1 Month Old

Dear Noel,

Yesterday you turned one month old. And as seems to characterize my life these days, I didn't have time to write you a letter yesterday. You got pushed to the back burner, or at least this "not-so-important-thing" did. All your primary needs got met! I'm really hoping that this is not a trend for your entire life, and I intend to make you just as much a priority as your sister is in my life...once you're old enough to understand it, that is. I'm still trying to figure out this "parent-of-more-than-one-child" thing. For now you seem perfectly content to get your belly filled, your diaper changed, some snuggles before bed or nap time, and to be warm and swaddled when I lay you down for bed. The honest truth is that I love you every bit as much as I love Lane, but I don't have the time to dote on you the way I did her when she was little. I guess that's the case with all children who aren't firstborns, but it doesn't make me feel any less guilty for not giving you the same kind of time and attention I gave her, even before she was aware of it. Now she knows, and while she loves you and wants to shower you in kisses, she doesn't want me to spend any time away from her. Don't worry...she'll learn that you get mommy time, too.

Looking at big sister Lane. You love to look at her.

In the past month you have gone from a sleep-a-holic newborn to a little baby with a bit of personality. You're starting to smile sometimes and to coo a little bit. You like to look in the mirror we set up for you, and you don't seem to mind tummy time. You're quite strong and can hold your head steady for probably 30-45 seconds when held upright, and can lift your head up to look in the mirror or to turn it from side to side when on your tummy. You gained one inch in length, putting you at a little over 20 inches long, and two inches in head circumference, putting you at 15 inches. And you gained about 2.25 pounds in your first four weeks of life, which is still just amazing to me since for the first 2-3 weeks it seemed like you hardly ate anything. You also took your first airplane rides to Antalya, Turkey, and you did great.

Your very first outing (other than going to the doctor). You snoozed the entire time.

Noel, there aren't words to express how happy your daddy and I are that you are part of our family. You're a lot of work so far, and we're pretty tired, but we wouldn't trade it for the world. We're so blessed that you are happy and healthy, and we want you to know that we love you and thank God for you every day. We have lots of friends who have recently lost babies, or have found out that their babies have serious health problems, and while our hearts break for them it makes us even more grateful for you. You are a blessing to us, and we will always consider you a blessing, even when times are tough, even when you don't get as much attention as your older sister, and even when we discipline you, know that we love you and are grateful to God for you.

Love,

Mommy (and Daddy)

Your first Christmas Eve. You slept through most of it.

Daddy gave you your first bottle. You weren't too keen on it, but you did drink from it.

My beautiful girl. I love you.