I think we all get to an age where Christmas begins to lose it's magic, for me I remember it being when I first moved out of my parents house. The first Christmas I was in my own place, I worked A LOT! My dear friend Jules and I would work all day, then go to my apartment and eat warm peanut butter rice crispy treats and play Tetris on my Super Nintendo. We did this for almost 2 weeks straight during Christmas break from college. It was fun, some of my best memories from college, but not quite the same celebration as when I was with my family.
When I first married Dustin, our first Christmas together was great. We were newlyweds and loved spending our first holiday season together. I knew it would only get better with time. The year following that Christmas, we spent with my parents in Utah. I still had fun but was really beginning to notice that something was missing. Still, I knew it would only get better. The next Christmas, our sweet miniture Ry was with us. She was only 4 months old, and I felt a glimmer of Christmas in my heart, knowing that as the years went on, Christmases were, still, only going to get better. Two years later, we had our sweet newborn Kendall with us. There is something so wonderful about being able to hold your new baby at Christmas time. I felt a minuscule amount of what Mary felt as she held baby Jesus. It was magic. Holding a newborn, snuggling her surrounded by Christmas lights. I still knew it was only going to get better. Last year we had a 2 year old and a 4 year old. there were presents to be opened, candy to eat, and new toys to be played with. The door to Christmas in my heart and mind had been blown wide open. I was so excited when I went to bed, I could hardly sleep. I wondered (with my girls of course) where Santa was and when he would be coming to our house. I couldn't wait to spend the next day with my family. We were expecting our third child, and this was the first Christmas I can think of in the the last 7 years where I felt like we were having our first family Christmas. Only, neither mine or Dustin's parents were with us. It was only him and I and our babies. Our family, our Christmas.
This year, with our 3 children and our family being complete, all together all under one roof Christmas was amazing. We celebrated one day early because Dustin had to work on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. One thing I have tried to do every year is to remember traditions. This year, I didn't have to remember them, they just happened. We looked at lights. We danced in the Smith's house with their huge singing Santa Claus and singing snowmen. We jumped over the flashing rope lights on their lawn and checked out their decorations. We left ice cream for Santa and vegetables for Rudolph. We wrote him a letter and he wrote one back to us. Even some fuzzy hair from his beard wound up in the ice cream bowl. It settles my heart to know that I was right, Christmas has gotten better every year. I can only wonder, what does the next Christmas have in store for us?
Love,
one happy family
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Dear Ry and Kennel
Tonight I saw you girls sleeping. Tonight, after Kendall came out of your room for the millionth time around 9 o'clock, she finally went back to bed and fell asleep. Tonight I thought that I needed a break and really needed you girls to go to bed.
Tonight I forgot how little you are. Tonight I forgot that Kendall will only be 3 in two weeks. Tonight I forgot that Rylin is only 5. Tonight I forgot how much you need me. Tonight I forgot how much I need you. Tonight I forgot how many more years I will have you at home with me.
(Rylin and Kendall, November 2008)
Tonight I remembered that those years are few compared to the years I will have without you at home with me. Tonight I looked into your closet and remembered how little your dresses and jackets are. Tonight I remembered that 10 years from now, your dresses and jackets will take up more space and hang lower to the floor. Tonight I remembered how little you are. Tonight I remembered that you are only 2 and 5. Tonight I remembered how much you need me and how much I need you. Tonight I remembered how many more years I will have you at home with me.
(Rylin and Kendall October 2011)
Love,
Mom
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Dear Major Milestones
When Ry was born, she was our first. Every thing she did was new to us. The first time she smiled was uplifting. Making me feel like those endless nights were worth it. To feel the love that comes through a first smile is something that one could never imagine until you see it coming from your own baby. With her cheeks scrunched up, and eyes squinting, she showed me how much she loved me. It was a moment I never want to forget. It was when I first learned about the part of your heart that opens up to hold more love than you ever imagined. That part that only becomes real after you have a baby.
