn't feeding you fast enough. With the other foods, you will eat a few bites, but after that you become fixated on playing with the spoon. I can sometimes sneak another two or three bites in you by slipping the spoon out of your grasp long enough to dip it back in the food (while you scream because I took your toy away). Once I give it back, you happily swipe the spoon across your face and in your hair for a few minutes before you eventually throw it on the floor. Some of the food makes it to your mouth. I'm really not sure how, but you even manage to get food on your feet, which the dog is only too happy to take care of as you giggle. Sanitary? Perhaps not, but it works.
You're also experimenting with new sounds. One day this month you started saying "Bah-bah-bah-bah." We were sitting at the dinner table repeating it back and forth to each other when you suddenly started making a wave motion with your hand. I'm not sure if that's what you meant or not, but I'm rolling with it. You totally wave bye bye now.
You have been chewing and drooling all over everything for WEEKS. I have been doing almost daily mouth checks expecting your first tooth to pop anytime. Yesterday morning you were sitting with Daddy, when you chomped down on his finger and he let out a yelp. Your tooth had popped! Then this morning Daddy was putting you in the car after church, and he spotted your second tooth! You're on a roll, little girl.
My sweet, Sydney, I love hearing you laugh. I love when you make fart noises with your mouth. I love it when you chew on your toes. I love how you don't really cry when you're unhappy---you yell. I love how that spot in the center of your forehead gets red when you're really mad. Happy 7 months, Baby Girl.
Mommy
This month you learned how to blow raspberries. This is especially interesting because your favorite time to do it seems to be when we're eating. You, my little future physicist, spend most of your highchair time studying the trajectory of your food as it moves through space. You have observed that foods with a higher viscosity (such as green beans) travel at a greater velocity and distance than others (rice cereal). You are also researching ways to incorporate baby food into one's daily beauty regimen, particularly as a face cream or a leave-in conditioner. I'm just sure we're on the brink of a major breakthrough in this area that will make us millionaires and forever change the course of our lives.
You still aren't all that crazy about baby food. So far, you have tried green beans, sweet potatoes, peaches, bananas, pears, carrots and avocado. The only foods you really eat with any enthusiasm at all are peaches and pears. But mostly peaches. You LOVE peaches. The first night we tried them you were grunting and smacking your lips because I wasn't feeding you fast enough. With the other foods, you will eat a few bites, but after that you become fixated on playing with the spoon. I can sometimes sneak another two or three bites in you by slipping the spoon out of your grasp long enough to dip it back in the food (while you scream because I took your toy away). Once I give it back, you happily swipe the spoon across your face and in your hair for a few minutes before you eventually throw it on the floor. Some of the food makes it to your mouth. I'm really not sure how, but you even manage to get food on your feet, which the dog is only too happy to take care of as you giggle. Sanitary? Perhaps not, but it works.
You're also experimenting with new sounds. One day this month you started saying "Bah-bah-bah-bah." We were sitting at the dinner table repeating it back and forth to each other when you suddenly started making a wave motion with your hand. I'm not sure if that's what you meant or not, but I'm rolling with it. You totally wave bye bye now.
You have been chewing and drooling all over everything for WEEKS. I have been doing almost daily mouth checks expecting your first tooth to pop anytime. Yesterday morning you were sitting with Daddy, when you chomped down on his finger and he let out a yelp. Your tooth had popped! Then this morning Daddy was putting you in the car after church, and he spotted your second tooth! You're on a roll, little girl.
My sweet, Sydney, I love hearing you laugh. I love when you make fart noises with your mouth. I love it when you chew on your toes. I love how you don't really cry when you're unhappy---you yell. I love how that spot in the center of your forehead gets red when you're really mad. Happy 7 months, Baby Girl.
Mommy
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Dear Sydney,
Six months. Six. Months. Impossible. I can't believe you've already been here for six months, but simultaneously it feels like you've just always been a part of this family. Like there was some bit of incompleteness that we just didn't recognize.
You are really turning into an interactive baby. You have discovered your voice, and you're practicing using it. You frequently talk to the bugs that dangle from your car seat handle. I love hearing your conversations with them when we're driving.
You're also pretty talkative early in the morning. I frequently wake up to hear you chatting up a storm with the guys on your mobile. You lie there and carry on a very pleasant conversation with them until you make eye contact with me. Then it's over. Time to get up. NOW! You smile and kick your legs because MOMMY'S HERE!!! But woe be unto Mommy if she should be so bold as to do anything before picking you up. You pucker your lower lip out as tears spring into your eyes. Your life is ruined. Then when Mommy picks you up...the smiles return. BREAKFAST TIME!!!
You're starting to understand cause and effect. Like how you can shake a rattle and cause it to make this really cool sound. Or how you can kick your legs in the bath tub and make Mommy squeal because she gets all wet. (That one is apparently especially fun because you do it A LOT!) Or how you can let out a wail and someone will come pick you up. You're also figuring out that there is a direct correlation between how LOUDLY you yell and how QUICKLY someone will pick you up. What can I say? Your dad and I have smart babies...
I'm learning that with you there is no middle ground. You're all or nothing...hot or cold...black crimson or white---or at least your face is. You are just as happy as can be---until you're not. Then you're MAD! I swear, I just can't imagine where you get this quick temper of yours...
This month we gave you cereal for the first time. We knew you were ready because for a couple of weeks you had been watching us verrrrrry closely when we ate. You would study us and smack your lips as you watched us chew. Then one day I was holding you on my lap while I ate, and you tried to take my fork away from me. So the next night we introduced you to cereal. You're very proud to sit in the high chair at the table just like a big person. You get very excited when you see the spoon coming towards you, and you laugh as you take a bite. Then you make this AWFUL face. What's that?! About half of the food comes right back out of your mouth, then you laugh and we do it all over again.
You've been sitting in the exersaucer lately. We tried it about a month ago, and you really didn't like it all that much. So we put it away for a couple of weeks. But when we got it back out, you were all about it. It has things you can chew on! Chewing is so much fun!!! And noise! IT MAKES NOISE!!! Noise is awesome! But most of all you like it because you have a better vantage point to see what your brother and the dog are up to. They are always doing something that makes you laugh. Like running. You love it when they run past you. And barking. It's hilarious when they bark. (Yes...THEY bark.)
