A letter to Andie: You're One Month Old!

My dear daughter Andie,

I simply cannot believe it's been a month since the doctor put your tiny warm body on my chest and I experienced the meaning of love at first sight.  That overwhelming love I felt has intensely multiplied.  You are so beautiful and seeing you grow everyday is one of the biggest joys I have ever experienced.  Your smell is divine and soft, I hope I never forget the sweet scent.

I will never forget the moments when you were just days old that I was able to comfort you for the first time.  I held you, rocked you and sang you to sleep.  These moments make me so happy.  I have felt sadness, too, as I realize these days of your newborn stage are numbered.  I am not ready for you to grow so quickly.

Your daddy and I have learned so much in just this short amount of time.  It took me a few days to figure out how to comfortably hold you and put you in your car seat.  The first few days you were home, waking you up at night to eat was like a party in our bedroom.  We talked to you, stared at you and planted an abundance of kisses on your chubby cheeks.  As the first month of your life went on, we figured out how to be more efficient, cutting those 2 hour long parties into a 30-40 minute routine.  You're a quick eater, it usually only takes you abut 10 minutes to get what you need.  You wake up now between once and twice a night.  You are known to go stretches of 4-6 hours at night, which we appreciate and understand may not last as you grow.  And speaking of growing, you have gone from 5 pounds 10 ounces when we took you home from the hospital to more than 7 and a half pounds.

One of my favorite things has been watching you look around and take in the world.  You open your eyes wide and scan your surroundings.  I always wonder what you're thinking.  You definitely recognize your daddy's voice and when you hear it, you immediately look for him.  The relationship you have with him is already so precious and it makes my heart burst.  He loves you so much and tells you all the time.  He loves holding you and talking to you.  I know you will always adore him, what a lucky girl you are to have him as your daddy.

When we first brought you home, you had such a tiny cry - and since you've found your voice, you've gotten louder.  We love hearing your sighs, squeaks (sometimes I call you Minnie Mouse), screams, and noises.  You make us laugh when you sigh loudly.  You also have lots of noises that come out of your little booty... you're quite gassy.  And the dimple we see on your smiley face after you toot is adorable! You also love making a "kissy face" - which daddy and I always respond to with "kissy lips get kisses!!" One of my favorite expressions is the one you make when you stretch your neck back and the little wrinkles pile up on your forehead.  It's a look of contentment.

You're strong... you can lift your head and turn it from side to side.  You also love to be stretched out... you sleep with your arms sprawled out and above your head in the 'touchdown' position.  You were never a fan of being swaddled and you spend a lot of time stretching when you're awake.

Breastfeeding you has been one of my favorite things.  I love when you look at me while you eat and I haven't minded waking up to feed you.  You took a bottle from your dad at about 4 weeks with no problem.  I had mixed emotions about this and it made me sad, but I know it will be a good thing.  Your dad loves being able to feed you, but he knows how important it is to me to breastfeed often.

You are finally starting to fit into and fill size newborn clothes and the bows are just now fitting on your head.  It has been so much fun for us to dress you up.  Pictures of you are deceiving because your cheeks are so chubby.  When many people see you they can't believe how tiny you are.  But you're growing so quickly.

You have had lots of visitors. I will always remember the abundance of support we've received from our family and friends.  You are definitely one very loved little girl!

Your dad and I talk about you all the time to each other.  We love you so much! We still can't believe you're here and so pretty.  We think you're a great baby and feel very lucky!

Getting to know you during your first month has been truly remarkable.  You have brought so much joy into our lives and becoming your mom has brought me so much fulfillment.  Your little personality is shining more and more and you have a spark to you!  I cherish you, my sweet girl.

Love,
Your mama

 Memorial Day

 First time on your activity mat, you enjoy looking at yourself in the mirror.

Taking a nap in your crib with the special blanket Gramz had made for you!

 Daddy giving you the bottle for the first time!

 You like listening to us read you books!

Mama and her girl