1 month old

My Darling Emma Kate,

I’m writing to you, my precious, even though I know you can’t read yet.  But you’re so smart, I’m convinced it will probably only take you another couple of months at the rate you’re going!    I want to capture your life and all its milestones, stepping stones, and rocky roads you travel until that glorious day when you string sounds together on paper and read words.  Then we can write your life together.  Won’t that be fun?

You’ve walked this earth for one month today.  Technically you haven’t walked this earth.  You haven’t  crawled, scooted or even rolled this earth.  Rather you’ve been lugged and toted,  passed from person to loving person who simply adore you and practically come to blows over whose going to hold you next.  Truthfully, I’ve actually witnessed 2 grown men holler, “I’ve got her”  and race each other to your crib when you made the littlest possible squeak.  Teenagers used to do that when the telephone rang, back when I was a girl.

You are simply adored.  You have no idea how many people love you, and I do mean love you.  Full, unmeasured, unconditional love.   I update my Facebook status regularly with posts all about you and show your pictures and can you believe that people who aren’t even your blood kin call you beautiful!!  And that’s because you are.  Just remember to always act beautifully, okay?  What your insides look like is more important in this life than your outsides.  Beauty fades, sweet girl.  But right now, you own it.   You have the sweetest round face, the longest eyelashes, and the best smile of any baby I’ve ever seen. You’ve been smiling since we first saw you.  People say it’s gas, but I believe you’re happy to be here.  You had to wait a long time, but now you’re here.

Your pudgy belly hangs over your little newborn britches, making you absolutely squeezable.  You are weighing in at a hefty 9 lbs .3 ounces and are 20 7/8″ long.  The doctor says you look great, you are about in the 50th percentile in height, weight, and head size, which is just a big way of saying you’re absolutely perfect!  Your lungs sound good.  You are a healthy girl, fearfully and wonderfully made in His image, and oh how I thank Him daily for you.

You are strong and are beginning to hold your head up for longer and longer periods of time.   You were alert from day one, and other than beautiful, it’s the second most commented aspect of your personality.  Sometimes, it’s as if you are just going to open your mouth and start talking.  Your aunt Jolea said it’s as if you have an old soul.  My friend, Mrs. Z said you act like a 3 month old in a newborn outfit.

Lots of people say you look like your daddy, a few say me, and a handful say there are parts of your grandpa in you.  Even I see that sometimes, especially when you first wake up all groggy acting, and tufts of hair from your balding head are  sticking out on the sides.

I already think you’ve grown so much this first month, and I want time to slow down, but at the same time, I can’t wait to see who you’re going to be.  Are you going to be outgoing?  Daredevilish? Reserved?  Quiet? Creative? Outdoorsy?  Will you like peas and bananas or will you spit them out?  I already know you’re going to love strawberries because I dreamed it.  I can’t wait to hear you laugh, and I look forward to our future.  We are going to have such fun.

You are the light of my life.  My sunshine.  You make me happy all the time, when skies are gray or blue.

You will never, never, never know how much I love you, baby girl.

XOXO,

Mommy