Sydney, these past six months have opened a whole new world to me. I'm trying to really focus and pay attention to how much fun it is being your mom. I'm trying to find the joy in the everyday tasks. Changing diapers---it's fun because I get to look at your awesome thighs. Feeding you---it's fun because you always stop eating at some point and smile at me...like you're saying thank you. Getting you dressed---it's fun because goshdarnit those little hair doo-hickies are just so cute! Thank you for helping me find the joy.
I love you, my little Red Headed Girl,
Mommy
Six months. Six. Months. Impossible. I can't believe you've already been here for six months, but simultaneously it feels like you've just always been a part of this family. Like there was some bit of incompleteness that we just didn't recognize.
You are really turning into an interactive baby. You have discovered your voice, and you're practicing using it. You frequently talk to the bugs that dangle from your car seat handle. I love hearing your conversations with them when we're driving.
You're also pretty talkative early in the morning. I frequently wake up to hear you chatting up a storm with the guys on your mobile. You lie there and carry on a very pleasant conversation with them until you make eye contact with me. Then it's over. Time to get up. NOW! You smile and kick your legs because MOMMY'S HERE!!! But woe be unto Mommy if she should be so bold as to do anything before picking you up. You pucker your lower lip out as tears spring into your eyes. Your life is ruined. Then when Mommy picks you up...the smiles return. BREAKFAST TIME!!!
You're starting to understand cause and effect. Like how you can shake a rattle and cause it to make this really cool sound. Or how you can kick your legs in the bath tub and make Mommy squeal because she gets all wet. (That one is apparently especially fun because you do it A LOT!) Or how you can let out a wail and someone will come pick you up. You're also figuring out that there is a direct correlation between how LOUDLY you yell and how QUICKLY someone will pick you up. What can I say? Your dad and I have smart babies...
I'm learning that with you there is no middle ground. You're all or nothing...hot or cold...
This month we gave you cereal for the first time. We knew you were ready because for a couple of weeks you had been watching us verrrrrry closely when we ate. You would study us and smack your lips as you watched us chew. Then one day I was holding you on my lap while I ate, and you tried to take my fork away from me. So the next night we introduced you to cereal. You're very proud to sit in the high chair at the table just like a big person. You get very excited when you see the spoon coming towards you, and you laugh as you take a bite. Then you make this AWFUL face. What's that?! About half of the food comes right back out of your mouth, then you laugh and we do it all over again.
You've been sitting in the exersaucer lately. We tried it about a month ago, and you really didn't like it all that much. So we put it away for a couple of weeks. But when we got it back out, you were all about it. It has things you can chew on! Chewing is so much fun!!! And noise! IT MAKES NOISE!!! Noise is awesome! But most of all you like it because you have a better vantage point to see what your brother and the dog are up to. They are always doing something that makes you laugh. Like running. You love it when they run past you. And barking. It's hilarious when they bark. (Yes...THEY bark.)
Sydney, these past six months have opened a whole new world to me. I'm trying to really focus and pay attention to how much fun it is being your mom. I'm trying to find the joy in the everyday tasks. Changing diapers---it's fun because I get to look at your awesome thighs. Feeding you---it's fun because you always stop eating at some point and smile at me...like you're saying thank you. Getting you dressed---it's fun because goshdarnit those little hair doo-hickies are just so cute! Thank you for helping me find the joy.
I love you, my little Red Headed Girl,
Mommy
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Dear Sydney,
You turned 5 months old a few days ago. Why am I just now getting this letter typed? Well, Baby Girl, it's like this: Your mom TOTALLY does not have it all together. And lately, I'm finding that I have even less of it together than ever before. The Christmas season always makes me feel a little scattered and hectic, but this year I feel especially forgetful. Someone told me not long ago that it's a scientifically proven fact that a woman loses brain function with every pregnancy. I'm not sure if it's true or not---I'm not sure I really even want to know. But based on personal experience I could totally buy it.
Every day I am amazed at your sweet personality. I know I've said this before, but you really smile with your entire face. I love watching your chubby cheeks get all squishy and the way your eyes crinkle together. You also snort a little when your smiling. It's not really a full-out laugh...more of a laugh preview. You smile to greet people and give your little snort-chuckle, then bury your head into the neck of whomever is holding you. I love it.
You have developed a little bit of stranger anxiety this month. And by "stranger anxiety" I mean "anyone-who-is-not-Mom anxiety." It's the weirdest thing. You can be all happy and smiley one second, then it's like you suddenly realize that the person holding you is not Mom. Your bottom lip pooches out, the crocodile tears start flowing, and you give the most pitiful wail. Then as soon as you're in Mom's arms again, all is well. (It's actually pretty impressive to see how quickly the red can drain out of your face.) You have this really funny way of looking back over my shoulder at the person who was previously holding you and giving this little grin. "Ha! I got EXACTLY what I wanted."
You are getting much better at grabbing things. When we hold your toys in front of you, you reach out with both hands to grab them. I love watching you concentrate as you try to maneuver your fingers around the object then direct it straight to your mouth. You still drop things pretty frequently, but that's okay...you've taught your brother how to fetch. He loves getting "Nene's toys" and giving them back to you. You're also starting to reach for people when you want to be picked up. It absolutely warms my heart every time you smile at me and lift your arms so I can hold you.
I thought I would tell you about your name. I fretted and fretted over your name. But when I look at you now, there's no way I could call you anything but Sydney. It just suits you. Your middle name, Carol, has special meaning. I had an aunt who, I'm pretty convinced, was one of God's angels on Earth. You share her middle name. She passed away when I was in high school, and someone read Proverbs 31 at her funeral. That was the first time I had paid particular attention to that passage, but it resonated with me. When I picture a Proverbs 31 woman, I picture her. It's what I aspire to be. It's my hope for you--that you would find a husband who values you more than jewels; that you would be bold and confident in whatever you do; that you would be wise and well respected; that you would help those less fortunate than you; that your children, should you have them, will be a blessing to you.
My Sydney, I cannot tell you what a blessing you are to me. When you greet me with your sweet babbling every morning, it just makes me smile. I love your voluminous thighs. I love watching you laugh at your brother. I love how you bonk yourself in the mouth with a toy then look at me accusingly. I love how your little head seems to fit perfectly right under my right ear. You, my sweet Sydney, are more precious than rubies.