When Kennel was born, I had expected some things. I knew she would smile at about 5 weeks. I knew she would roll over after a few months and I knew she wouldn't walk until after she was one. I had experience. We knew what we were doing the second time around. Kendall showed me what it was like to have a normal pregnancy, to have a planned delivery with an average weight baby. For her, the milestone I will never forget is hearing her cry (scream) as soon as she was born. She is our only babe who came out and showed us she was ok. There was nothing to worry about. We would have a lifetime of surprises with this one.
When Eli was 5 months old. He touched my face for the first time. I was changing his diaper and his arms were flailing all over the place. He was babbling and chewing on his fist. He reached to my face with one fist, and opened his fingers as much as he could. He latched on with his fingertips onto my cheek. He held still. I stopped in my tracks. This was the first time he has been able to have enough control to touch me on purpose. I will never forget that momentous milestone. The control he had over his hands. Most babies gain this control after a few months. 5 months after Eli was born, he reached up and touched my cheek. The look of contentment on his face told me he had wanted to do this for a long time, and he fought so hard for the chance to do so. Those endless days staring at a baby in an incubator, those days where we could only hold our baby for a few hours before he got too tired, those days I spent with my sweet princesses while my prince stayed in the hospital 2 hours away, all became worth it when Eli touched my face. The funny thing is, he knew it too.
Dear Major Milestones,
You have always been around. The difference is: now, I know how important you are.
-Ciera
When Kennel was born, I had expected some things. I knew she would smile at about 5 weeks. I knew she would roll over after a few months and I knew she wouldn't walk until after she was one. I had experience. We knew what we were doing the second time around. Kendall showed me what it was like to have a normal pregnancy, to have a planned delivery with an average weight baby. For her, the milestone I will never forget is hearing her cry (scream) as soon as she was born. She is our only babe who came out and showed us she was ok. There was nothing to worry about. We would have a lifetime of surprises with this one.
When Eli was 5 months old. He touched my face for the first time. I was changing his diaper and his arms were flailing all over the place. He was babbling and chewing on his fist. He reached to my face with one fist, and opened his fingers as much as he could. He latched on with his fingertips onto my cheek. He held still. I stopped in my tracks. This was the first time he has been able to have enough control to touch me on purpose. I will never forget that momentous milestone. The control he had over his hands. Most babies gain this control after a few months. 5 months after Eli was born, he reached up and touched my cheek. The look of contentment on his face told me he had wanted to do this for a long time, and he fought so hard for the chance to do so. Those endless days staring at a baby in an incubator, those days where we could only hold our baby for a few hours before he got too tired, those days I spent with my sweet princesses while my prince stayed in the hospital 2 hours away, all became worth it when Eli touched my face. The funny thing is, he knew it too.
Dear Major Milestones,
You have always been around. The difference is: now, I know how important you are.
-Ciera
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Dear Eternal Companion
Thank you for choosing me, way back when we were only 16 and 18. Thank you for deciding I was worth a second look, after initially being "too quiet". Thank you for the teasing and little pushes while we played ghosts in the graveyard outside Grandma Barrett's on that New Year's Eve when 2000 turned to 2001. Thank you for making my heart spin that weekend.
Thank you for letting me run away from my High School drama later that year, and take a short weekend trip to your house with my BFF, your cousin. Thank you for staying up all night talking about religion and all the crazy things going on in the life of a 17 year old teenage Mormon girl. Thank you for being the only Mormon boy I could ever talk to about life. Thank you for not making the moves on me that weekend, but instead showing me the kind of respect that a daughter of God deserves. Thank you reminding me what qualities I was searching for in the man of my dreams. Thank you for showing me that you were what I deserved.
Thank you for driving to Carnation almost every weekend for 4 months, so we could see each other. Thank you for staying worthy of serving a mission and worthy of our future together, worthy of becoming an Elder and to hold the priesthood. Thank you for leaving me for 2 years. Thank you for all the letters and emails and packages and the 2 phone calls during those 2 years. Thank you for getting to know me and letting me get to know you through letters. Thank you for loving me the whole time you were gone. Thank you for loving me when you came back.
