One of my favorite bloggers, Dooce, writes a letter to her daughter Leta every month. I always enjoy reading them, and I know some day Leta will treasure them. I love the idea, but trying to write three letters every month would just be setting myself up for failure. I've decided to try for twice a year instead. Here is my first.
Dear Addison,
You turn 6 months today. It is hard for me to believe half of your first year is already behind us. It has flown by way too fast. You are such a love and delight. I'm relishing in every moment of this too short baby time, absorbing it all, and trying to keep every moment in memory... the snuggles, the coos and gurgles, your sweet little toes, the smiles and belly laughs, the squeezable rolls on your belly and legs, your burps that would make a frat boy proud, that soft fuzzy head, the little open mouth kisses you give, the sheer delight you find in splashing in the bathtub, and even the crying and screaming. It all goes by too fast, and soon you'll be chasing after your big sisters, rolling your eyes at us, and singing High School Musical songs at the top of your lungs along with the two of them. For now, you seem to have almost endless patience with your sisters. It amazes me. Occassionally your big blue eyes glance at me with a look that says, "Mom, what is this crazy sister person doing? Why is she in my face singing like that?", but for the most part, you just watch their antics and sit quietly while they climb on top of you or shake toys an inch away from your face. One of these days, I'm sure you'll figure out that hair pulling is your best defense, but you haven't quite mastered that one yet.
You've rolled over once, but despite the great fanfare we gave your big accomplishment, you have yet to do it again. I'm sure you'll be glad when you can roll on your own though. Right now, Nina likes to roll you, and that's just a broken arm or dislocated shoulder waiting to happen. Let's just say she isn't as gentle as she could be. You're sporting one tooth now with another soon to follow, and you're eating solid foods which I can't shovel in fast enough. Oatmeal and peas must be a delicious combination. You have started attending daycare two days per week. I can't say that you're thrilled to be there, but you seem to like it just fine, and it gives me a chance to recharge my mommy batteries by writing code a couple days per week.
Our adjustment to being a family of five has gone pretty smoothly... not without mishaps, of course (like when I left my car running outside a restaurant while we ate dinner, or when your Dad left you in the car), but overall, I think we've handled it fairly well. You get all the credit for that though. You have rolled with the punches. You get dragged to school functions, swim lessons, birthday parties, the bus stop, and you just take it all in stride. You have a sweet, laid-back disposition. I can't wait to see more of your personality as it continues to emerge.
Happy 6 month birthday, Addie! I love you!
Love,
Mamma
How sweet! You had me crying.
Posted by: Carey | Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 04:42 PM