Mommy
You turned 5 months old a few days ago. Why am I just now getting this letter typed? Well, Baby Girl, it's like this: Your mom TOTALLY does not have it all together. And lately, I'm finding that I have even less of it together than ever before. The Christmas season always makes me feel a little scattered and hectic, but this year I feel especially forgetful. Someone told me not long ago that it's a scientifically proven fact that a woman loses brain function with every pregnancy. I'm not sure if it's true or not---I'm not sure I really even want to know. But based on personal experience I could totally buy it.
Every day I am amazed at your sweet personality. I know I've said this before, but you really smile with your entire face. I love watching your chubby cheeks get all squishy and the way your eyes crinkle together. You also snort a little when your smiling. It's not really a full-out laugh...more of a laugh preview. You smile to greet people and give your little snort-chuckle, then bury your head into the neck of whomever is holding you. I love it.
You have developed a little bit of stranger anxiety this month. And by "stranger anxiety" I mean "anyone-who-is-not-Mom anxiety." It's the weirdest thing. You can be all happy and smiley one second, then it's like you suddenly realize that the person holding you is not Mom. Your bottom lip pooches out, the crocodile tears start flowing, and you give the most pitiful wail. Then as soon as you're in Mom's arms again, all is well. (It's actually pretty impressive to see how quickly the red can drain out of your face.) You have this really funny way of looking back over my shoulder at the person who was previously holding you and giving this little grin. "Ha! I got EXACTLY what I wanted."
You are getting much better at grabbing things. When we hold your toys in front of you, you reach out with both hands to grab them. I love watching you concentrate as you try to maneuver your fingers around the object then direct it straight to your mouth. You still drop things pretty frequently, but that's okay...you've taught your brother how to fetch. He loves getting "Nene's toys" and giving them back to you. You're also starting to reach for people when you want to be picked up. It absolutely warms my heart every time you smile at me and lift your arms so I can hold you.
I thought I would tell you about your name. I fretted and fretted over your name. But when I look at you now, there's no way I could call you anything but Sydney. It just suits you. Your middle name, Carol, has special meaning. I had an aunt who, I'm pretty convinced, was one of God's angels on Earth. You share her middle name. She passed away when I was in high school, and someone read Proverbs 31 at her funeral. That was the first time I had paid particular attention to that passage, but it resonated with me. When I picture a Proverbs 31 woman, I picture her. It's what I aspire to be. It's my hope for you--that you would find a husband who values you more than jewels; that you would be bold and confident in whatever you do; that you would be wise and well respected; that you would help those less fortunate than you; that your children, should you have them, will be a blessing to you.
My Sydney, I cannot tell you what a blessing you are to me. When you greet me with your sweet babbling every morning, it just makes me smile. I love your voluminous thighs. I love watching you laugh at your brother. I love how you bonk yourself in the mouth with a toy then look at me accusingly. I love how your little head seems to fit perfectly right under my right ear. You, my sweet Sydney, are more precious than rubies.
Mommy
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Dear Sydney,
Today you are four months old. This has been a busy month for you! There is so much to do and there are so many milestones to meet...you're knocking them out one by one.
This month, you rolled over for the first time. I put you down in the floor on your belly one night and you immediately rolled up on your side. I excitedly yelled for Daddy to come and watch because I was JUST SURE that you were about to roll over for the first time. You laid there and grunted and kicked your leg and teetered on your side. But....nothing. We stood there and watched you for several minutes, both of us periodically saying, "Looklooklooklooklook! She's gonna do it!" Then Molly started pacing around the living room and I decided I'd better take her out for a quick potty break. When I came back in you were on your back. You had done it. I was so upset that I had missed it! I flipped you back over on your belly and you really did not appreciate that one bit. You flopped right back over to your back and grinned at me. Ha! Take that! I suppose it's only fitting that you rolled over when I wasn't looking since that's how your brother did it, too.
You haven't done it one single time since that night. You just roll up on your side and hang out there for a while until you decide you're tired of being independent and someone should pick you up. Then your face turns that really pretty shade that you save forthose times when your REALLY ticked off pretty much any time you're unhappy.
You also discovered your fist this month. Apparently your fist is the most delicious thing in the world, because it has taken up permanent residence in your mouth. I can't believe that it could possibly be an early sign of teething. Weren't you just born yesterday? So I'm telling myself that you just think it tastes yummy to keep myself from thinking about it.
You have started laughing at us this month too. I. Love it. When. You. Laugh. You usually start out with a timid little, "Huh," just to test the waters. Then if the silliness keeps up, you'll offer another little, "Huh-huh." Finally, if someone is REALLY working hard to entertain you, you'll give a full out laugh followed by a squeal. You like it when we sing songs with hand motions. You're brother and I have chased that itsy bitsy spider up the water spout so many times, he probably thinks he's training for the Olympics. You also like it when we sing about your ears hanging low and wobbling to and fro. Daddy can usually get you to laugh just by talking to you. He leans back in the recliner and sits you on his belly and shrieks "Ooooh!!!" and you giggle and squeal back at him.
My sweet Sydney--you have added a whole new dimension to our family. I was a little bit afraid that seeing you do all of these new things wouldn't be as fun for us the second time around. I was worried that the newness would be lost and while we'd always be proud of you, some of the joy that we had over your brother doing those things would be missing. I couldn't have been more wrong.
I love the way your gaze follows your brother around the room---almost like you are studying him so you'll know exactly what to do once you're up and running around. I love the way you grunt when you're eating---you sound like a litter of puppies. I love how you'll nestle down in the crook of Daddy's arm when you're sitting with him---one minute you're squirming and rubbing your eyes and the next you're out. It's like you were just waiting for him to pick you up so you could take a little nap. I love the way you squinch up your eyes and pooch your bottom lip out when you're sleeping.
I love how sometimes you drift off while I'm holding you and you'll startle a little then reach out and grab my shirt without really waking up--you hold it right above my heart. You clench it tightly in your chubby little fist, and while the rest of your body relaxes, you keep holding my shirt with that ironclad grasp. Like you just want that assurance.
I'm still here, baby. And I always will be.
Mommy
Today you are four months old. This has been a busy month for you! There is so much to do and there are so many milestones to meet...you're knocking them out one by one.