Thank you for proposing to me only 3 weeks after returning. Thank you for wanting to get married in the temple. Thank you for buying me a ring that sparkled beyond all I had ever imagined. Thank you for surprising me with it and being all romantic-like when you gave it to me. Thank you for marrying me for time and all eternity. Thank you for taking me to Canada on our honeymoon. Thank you for working hard to support us as newlyweds when I couldn't find a job, and when I went to beauty school.
Thank you for the first attempt at starting our family. Thank you for standing by me when it didn't go as planned. Thank you for being worthy of the Priesthood to give me a blessing that weekend. Thank you for trying a second time to start our family. Thank you for giving me our baby girl, Ry. Thank you for being worthy of being her father. Thank you for her blue eyes and her love of singing. Thank you for our second baby girl, Kendall. Thank you for giving her your crazy-ness, and sense of humor. Thank you for our baby boy and naming him Elijah. Thank you for his puffy hair, and dimples.
Thank you for being strong. Thank you for your never ending hard work. Thank you for doing all you can for us. Thank you for being positive. Thank you for being funny. Thank you for being sarcastic. Thank you for loving us. Most of all, thank you for being so ridiculously good-looking, I always knew we would make adorable kids.
Love,
Your Eternal Companion.
Thank you for letting me run away from my High School drama later that year, and take a short weekend trip to your house with my BFF, your cousin. Thank you for staying up all night talking about religion and all the crazy things going on in the life of a 17 year old teenage Mormon girl. Thank you for being the only Mormon boy I could ever talk to about life. Thank you for not making the moves on me that weekend, but instead showing me the kind of respect that a daughter of God deserves. Thank you reminding me what qualities I was searching for in the man of my dreams. Thank you for showing me that you were what I deserved.
Thank you for driving to Carnation almost every weekend for 4 months, so we could see each other. Thank you for staying worthy of serving a mission and worthy of our future together, worthy of becoming an Elder and to hold the priesthood. Thank you for leaving me for 2 years. Thank you for all the letters and emails and packages and the 2 phone calls during those 2 years. Thank you for getting to know me and letting me get to know you through letters. Thank you for loving me the whole time you were gone. Thank you for loving me when you came back.
Thank you for proposing to me only 3 weeks after returning. Thank you for wanting to get married in the temple. Thank you for buying me a ring that sparkled beyond all I had ever imagined. Thank you for surprising me with it and being all romantic-like when you gave it to me. Thank you for marrying me for time and all eternity. Thank you for taking me to Canada on our honeymoon. Thank you for working hard to support us as newlyweds when I couldn't find a job, and when I went to beauty school.
Thank you for the first attempt at starting our family. Thank you for standing by me when it didn't go as planned. Thank you for being worthy of the Priesthood to give me a blessing that weekend. Thank you for trying a second time to start our family. Thank you for giving me our baby girl, Ry. Thank you for being worthy of being her father. Thank you for her blue eyes and her love of singing. Thank you for our second baby girl, Kendall. Thank you for giving her your crazy-ness, and sense of humor. Thank you for our baby boy and naming him Elijah. Thank you for his puffy hair, and dimples.
Thank you for being strong. Thank you for your never ending hard work. Thank you for doing all you can for us. Thank you for being positive. Thank you for being funny. Thank you for being sarcastic. Thank you for loving us. Most of all, thank you for being so ridiculously good-looking, I always knew we would make adorable kids.
Love,
Your Eternal Companion.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Dear Top 10 - In No Particular Order
#1- Do you remember taking his first pictures? Do you know that the card you made for mothers day from him surprised me? Did you know I cried when I saw it? Do you remember when he started to turn grey and was retaining fluid? Do you remember how puffy his chin was? Do you remember when you helped me hold my baby for the first time when he was 10 days old? Do you remember trying to tape up all his tubes so they wouldn't get yanked out? Do you remember when you came back from vacation, he looked like a whole other baby? Do you remember charting while you held him on your lap on the middle of the night?
