My sweet funny bunny,
In the last six months a lot has happened to be thankful for but here are my top six...
First and foremost the prayers of many were answered when you made your arrival into this world. I can't imagine how many prayers had been said for that day to come. I'm thankful that God allowed us to go on that journey for many reasons- my faith in Him was deepened, my love for your daddy grew stronger, I got to be a part of a miracle, I experienced the power of collective prayer, I have already had several opportunities to share my story and help others in their infertility struggles, I saw how many wonderful friends and family we have in our life that love us, pray for us and encourage us, and most of all it makes me that much more grateful for the wonderful gift of you!
Second, you are a thriving, healthy baby, weighing in at 20.2 lbs and 27 inches long at your six month check up. That puts you in the 95% on weight and 90% on height- wow! God really answered all my prayers that breastfeeding would be successful. You also are loving new foods- you seem to like veggies more than fruits, peas and carrots are two of your very favorites! In your first six months you have only been sick once and that was last week when you had your first cold which you are still trying to get over. Boy did that break your mamma's heart to see you not feeling well!
Third, you have become one very happy baby! You bring your daddy and I more joy than we could have imagined. You "twinkle" when you smile as our friend Benjie so sweetly put it. You really draw people to you everywhere we go with your big smile and bright eyes. You are really finding your voice now and love to talk and interact with people especially your mommy and daddy and it is the sweetest sound I have ever heard. You love to be outside and you love to lay on your changing pad and look out the window- this has been the case since the first day we brought you home. You are really enjoying your walker and following us through the house. You love music like your mommy and daddy! You love new faces and will generally go to anyone. When we go out to eat you sit in your highchair and do your best to engage the people around you by smiling and raising your eyebrows at them until they finally smile back or talk to you.
Fourth, you have been well cared for and the timing of your arrival worked out perfectly in fact I think that is one of the reasons God blessed us with you at the time He did. I got to be home with you for the first three months and enjoy those newborn days that go so quickly. Then just as I went back to work your daddy was out of school so you two got to the spend the summer together. You really bonded in that time and enjoyed your time with each other. Then when daddy had to go back to work you got to stay with Nana everyday for a few weeks. I can't think of a better place for you to be if you aren't with one of us than with your Nana. She has taken care of all three of her grandchildren and the timing always seems to work out just right for her to keep the next one. You two are having a lot of fun with each other! And now you are going to Mother's Day Out two days a week and we are blessed in that we personally know one of your teachers and the other two are so loving and sweet. The timing for your care couldn't have worked out any better!
Fifth, I have learned a lot from you. I have learned to be more adaptable. My plan and routine that I had in mind for you went out the door the day you arrived and a new version of me arrived, a more flexible and adaptable version of me. I have learned to get even better at managing my time and setting priorities. I have learned that perfectionism is not possible ever but especially with a baby. I have started to accept that fact slowly but surely and I think I will be a better person for it. You have made me evaluate myself and my flaws and made me want to be a better person. You have made me want to be a better follower of Jesus, a better wife, a better mother, a better daughter, a better sister, a better friend, a better coworker and more. I know you are observing and learning from me and your daddy everyday and I want you to have the best example to learn from possible.
Last, the village that is helping us raise you. I have really learned to cry out to God on many days especially when you were a newborn and were colicky and I couldn't do anything to calm you and again this last week when you were sick. I also frequently call my mom and I'm so grateful to have her here to help me learn to be a mother because although much of it comes naturally there is still a lot to learn. I am thankful the rest of my family is close by and you get to spend lots of time wtih them and grow up with your cousins. I am also thankful that although your Grandma and Grandpa live several hours away they don't let that stop them from seeing you and spoiling you every few weeks at least. I am so glad I have so many mommy friends both close by and a phone call away to also help me on this journey of motherhood. I am fortunate to have bosses and a job that are flexible and that truly put family before work.
These are some of my favorite pictures of you over the last 6 months- my how you have grown and changed in such a short time!
The first time we saw you!
One month old
Two months old
Three months old
Four months old
Five months old
Six months old
I love you so much and sometimes feel like I could never express to you the depth of my love but I will tell you over and over and I will show you through the hundreds of kisses and squeezes I give you a day! You are a wonderful treasure to me and your daddy!
Love,
Mommy