This month, you rolled over for the first time. I put you down in the floor on your belly one night and you immediately rolled up on your side. I excitedly yelled for Daddy to come and watch because I was JUST SURE that you were about to roll over for the first time. You laid there and grunted and kicked your leg and teetered on your side. But....nothing. We stood there and watched you for several minutes, both of us periodically saying, "Looklooklooklooklook! She's gonna do it!" Then Molly started pacing around the living room and I decided I'd better take her out for a quick potty break. When I came back in you were on your back. You had done it. I was so upset that I had missed it! I flipped you back over on your belly and you really did not appreciate that one bit. You flopped right back over to your back and grinned at me. Ha! Take that! I suppose it's only fitting that you rolled over when I wasn't looking since that's how your brother did it, too.
You haven't done it one single time since that night. You just roll up on your side and hang out there for a while until you decide you're tired of being independent and someone should pick you up. Then your face turns that really pretty shade that you save for
You also discovered your fist this month. Apparently your fist is the most delicious thing in the world, because it has taken up permanent residence in your mouth. I can't believe that it could possibly be an early sign of teething. Weren't you just born yesterday? So I'm telling myself that you just think it tastes yummy to keep myself from thinking about it.
You have started laughing at us this month too. I. Love it. When. You. Laugh. You usually start out with a timid little, "Huh," just to test the waters. Then if the silliness keeps up, you'll offer another little, "Huh-huh." Finally, if someone is REALLY working hard to entertain you, you'll give a full out laugh followed by a squeal. You like it when we sing songs with hand motions. You're brother and I have chased that itsy bitsy spider up the water spout so many times, he probably thinks he's training for the Olympics. You also like it when we sing about your ears hanging low and wobbling to and fro. Daddy can usually get you to laugh just by talking to you. He leans back in the recliner and sits you on his belly and shrieks "Ooooh!!!" and you giggle and squeal back at him.
My sweet Sydney--you have added a whole new dimension to our family. I was a little bit afraid that seeing you do all of these new things wouldn't be as fun for us the second time around. I was worried that the newness would be lost and while we'd always be proud of you, some of the joy that we had over your brother doing those things would be missing. I couldn't have been more wrong.
I love the way your gaze follows your brother around the room---almost like you are studying him so you'll know exactly what to do once you're up and running around. I love the way you grunt when you're eating---you sound like a litter of puppies. I love how you'll nestle down in the crook of Daddy's arm when you're sitting with him---one minute you're squirming and rubbing your eyes and the next you're out. It's like you were just waiting for him to pick you up so you could take a little nap. I love the way you squinch up your eyes and pooch your bottom lip out when you're sleeping.
I love how sometimes you drift off while I'm holding you and you'll startle a little then reach out and grab my shirt without really waking up--you hold it right above my heart. You clench it tightly in your chubby little fist, and while the rest of your body relaxes, you keep holding my shirt with that ironclad grasp. Like you just want that assurance.
I'm still here, baby. And I always will be.
Mommy
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Dear Sydney,
Today you are 3 months old. I think the biggest change we have encountered this month is that I went back to work. While I was a little worried about how you would handle being away from me during the day, you have weathered it like a champ. You happily take a bottle during the day, but I suspect that you only eat just enough to satisfy your hunger because you are all Momma, all the time in the evenings. I think more than being hungry you just want to snuggle, and I'm kinda okay with that.
You have started to bat at toys that dangle in front of you. You haven't quite mastered the art of making your hands go exactly where you direct them just yet, but it's fun to see you try. I think I get more excited than you do when you actually make contact and manage to move your little rings or swing the lamb that hangs from your bouncy seat.
You are starting to recognize familiar faces too, and that has been loads of fun. I love how you smile at me first thing in the morning---like I'm some long lost friend that you haven't seen for ages. Your eyes crinkle at the edges, and you stick your tongue out as you flash a big cheesy grin. I tell myself you're that excited to see me, but in reality, you're probably just excited that it's time to eat breakfast. You're a girl after my own heart---I get excited about breakfast too.
We got a playset for the back yard this month, and you really enjoy the little baby swing that Daddy hung for you. I'm so glad because it gives me a safe place to leave you while I chase after your brother's tail all over the back yard. I'm so glad that we went ahead and got the playset. I can imagine the tea parties that will be had at the table, the wild adventures at sea, the princesses locked in the tower just waiting to be rescued.
You seem so eager to get up and move around. It's funny to see your personality developing. Already, you strain against the car seat straps when I put you in---it's like you just can't stand being confined. You don't want to be held on your back like some baby---instead you insist on sitting upright where you can see the action. I wonder if you will always be so independent. Please take my advice and lean on someone from time to time. It's a lesson that was hard learned, and to be honest I still struggle with it, but you will be blessed for it.
My precious Sydney, I am amazed by you every single day. I love your chubby, rosy cheeks and the way you smile your tongue-sticking-out smile at me. I love the way you follow your brother around the room with your eyes---it's only a matter of time before you're chasing him. I love the way your thighs look like a little shar pei puppy. I love the way you sometimes fall asleep with your arms sticking straight up in the air. You make my life more fun.
Mommy
Today you are 3 months old. I think the biggest change we have encountered this month is that I went back to work. While I was a little worried about how you would handle being away from me during the day, you have weathered it like a champ. You happily take a bottle during the day, but I suspect that you only eat just enough to satisfy your hunger because you are all Momma, all the time in the evenings. I think more than being hungry you just want to snuggle, and I'm kinda okay with that.
You have started to bat at toys that dangle in front of you. You haven't quite mastered the art of making your hands go exactly where you direct them just yet, but it's fun to see you try. I think I get more excited than you do when you actually make contact and manage to move your little rings or swing the lamb that hangs from your bouncy seat.
You are starting to recognize familiar faces too, and that has been loads of fun. I love how you smile at me first thing in the morning---like I'm some long lost friend that you haven't seen for ages. Your eyes crinkle at the edges, and you stick your tongue out as you flash a big cheesy grin. I tell myself you're that excited to see me, but in reality, you're probably just excited that it's time to eat breakfast. You're a girl after my own heart---I get excited about breakfast too.
We got a playset for the back yard this month, and you really enjoy the little baby swing that Daddy hung for you. I'm so glad because it gives me a safe place to leave you while I chase after your brother's tail all over the back yard. I'm so glad that we went ahead and got the playset. I can imagine the tea parties that will be had at the table, the wild adventures at sea, the princesses locked in the tower just waiting to be rescued.
You seem so eager to get up and move around. It's funny to see your personality developing. Already, you strain against the car seat straps when I put you in---it's like you just can't stand being confined. You don't want to be held on your back like some baby---instead you insist on sitting upright where you can see the action. I wonder if you will always be so independent. Please take my advice and lean on someone from time to time. It's a lesson that was hard learned, and to be honest I still struggle with it, but you will be blessed for it.