#1- Do you remember when nothing in his body was working right? Do you remember when he peed a few cc's and we were ecstatic? Do you remember when we had to leave him at the hospital on Mother's Day, we went to tell him goodbye and you were at the front desk showing off his first teeny tiny poo? Do you remember we had waited 5 days for him to poo? Did you know that you were the first nurse I remembered when I came back? Did you know you made me more comfortable? Do you know you explained how sick he was in a way that helped us understand? Did you know you helped us feel ok with not being there those few first days because you were confident in the care you were giving him?
#1- Do you remember when I told you "the more you laugh at Dustin's jokes, the funnier he thinks he is and the more jokes he will tell?" Do you remember when I came into the room and was "sooooo done" with my best friend, the pump? Do you remember that it was actually everyday that I told you this? Do you remember when you wore two different colored shoes to work and had to cover them up with blue paper booties, so I took a picture? Did you know that picture still makes me laugh? Do you know that you taught me more about breastfeeding that I have known even after having two other babies? Do you remember when he practiced nursing for the first time, he grabbed my thumb and you said you will not forget that for a long time because it was so cute? Do you remember jumping for joy with me when he nursed enough to make a difference in his weight for the first time? Did you really throw away your grouchy pants for good?
#1- Do you know that I am sooooo glad you switched to dayshift? Did you know that even though you were only on that shift for a few weeks while we were there, I realized you are hilarious and I love that we are friends? Do you know that the first time I remember meeting you, I was having a really horrible night. Do you remember that you brought me a cup of ice water and that was the night I became addicted to the crunchy hospital ice? Did you know that I hated always having you crazy nurses get it for me, but I had to get my fill of crunchy hospital ice? Do you remember that you were there when he was extubated? Do you know that he misses your singing?
#1- Do you know that I love your Dansko's? Do you know that in the few weeks before he went home, you played a huge part in his success with bottles? Did you know I always felt ok leaving when you were there at night because I knew you would try your hardest to wake him up for a bottle? Do you remember when you had to stop his feeds because his tummy was kinda big again? Did you know that he discovered his cry that day? That he discovered how loud he could be when he was hungry? Do you remember when you were soooo close to putting his NG tube back in, then he surprised us all and took a full bottle and every bottle from then on?
#1- Do you remember when I bought that dang transformer, Iron-Hide? Do you remember when I sat there for 2 hours trying to turn the robot into the truck? Do you remember that even after those 2 hours, it still was half robot and half truck? Do you remember when you helped me give him his first bath in his incubator? Do you remember that I had no idea what I was doing? Do you remember that I owe you money still? Do you think you will ever get it? :)
#7- Do you remember the day when our baby was born? Do you remember that time when you were super protective :) and wouldn't let anyone touch him? Did you know then how precious he was? Do you remember that weekend when there were only a few babies in his room and we found out you used to be a cheerleader? Did you know that was one of the best days we had in the NICU? Do you remember when we told you we had a top 10 and you wanted to be #1? Look at you now, you are only #7! Do you remember when we saw you "fast walking" in the parking lot and do you remember you gave Dustin a hug? Did you know that's when we knew you liked us as much as we liked you? Did you know that's why we brought you licorice? Do you remember when the charge nurses started putting you in other rooms away from us? Did you know it was ok because you found him a girlfriend? Did you know it was also ok because you got to help Cohen? Did you know you go to Hawaii too much?
#1- Do you know that you are crazy with all those Ironman's that you do? Do you know how much we loved spending time with you on the slow weekends? Do you know that you helped us have some distractions from the daily routine with all our conversations about normal everyday stuff we had in common (jobs, races, etc)? Do you know I think you are super smart? Do you know I ask a lot of crazy questions? Did you know that you always knew the answer to all my crazy questions? Do you know that your answers always made me feel better because they helped me understand? Do you know I was a little sad when you switched to nights because we missed you those last two weeks we were there?
To the Kimmel Family- Did you know that you were moved to room three because we needed each other? Do you know that after everything we have been through, we could never go on in life without the bond we will share with each other? Do you know how much we will always appreciate what you have been through? Do you know that we admire your strength?
