Dear Abby {24 Week Letter}

Sweet Baby,

Each day I fall more in love with you. I didn’t know that a love so deep could become deeper, but it can. It does. It has. Each day. With you.

Today we ran errands, and you helped me meander through the fall decor items and make decisions about rolling pins. You laughed as I tickled your toes, and held up the various-sized kitchen items for your inspection. We played peek-a-boo (your favorite game) while we waited to check out and then stopped at Starbucks to nurse (you) and drink a cappuccino (me). You smiled and laughed at everyone who was waiting for their orders, daring them not to smile back. Babies bring so much happiness, you especially. Oh, and I think you may have inherited your mama’s love of coffee…

No one’s smile has ever filled me with such joy as yours. When you find me across the room, flap your arms in delight, kick your legs, and laugh, I feel as though I’ve been awarded the sun and the moon. People stop us all of the time to touch you, coo at you, and ask how old you are. I really should advertise my doula business on your onesies, because you receive more attention than any business card I could ever create.

And why not? You are perfect in every way. Not without personality though. Your daddy and I have been discussing how the “parenting” part of being parents is right around the corner. You have definitely displayed signs of a temper and an incredibly strong will. You are feisty and curious and determined. We will continue to need wisdom to mold the gift of YOU into the beautiful woman you were called to be. The responsibility is weighty, and I believe that I will spend the rest of my life praying for you, Sweet Girl.

Six months is almost here.

Six months.

Somehow, “six months” seems like one of those milestones like “preschooler,” “high school freshman,” “sweet sixteen,” “graduate,” “married”…

Perhaps I’m jumping ahead too far, but everyday you change and grow so much. I dropped you off one day this week with an amazing family, so that I could spend some uninterrupted hours working. Later that night, you seemed so grown-up. So mature. So ready to take the world by storm.

I love you.

I love how much you want to explore the world. You taste anything and everything offered to you. Although you spit out avocado with great gusto, just about everything else is fair game. The table. My face. Your dad’s fingers. Dirty clothes. The wall. Big sigh… So far your favorite are sweet potato, butternut squash, carrots, and apple sauce (I’m leaving off the inedible objects that you clearly enjoy). You would prefer to drink out of my cup…no matter what I’m drinking. Sippy cups mystify you, but I can see your brain working out the complications that they pose to your coordination.

You are a miracle. I am reminded of that each and every day.

I will love you forever.

I will like you for always.

As long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.