My precious Sydney, I am amazed by you every single day. I love your chubby, rosy cheeks and the way you smile your tongue-sticking-out smile at me. I love the way you follow your brother around the room with your eyes---it's only a matter of time before you're chasing him. I love the way your thighs look like a little shar pei puppy. I love the way you sometimes fall asleep with your arms sticking straight up in the air. You make my life more fun.
Mommy
Monday, September 3, 2012
Dear Sydney,
Happy 2 months, Baby Girl! You are such a happy and interactive baby, it's hard to believe you're only two months old. You started cooing and gooing at us this month. Your dad and I will make the silliest faces while we chant, "Oooooooooooooh....oooooooooh..." over and over only to be rewarded with a big smile and a little gurgle from you. It absolutely makes my day when you talk back---I could have these conversations with you for hours on end.
You're also starting to become more aware of what's going on around you. You love it when your brother talks to you---you stare at him with rapt attention while he points out your eyes, nose, mouth, chin(s) and then tickles your belly. Sometimes you'll even laugh (or what I'm calling a laugh--it sounds more like a bird squawking--and it's beautiful) and kick your chubby legs so he'll do it again.
You really are a very social baby. You don't like to be alone in a room, but as long as you can see people you are usually happy to sit in your swing and watch what is going on around you. But as soon as there are no people in sight you voice your displeasure loud and clear.
I love your smile. You have this way of crinkling your eyes and sticking your tongue out when you're really happy. It's absolutely impossible to see it and not smile back.
You're starting to settle into a somewhat predictable routine. You eat about every 3 hours during the day, and at night you will usually sleep for about a 6 hour stretch. You really like to snuggle into into my shoulder if I'm standing so I can sway you back and forth, but if I'm sitting you want to be facing me so we can chat. You love your swing and anything with toys that dangle in front of you. They are apparently hilariously funny because when we turn a mobile on for you, you will usually let out a squawk-laugh as you watch it spin.
You love patty-cake, but you aren't so crazy about the little piggies. For some reason every time the little piggy runs wee-wee-wee all the way home, you get this scared/annoyed look on your face. But patty-cake...now that's some fun stuff. You could play that all day.
Sweet girl, I am soaking in these days with you and your brother. I love that I'm already seeing glimpses of how you will play together someday. I love how sometimes you'll stop eating and smile at me as milk rolls out of your mouth. I love watching you as you're about to fall asleep and in a last-ditch effort to stay awake, you raise your eyebrows as if that will make your eyelids follow suit. But most of all, I love the fact that I'm your mommy.
Happy 2 months, Baby Girl! You are such a happy and interactive baby, it's hard to believe you're only two months old. You started cooing and gooing at us this month. Your dad and I will make the silliest faces while we chant, "Oooooooooooooh....oooooooooh..." over and over only to be rewarded with a big smile and a little gurgle from you. It absolutely makes my day when you talk back---I could have these conversations with you for hours on end.
You're also starting to become more aware of what's going on around you. You love it when your brother talks to you---you stare at him with rapt attention while he points out your eyes, nose, mouth, chin(s) and then tickles your belly. Sometimes you'll even laugh (or what I'm calling a laugh--it sounds more like a bird squawking--and it's beautiful) and kick your chubby legs so he'll do it again.
You really are a very social baby. You don't like to be alone in a room, but as long as you can see people you are usually happy to sit in your swing and watch what is going on around you. But as soon as there are no people in sight you voice your displeasure loud and clear.
I love your smile. You have this way of crinkling your eyes and sticking your tongue out when you're really happy. It's absolutely impossible to see it and not smile back.
You're starting to settle into a somewhat predictable routine. You eat about every 3 hours during the day, and at night you will usually sleep for about a 6 hour stretch. You really like to snuggle into into my shoulder if I'm standing so I can sway you back and forth, but if I'm sitting you want to be facing me so we can chat. You love your swing and anything with toys that dangle in front of you. They are apparently hilariously funny because when we turn a mobile on for you, you will usually let out a squawk-laugh as you watch it spin.
You love patty-cake, but you aren't so crazy about the little piggies. For some reason every time the little piggy runs wee-wee-wee all the way home, you get this scared/annoyed look on your face. But patty-cake...now that's some fun stuff. You could play that all day.
Sweet girl, I am soaking in these days with you and your brother. I love that I'm already seeing glimpses of how you will play together someday. I love how sometimes you'll stop eating and smile at me as milk rolls out of your mouth. I love watching you as you're about to fall asleep and in a last-ditch effort to stay awake, you raise your eyebrows as if that will make your eyelids follow suit. But most of all, I love the fact that I'm your mommy.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Dear Sydney,
How is it possible that you are already 1 month old? While I was admittedly pretty nervous about your dad going back to work and me being outnumbered here at home, our days have settled into a steady, albeit chaotic, rhythm. You are, mercifully, sleeping for a 4 hour stretch at night---and you've even stretched it to 5 hours a couple of times! And while you were eating almost exactly every 2 hours the rest of the time, you are starting to stretch your daytime feedings to about every 3 hours now. At your two week checkup, you were still not back up to your original birth weight, but I don't think we have anything to worry about. You have developed the loveliest double chin, and your elbows and knees now have the prettiest little rolls.
You have already graced us with some little smiles, and I have to admit---I'm already a sucker for them. Something in me just melts when you look at me and you crinkle your eyes while the corners of your mouth curl up. I love how you smile with your whole face. For now, the easiest way for me to coax a smile from you is to tickle your pudgy neck. We've tried tickling your feet, but instead of smiling you just get very still and stretch out your toes. I think you like having your feet rubbed. And what girl wouldn't??? It's just good practice for all of those pedicures we'll get together.
Your brother has adjusted very well to sharing our home with you. He never runs out of kisses for you. He is obsessed with your tiny toes. And he loves helping me change your diapers. Sam has dutifully accepted the assignment of Wipes Handler. It doesn't matter what kind of diaper it is, it seems we require a minimum of 16 wipes to get the job done. You're still hanging on to your umbilical cord stump, but it's not due to a lack of effort on your brother's part. Sam is very disturbed by the black growth on your belly button, and he regularly tries to remove it for you. I am constantly swatting his hands away from you during diaper changes---in addition to keeping his hands out of the diaper pail, rationing the amount of hand sanitizer he squirts on his hands, making sure he doesn't surf on the glider and shielding you from the toys hecrams in your face gently places next to you. Like I said---he's very helpful.