To all the NP's, Neo-Natalogists, Secretaries, RT's, PT's, and everyone else who played a part in our little stint at the NICU- Do you know that you gave us a lifetime of happiness with our little boy? Do you know that you work miracles? Do you know you have the ability to change lives? You changed ours forever. Do you know how we could ever repay you for that?
Do you miss our snack drawer?
Love,
The Soptich's
#1- Do you remember when nothing in his body was working right? Do you remember when he peed a few cc's and we were ecstatic? Do you remember when we had to leave him at the hospital on Mother's Day, we went to tell him goodbye and you were at the front desk showing off his first teeny tiny poo? Do you remember we had waited 5 days for him to poo? Did you know that you were the first nurse I remembered when I came back? Did you know you made me more comfortable? Do you know you explained how sick he was in a way that helped us understand? Did you know you helped us feel ok with not being there those few first days because you were confident in the care you were giving him?
#1- Do you remember when I told you "the more you laugh at Dustin's jokes, the funnier he thinks he is and the more jokes he will tell?" Do you remember when I came into the room and was "sooooo done" with my best friend, the pump? Do you remember that it was actually everyday that I told you this? Do you remember when you wore two different colored shoes to work and had to cover them up with blue paper booties, so I took a picture? Did you know that picture still makes me laugh? Do you know that you taught me more about breastfeeding that I have known even after having two other babies? Do you remember when he practiced nursing for the first time, he grabbed my thumb and you said you will not forget that for a long time because it was so cute? Do you remember jumping for joy with me when he nursed enough to make a difference in his weight for the first time? Did you really throw away your grouchy pants for good?
#1- Do you know that I am sooooo glad you switched to dayshift? Did you know that even though you were only on that shift for a few weeks while we were there, I realized you are hilarious and I love that we are friends? Do you know that the first time I remember meeting you, I was having a really horrible night. Do you remember that you brought me a cup of ice water and that was the night I became addicted to the crunchy hospital ice? Did you know that I hated always having you crazy nurses get it for me, but I had to get my fill of crunchy hospital ice? Do you remember that you were there when he was extubated? Do you know that he misses your singing?
#1- Do you know that I love your Dansko's? Do you know that in the few weeks before he went home, you played a huge part in his success with bottles? Did you know I always felt ok leaving when you were there at night because I knew you would try your hardest to wake him up for a bottle? Do you remember when you had to stop his feeds because his tummy was kinda big again? Did you know that he discovered his cry that day? That he discovered how loud he could be when he was hungry? Do you remember when you were soooo close to putting his NG tube back in, then he surprised us all and took a full bottle and every bottle from then on?
#1- Do you remember when I bought that dang transformer, Iron-Hide? Do you remember when I sat there for 2 hours trying to turn the robot into the truck? Do you remember that even after those 2 hours, it still was half robot and half truck? Do you remember when you helped me give him his first bath in his incubator? Do you remember that I had no idea what I was doing? Do you remember that I owe you money still? Do you think you will ever get it? :)
#7- Do you remember the day when our baby was born? Do you remember that time when you were super protective :) and wouldn't let anyone touch him? Did you know then how precious he was? Do you remember that weekend when there were only a few babies in his room and we found out you used to be a cheerleader? Did you know that was one of the best days we had in the NICU? Do you remember when we told you we had a top 10 and you wanted to be #1? Look at you now, you are only #7! Do you remember when we saw you "fast walking" in the parking lot and do you remember you gave Dustin a hug? Did you know that's when we knew you liked us as much as we liked you? Did you know that's why we brought you licorice? Do you remember when the charge nurses started putting you in other rooms away from us? Did you know it was ok because you found him a girlfriend? Did you know it was also ok because you got to help Cohen? Did you know you go to Hawaii too much?
#1- Do you know that you are crazy with all those Ironman's that you do? Do you know how much we loved spending time with you on the slow weekends? Do you know that you helped us have some distractions from the daily routine with all our conversations about normal everyday stuff we had in common (jobs, races, etc)? Do you know I think you are super smart? Do you know I ask a lot of crazy questions? Did you know that you always knew the answer to all my crazy questions? Do you know that your answers always made me feel better because they helped me understand? Do you know I was a little sad when you switched to nights because we missed you those last two weeks we were there?
