Letter No. 2

It has been far too long since I have written a letter for you. I had the full intention of writing to you often, but I guess life got in the way. You will be 8 months old in 2 days and you have kept your mommy very busy. Let me fill you in a little bit on the last 8 months.

You were born on March 17, 2010 at 12:09pm. You were 8lb 3oz and 21.5" long. That days changed my life forever. I never knew how deeply I could love until you arrived. You are, without a doubt, the best thing that has ever happened to me. I wouldn't trade these last 8 months for anything in the world. You are a growing, thriving, happy child. Everyone who meets you just goes on and on about how cute you are.

Up until now, you have been going to see your pediatrician every 2 months. The first time you received your vaccines, you cried and so did I. I knew that the temporary pain you experienced was necessary for your health, but it hurt mommy's heart to see you cry. You received more vaccines at your 4 and 6 month visits. It wasn't any easier for you or for mommy. Luckily, those vaccines will be fewer and further between from now on. Dr. Sonnen has continually been amazed at your strength and your height. Your daddy is a very tall man, and up until your 6 month visit, your height was always off the growth charts. You've evened back out a little bit now, but are still above the 95th percentile. I'm pretty sure that you will always be tall. Your next visit is a few days before Christmas, and I can't wait to see how much you've grown.

You have had your fair share of firsts already this year and we have made sure to document those with photographs. Your first St. Patrick's Day was actually the day you were born. A few weeks later, was your first Easter. We have pictures of you with your basket and a very large egg. Mommy and Daddy both had their first Mother's and Father's Days. We were both so very excited to finally get to experience those. Next was your first 4th of July. It was very hot that day, but you did great. Daddy gave you your first tiny taste of a snow cone. You actually watched the fireworks and seemed to enjoy them. A few weeks later, you had your first attempt into the world of "solid" food. I must say that you weren't a fan of the rice cereal. As a result, Mommy decided to wait a while longer and skip the cereal all together. Your first food was sweet potato and you loved it. In fact, you loved all the veggies that you tried. When we moved on to fruits, you weren't so sure. It took some trial and error before you finally decided that fruit was yummy too. Now, you love to eat. Especially, when you can feed yourself. However, you still pretty much refuse to hold your own bottle.

You had your first Halloween a few weeks ago. Mommy dressed you up as a flower fairy. You weren't super excited about getting the costume on, but once we did, you didn't mind. We went trick-or-treating with your cousin, Aiden. Well, we actually just walked with him since you are too young for candy. It was a little chilly that night, so you ended up wearing your sweater over your costume once the sun went down. Now, we are gearing up for your first Thanksgiving next week. I'm hopeful that you can experience some of the yummy food. Your daddy and I are really excited about your first Christmas. We know you won't remember it, but we want to make sure that it is special. I have a feeling you will be more interested in the wrapping paper than the gifts.

I can't believe how quickly the last 8 months have gone by. It seems like you were my tiny little baby not that long ago. Now, you are growing up before my very eyes. You are already so independent and opinionated. You are sitting unassisted and have been for some time. You can't quite crawl yet, but I know it's just a matter of time. I have a feeling that once you get moving, you won't stop. I love that you still like to snuggle and aren't pushing me away yet. You really are such a good baby. You hardly ever cry and I know that your temper fits are just you learning about your emotions. One day, you will be able to tell me when you are upset or unhappy. Until then, mommy is doing her best to guess.

I'm going to do my best to keep up with these letters and not let so much time pass before I write again. I think it's only fitting to close the same way every time with the quote from my favorite children's book. I promise to write again soon. Until then, remember... "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."

Love,
Mommy