You have the most beautiful strawberry blond hair. I kinda hope it stays that color, although I wouldn't be surprised if it lightened a few shades. In fact, I think it already looks lighter than it did when you were born. You certainly have the temper to match that red hair. When you are ready to be held, if someone doesn't pick you up fast enough to suit you, your face turns the loveliest shade of purple.
My precious Sydney, I am so glad you are a part of this family. You have given us new reasons to smile that we didn't even know we were missing. I love how you nestle yourself right over my heart and fall asleep. I love how you grasp my fingers so tightly when you're eating. I love how you tolerate the kisses the dog insists on plastering all over your face. You, my sweet girl, are more than we could have hoped for.
Mommy
How is it possible that you are already 1 month old? While I was admittedly pretty nervous about your dad going back to work and me being outnumbered here at home, our days have settled into a steady, albeit chaotic, rhythm. You are, mercifully, sleeping for a 4 hour stretch at night---and you've even stretched it to 5 hours a couple of times! And while you were eating almost exactly every 2 hours the rest of the time, you are starting to stretch your daytime feedings to about every 3 hours now. At your two week checkup, you were still not back up to your original birth weight, but I don't think we have anything to worry about. You have developed the loveliest double chin, and your elbows and knees now have the prettiest little rolls.
You have already graced us with some little smiles, and I have to admit---I'm already a sucker for them. Something in me just melts when you look at me and you crinkle your eyes while the corners of your mouth curl up. I love how you smile with your whole face. For now, the easiest way for me to coax a smile from you is to tickle your pudgy neck. We've tried tickling your feet, but instead of smiling you just get very still and stretch out your toes. I think you like having your feet rubbed. And what girl wouldn't??? It's just good practice for all of those pedicures we'll get together.
Your brother has adjusted very well to sharing our home with you. He never runs out of kisses for you. He is obsessed with your tiny toes. And he loves helping me change your diapers. Sam has dutifully accepted the assignment of Wipes Handler. It doesn't matter what kind of diaper it is, it seems we require a minimum of 16 wipes to get the job done. You're still hanging on to your umbilical cord stump, but it's not due to a lack of effort on your brother's part. Sam is very disturbed by the black growth on your belly button, and he regularly tries to remove it for you. I am constantly swatting his hands away from you during diaper changes---in addition to keeping his hands out of the diaper pail, rationing the amount of hand sanitizer he squirts on his hands, making sure he doesn't surf on the glider and shielding you from the toys he
You have the most beautiful strawberry blond hair. I kinda hope it stays that color, although I wouldn't be surprised if it lightened a few shades. In fact, I think it already looks lighter than it did when you were born. You certainly have the temper to match that red hair. When you are ready to be held, if someone doesn't pick you up fast enough to suit you, your face turns the loveliest shade of purple.
My precious Sydney, I am so glad you are a part of this family. You have given us new reasons to smile that we didn't even know we were missing. I love how you nestle yourself right over my heart and fall asleep. I love how you grasp my fingers so tightly when you're eating. I love how you tolerate the kisses the dog insists on plastering all over your face. You, my sweet girl, are more than we could have hoped for.
Mommy
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Dear Sydney,
Is this my first letter that I've written to you as Sydney and not as Baby? I think so... To be honest, I'm not sure why. We've known your name is Sydney for a while, but I have referred to you as Little Sister, The Baby and various other names much longer than I did your brother. Maybe it's because you still have no middle name? (Which your dad, by the way, is freaking out about just a bit.) He sends me almost daily texts with suggestions for your middle name, but I think I just have to see your sweet face to know what your full name will be. I mean, how awful would it be if we named you Sydney Kaitlyn and you totally look like a Sydney Nicole? You'd be stuck with it for the rest of your life, and it would be all my fault for not being patient. Trust me, you'll thank me for this someday.
Along those same lines, I have been completely incapable of making decisions throughout this entire pregnancy. I always struggle a little. I feel like if I'm given only 2 or 3 options, I do pretty well. But when I'm presented with endless color combinations, fonts, patterns and choices I just get overwhelmed and something in my brain shuts down. But this pregnancy has only magnified that. It took me forever to settle on bedding. Your dad finally just went and bought a diaper bag because I was incapable of making the decision. He also bought a glider because I wouldn't ever decide which one to get. Come to think of it, I think he's the one who finally picked out your carseat, too. Seriously, you should probably thank him because if preparing for your arrival were solely on my shoulders who knows what you would've come home to?
As of this week, we are officially in the home stretch. We are less than one month from your due date, and at our OB appointment this week the midwife told me that they would let you come anytime you decided. That's a little dose of reality for me. While I'm so. stinkin'. excited. to meet you and hold you and get to be your mom, I have some concerns. Adjusting to life as a family of four seems daunting. Childbirth is a little scary. Handling two kids sounds intimidating. Childbirth scares me. Working through the inevitable sibling jealousy makes me sad that my kids might actually think I love one more than the other. Childbirth scares the bejeezes out of me. Getting two small children ready to leave the house and out the door anywhere near on time seems almost impossible. I mean I already feel like I've run a marathon just chasing Sam around trying to get him to leave his pants on long enough to get out the door.
Also, I'm starting to get a little nervous about this whole childbirth thing. (Just in case you didn't know...) Our goal is to go epidural free this time. I'm all for modern medicine, and I think minimizing pain is awesome. But after the negative experience and postpartum complications we had last time, your dad and I have agreed that we're gonna give the natural birth experience a whirl. Last time we made it to 8cm before we got the epidural. (Ten is your ultimate goal.) And I remember 8. Eight was no fun. To be honest, at that point the epidural was a pretty easy sell for my OB. And I'm trying to not put a lot of pressure on myself this time. I know there are no absolutes in childbirth. Ultimately, the ONLY goal I have is to get you here safely. But skipping the 10-day-long, debilitating headache this time would be pretty cool, too.
I'm pretty sure that unless God has other plans for us, this is our last ride in this rodeo. And that honestly makes me sad. So while I'm kinda ready for this pregnancy to come to it's end, I'm trying to savor these last few weeks. Your little kicks and jabs. The hiccups. Knowing you can hear my heartbeat and you are learning the sound of it so it brings comfort to you when you lie on my chest. And while it will be nice to walk at something greater than a snail's pace, I know I'll long for that constant togetherness with you.