To the Kimmel Family- Did you know that you were moved to room three because we needed each other? Do you know that after everything we have been through, we could never go on in life without the bond we will share with each other? Do you know how much we will always appreciate what you have been through? Do you know that we admire your strength?
To all the NP's, Neo-Natalogists, Secretaries, RT's, PT's, and everyone else who played a part in our little stint at the NICU- Do you know that you gave us a lifetime of happiness with our little boy? Do you know that you work miracles? Do you know you have the ability to change lives? You changed ours forever. Do you know how we could ever repay you for that?
Do you miss our snack drawer?
Love,
The Soptich's
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Dear Lady Who is 30 Weeks Pregnant
I want you to know that when you told me you were 30 weeks pregnant, it scared me. Bringing back all the feelings I had when I was 30 weeks along, and never made it any further. Hearing that made my brain flood with memories of the scariest time of my life thus far. Have I said it was scary? It was scary.
I want you to know a few things about the babe growing inside you. It is a special baby who chose you as an incubator until it is ready to join this world. Right now your baby is growing, sleeping, and even practicing to breath. I want you to know that 30 weeks is a huge milestone for your baby's developement. If born today, he might be able to breath on his own in a few weeks.
I want you to know that he will have ten toes and ten perfect fingers all including perfect miniature fingernails. He will have more hair than you would have thought. He will have really big eyes, that he will only peek open when the lights are dim. He will have a translucent layer of skin covering his bones with no fat for padding. He will like his hands up by his face, and his boney legs will be thrown over the blankets surrounding his little body. Just relaxing, hanging out, like being on a lazy boy recliner.
I want you to know that he knows the sound of your voice and his siblings voices. He will respond to your touch but will think that you are tickling him, so you will have to hold your hand still. He will always calm down when his daddy lays a hand on his tummy, covering his whole stomach. His grandparents won't be able to touch him and it will drive them crazy, but just being able to see him alive and healthy for the time being will make them feel a little better.
I want you to know that you might feel unattached to him at first. He will look like your baby and feel like your baby. He will be everything you expect and nothing you ever imagined. He will begin to feel more like your own and you will become so attached to him, your heart will flutter when you think about him. At first it will be hard to see the teeny tiny clothes he will someday fit. It will be hard to see the nice cards the sweet nurses made for you with his picture on them. It will be hard to see all the pictures of him on the internet and to read all the nice things people are saying to help comfort you and your family.
I want you to know that people will be praying for him. People you have known your whole life will be praying. People that you have not seen since you graduated high school will be praying. People that you have only met a few times will be praying. People who you have never met will be praying. He will have an impact on the lives of people around you. People will want to visit him, to see him while he is on the earth because only time will tell how long he will be here.
I want you to know that he will struggle. He might get sick and leave nothing for the doctors to help him with, but he will be strong and will prove he can do it all on his own time. The same way he did when he chose to be born on that scary day, when you were only 30 weeks along.
Just thought I would let you know,
Ciera
I want you to know a few things about the babe growing inside you. It is a special baby who chose you as an incubator until it is ready to join this world. Right now your baby is growing, sleeping, and even practicing to breath. I want you to know that 30 weeks is a huge milestone for your baby's developement. If born today, he might be able to breath on his own in a few weeks.
I want you to know that he will have ten toes and ten perfect fingers all including perfect miniature fingernails. He will have more hair than you would have thought. He will have really big eyes, that he will only peek open when the lights are dim. He will have a translucent layer of skin covering his bones with no fat for padding. He will like his hands up by his face, and his boney legs will be thrown over the blankets surrounding his little body. Just relaxing, hanging out, like being on a lazy boy recliner.
I want you to know that he knows the sound of your voice and his siblings voices. He will respond to your touch but will think that you are tickling him, so you will have to hold your hand still. He will always calm down when his daddy lays a hand on his tummy, covering his whole stomach. His grandparents won't be able to touch him and it will drive them crazy, but just being able to see him alive and healthy for the time being will make them feel a little better.