Sweet Sydney, we are so anxious for your arrival. I have no idea what the next few months hold for us. I'm sure there will be days that I want to pull my hair out, but I know that they will pale in comparison to the hundreds of thousands of moments when I just want to freeze time and feel that overflowing happiness forever. I have no idea what your role will be in this family--will you be a peacemaker, will you be the instigator, will you bring music or art or dancing into our lives? Or will you be the one for whom we will sit at ballgame after ballgame and cheer for until we lose our voices? Will you love science and try to blow the house up at some point or will you be the one who sits in her room dreaming up stories about heroes and damsels in distress?
We can't wait to find out...
We love you so much already,
Mommy
Is this my first letter that I've written to you as Sydney and not as Baby? I think so... To be honest, I'm not sure why. We've known your name is Sydney for a while, but I have referred to you as Little Sister, The Baby and various other names much longer than I did your brother. Maybe it's because you still have no middle name? (Which your dad, by the way, is freaking out about just a bit.) He sends me almost daily texts with suggestions for your middle name, but I think I just have to see your sweet face to know what your full name will be. I mean, how awful would it be if we named you Sydney Kaitlyn and you totally look like a Sydney Nicole? You'd be stuck with it for the rest of your life, and it would be all my fault for not being patient. Trust me, you'll thank me for this someday.
Along those same lines, I have been completely incapable of making decisions throughout this entire pregnancy. I always struggle a little. I feel like if I'm given only 2 or 3 options, I do pretty well. But when I'm presented with endless color combinations, fonts, patterns and choices I just get overwhelmed and something in my brain shuts down. But this pregnancy has only magnified that. It took me forever to settle on bedding. Your dad finally just went and bought a diaper bag because I was incapable of making the decision. He also bought a glider because I wouldn't ever decide which one to get. Come to think of it, I think he's the one who finally picked out your carseat, too. Seriously, you should probably thank him because if preparing for your arrival were solely on my shoulders who knows what you would've come home to?
As of this week, we are officially in the home stretch. We are less than one month from your due date, and at our OB appointment this week the midwife told me that they would let you come anytime you decided. That's a little dose of reality for me. While I'm so. stinkin'. excited. to meet you and hold you and get to be your mom, I have some concerns. Adjusting to life as a family of four seems daunting. Childbirth is a little scary. Handling two kids sounds intimidating. Childbirth scares me. Working through the inevitable sibling jealousy makes me sad that my kids might actually think I love one more than the other. Childbirth scares the bejeezes out of me. Getting two small children ready to leave the house and out the door anywhere near on time seems almost impossible. I mean I already feel like I've run a marathon just chasing Sam around trying to get him to leave his pants on long enough to get out the door.
Also, I'm starting to get a little nervous about this whole childbirth thing. (Just in case you didn't know...) Our goal is to go epidural free this time. I'm all for modern medicine, and I think minimizing pain is awesome. But after the negative experience and postpartum complications we had last time, your dad and I have agreed that we're gonna give the natural birth experience a whirl. Last time we made it to 8cm before we got the epidural. (Ten is your ultimate goal.) And I remember 8. Eight was no fun. To be honest, at that point the epidural was a pretty easy sell for my OB. And I'm trying to not put a lot of pressure on myself this time. I know there are no absolutes in childbirth. Ultimately, the ONLY goal I have is to get you here safely. But skipping the 10-day-long, debilitating headache this time would be pretty cool, too.
I'm pretty sure that unless God has other plans for us, this is our last ride in this rodeo. And that honestly makes me sad. So while I'm kinda ready for this pregnancy to come to it's end, I'm trying to savor these last few weeks. Your little kicks and jabs. The hiccups. Knowing you can hear my heartbeat and you are learning the sound of it so it brings comfort to you when you lie on my chest. And while it will be nice to walk at something greater than a snail's pace, I know I'll long for that constant togetherness with you.
Sweet Sydney, we are so anxious for your arrival. I have no idea what the next few months hold for us. I'm sure there will be days that I want to pull my hair out, but I know that they will pale in comparison to the hundreds of thousands of moments when I just want to freeze time and feel that overflowing happiness forever. I have no idea what your role will be in this family--will you be a peacemaker, will you be the instigator, will you bring music or art or dancing into our lives? Or will you be the one for whom we will sit at ballgame after ballgame and cheer for until we lose our voices? Will you love science and try to blow the house up at some point or will you be the one who sits in her room dreaming up stories about heroes and damsels in distress?
We can't wait to find out...
We love you so much already,
Mommy
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Dear Baby,
We did a 3D/4D ultrasound this week, and I got to see your sweet face. Once again, you were a little uncooperative at first; this time you had your feet AND your hands covering your face. The ultrasound technician was finally able to convince you to move your feet (you flexible little thing!), but we pretty much fought the entire time to keep your hands down.
I think you look amazingly like your brother. And I'm okay with that. He was a pretty cute baby. We were also told that you have hair! (Although we're just taking the technician's word for that part.) Don't ask me why, but I think it will be dark---I'm picturing myself holding a little brunette. I've decided I might want to pack some hair clips for the hospital bag juuuuuust in case.
Everyone is amazed at your chubby cheeks and your pouty lips. I can't believe how plump you already are! By looking at the pictures, it almost seems that you could be born any day now, but we really need you to sit tight for a few more weeks.
We did a 3D/4D ultrasound this week, and I got to see your sweet face. Once again, you were a little uncooperative at first; this time you had your feet AND your hands covering your face. The ultrasound technician was finally able to convince you to move your feet (you flexible little thing!), but we pretty much fought the entire time to keep your hands down.
I think you look amazingly like your brother. And I'm okay with that. He was a pretty cute baby. We were also told that you have hair! (Although we're just taking the technician's word for that part.) Don't ask me why, but I think it will be dark---I'm picturing myself holding a little brunette. I've decided I might want to pack some hair clips for the hospital bag juuuuuust in case.
Everyone is amazed at your chubby cheeks and your pouty lips. I can't believe how plump you already are! By looking at the pictures, it almost seems that you could be born any day now, but we really need you to sit tight for a few more weeks.
I think my favorite picture from your ultrasound is the one of you yawning. When your feet were covering your face, the ultrasound technician had me roll on my side and she was pressing on my belly trying to get you to move. As soon as we could see your face, you let out a giant yawn. Almost as if you were trying to show us how bored you were with the whole process.
Oh, my sweet girl---how excited we are to meet you! I think you are going to be the perfect addition to this family---one that we didn't even realize we needed. I can't believe that in a few short weeks we will enter into a world of frilly hair bows, sparkly shoes, baby dolls and pink EVERYTHING. And if it turns out that you don't like any of those things, that's okay too. We have plenty of trucks and balls and dirt to play with.
Little Sister---31 weeks
Sam---31 weeks
We'll see you soon,
Mommy
Monday, April 9, 2012
My dear Little One,
Holy moly, kid, we are almost to our 3rd trimester! I can hardly believe how quickly this pregnancy is flying by. You are still without a name. Right now, Sydney is probably the front-runner, but we are completely clueless on a middle name. We may just wait until you're old enough to pick it yourself and let you decide. We would take suggestions from your brother, but I'm just guessing that you don't want Boo or Momo for a middle name.
So far, this pregnancy has been blessedly uneventful, although I feel like I'm slightly more uncomfortable this time around. It seems like I'm experiencing more indigestion and shortness of breath than what I remember with Sam (or maybe just sooner), but then again, I do find myself eating hurried meals and immediately getting up to chase a toddler around so maybe that has something to do with it. If I had to describe it, it feels like you are so much higher than what I carried your brother. Some days it feels like you are literally kicking me in the lungs.
I think we've finally settled on a few ideas for your room. Now that we have a plan in place, I'm excited to get everything in there! I must confess, it's getting harder and harder for me to pass up all of the little ruffles and glittery what nots when I'm out shopping. I started out with a goal of making your room feminine without it being over-the-top girly, but a little girly is okay, right?
I'm getting a little concerned about late-night feedings and such. Seriously, right now I cannot hold my eyes open past 10pm. And on the nights that I don't sleep well, I may as well be resurrecting the Titanic when I try to pull myself out of bed in the morning. I'm just trusting that I will have the strength and endurance that I need when the time comes, but it would make things SO MUCH easier if you would just be a good sleeper pretty early on. So be thinking about that, if you will.
I'll have to admit--while I'm getting SO EXCITED about meeting you, I'm still a little overwhelmed at times when I think about two babies. Two. Two children to get strapped into carseats. Two kiddos to bathe in the evenings. Two kids to put in a stroller whenever we need to go anywhere. I know other people do it every day (and with more children), but it just seems like such a big adjustment.
But none of that changes the fact that we're glad you're coming. We're excited to get to know you. We can't wait to meet you and kiss your sweet face. It won't be too much longer now...
I love you already,
Mommy
Holy moly, kid, we are almost to our 3rd trimester! I can hardly believe how quickly this pregnancy is flying by. You are still without a name. Right now, Sydney is probably the front-runner, but we are completely clueless on a middle name. We may just wait until you're old enough to pick it yourself and let you decide. We would take suggestions from your brother, but I'm just guessing that you don't want Boo or Momo for a middle name.
So far, this pregnancy has been blessedly uneventful, although I feel like I'm slightly more uncomfortable this time around. It seems like I'm experiencing more indigestion and shortness of breath than what I remember with Sam (or maybe just sooner), but then again, I do find myself eating hurried meals and immediately getting up to chase a toddler around so maybe that has something to do with it. If I had to describe it, it feels like you are so much higher than what I carried your brother. Some days it feels like you are literally kicking me in the lungs.
I think we've finally settled on a few ideas for your room. Now that we have a plan in place, I'm excited to get everything in there! I must confess, it's getting harder and harder for me to pass up all of the little ruffles and glittery what nots when I'm out shopping. I started out with a goal of making your room feminine without it being over-the-top girly, but a little girly is okay, right?
I'm getting a little concerned about late-night feedings and such. Seriously, right now I cannot hold my eyes open past 10pm. And on the nights that I don't sleep well, I may as well be resurrecting the Titanic when I try to pull myself out of bed in the morning. I'm just trusting that I will have the strength and endurance that I need when the time comes, but it would make things SO MUCH easier if you would just be a good sleeper pretty early on. So be thinking about that, if you will.
I'll have to admit--while I'm getting SO EXCITED about meeting you, I'm still a little overwhelmed at times when I think about two babies. Two. Two children to get strapped into carseats. Two kiddos to bathe in the evenings. Two kids to put in a stroller whenever we need to go anywhere. I know other people do it every day (and with more children), but it just seems like such a big adjustment.
But none of that changes the fact that we're glad you're coming. We're excited to get to know you. We can't wait to meet you and kiss your sweet face. It won't be too much longer now...
I love you already,
Mommy
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Dear Baby,
I just realized the other day that you and I already through our first trimester. Is that even possible? July sounds like it's a long time away until I start thinking about everything that we need to do before you come, and then I'm afraid it will get here all too soon. But I know that somehow it will all get done, and as a reward for our hard work we will get to kiss your chubby baby fingers and toes, to breath in your wonderful baby smell, to laugh at your delightful baby yawns...
I think I've already felt you moving around a couple of times. The first time, I was a little unsure, but then a day or two later I was almost positive you had poked me. I've missed those little flutters. It's one of my favorite things about being pregnant. I just love having that little something special that you and I share.
I have started thinking about the future in terms of doing things with "the kids" as opposed to just with Sam. It's such a strange transition--a few months ago I couldn't even imagine our lives with more than one child, but now it's starting to actually seem possible. You're already a part of this family, even though we still know so little about you. I can't wait to get to know you.
I love you already,
Mommy
I just realized the other day that you and I already through our first trimester. Is that even possible? July sounds like it's a long time away until I start thinking about everything that we need to do before you come, and then I'm afraid it will get here all too soon. But I know that somehow it will all get done, and as a reward for our hard work we will get to kiss your chubby baby fingers and toes, to breath in your wonderful baby smell, to laugh at your delightful baby yawns...
I think I've already felt you moving around a couple of times. The first time, I was a little unsure, but then a day or two later I was almost positive you had poked me. I've missed those little flutters. It's one of my favorite things about being pregnant. I just love having that little something special that you and I share.
I have started thinking about the future in terms of doing things with "the kids" as opposed to just with Sam. It's such a strange transition--a few months ago I couldn't even imagine our lives with more than one child, but now it's starting to actually seem possible. You're already a part of this family, even though we still know so little about you. I can't wait to get to know you.
I love you already,
Mommy
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