I want you to know that you might feel unattached to him at first. He will look like your baby and feel like your baby. He will be everything you expect and nothing you ever imagined. He will begin to feel more like your own and you will become so attached to him, your heart will flutter when you think about him. At first it will be hard to see the teeny tiny clothes he will someday fit. It will be hard to see the nice cards the sweet nurses made for you with his picture on them. It will be hard to see all the pictures of him on the internet and to read all the nice things people are saying to help comfort you and your family.
I want you to know that people will be praying for him. People you have known your whole life will be praying. People that you have not seen since you graduated high school will be praying. People that you have only met a few times will be praying. People who you have never met will be praying. He will have an impact on the lives of people around you. People will want to visit him, to see him while he is on the earth because only time will tell how long he will be here.
I want you to know that he will struggle. He might get sick and leave nothing for the doctors to help him with, but he will be strong and will prove he can do it all on his own time. The same way he did when he chose to be born on that scary day, when you were only 30 weeks along.
Just thought I would let you know,
Ciera
Monday, August 22, 2011
Dear Ry
I want you to know you are a spunky 5 year old now, all 30 pounds of you. You like to cross your legs when you sit, and keep your face and hands clean all the time. You love to have curly hair like Taylor Swift (also sing her songs with your kukukulele), and paint your fingernails a million different colors. Every thing about you is dainty, petite, and perfect. I wouldn't have it any other way.
I want you to know that there is a reason you are our first child. There is a reason you were chosen to be the older sister. You may not always be the biggest or loudest but you will always be the leader and the example.
I want you to know that you have the sweetest heart, You care so much for others, you try to keep everyone happy. I have even seen you cry when another kid cries. You are very compassionate. You know what I need from you. Your hugs and smooches are cherished. You have a funny sense of humor, you love to mimic facial expressions that you learn from your cousins and you think your daddy's made-up songs are even better than the original. You love to sing and just taught yourself how to whistle. For as long as I can remember, you have had the best giggle, it is contagious! You are learning to say funny jokes, knock knock jokes, usually ending with something about a banana! You love to play the "I love you more" game, always winning when you mention you love us one million.
I want you to know that you are one smart girl! You have the capability to catch on to things quickly. You are very observant, noticing things that most don't. You notice specific colors, and when something has been put in the wrong spot, and always the color of my eyeshadow. You also remember crazy things. You ask me questions about things that happened a long time ago, most I don't even remember and don't know the answer to and somehow you always end up helping me answer your own question!
I want you to know that you were our 4 pound, 9 ounce perfectly healthy baby girl. It isn’t everyday a 4 lb 9oz baby is perfectly fine with no complications, you were. So here we are. A little family with perfect little kids. Little babies that were and are gifts from God. He helped you come to us. He gave us the opportunity to raise you and show you right from wrong. Because we used our faith and the priesthood, he guided your spirits to your little teeny bodies. He kept you safe up until then…and we have been trying ever since.
Love,
Mom
I want you to know that there is a reason you are our first child. There is a reason you were chosen to be the older sister. You may not always be the biggest or loudest but you will always be the leader and the example.
I want you to know that you have the sweetest heart, You care so much for others, you try to keep everyone happy. I have even seen you cry when another kid cries. You are very compassionate. You know what I need from you. Your hugs and smooches are cherished. You have a funny sense of humor, you love to mimic facial expressions that you learn from your cousins and you think your daddy's made-up songs are even better than the original. You love to sing and just taught yourself how to whistle. For as long as I can remember, you have had the best giggle, it is contagious! You are learning to say funny jokes, knock knock jokes, usually ending with something about a banana! You love to play the "I love you more" game, always winning when you mention you love us one million.
I want you to know that you are one smart girl! You have the capability to catch on to things quickly. You are very observant, noticing things that most don't. You notice specific colors, and when something has been put in the wrong spot, and always the color of my eyeshadow. You also remember crazy things. You ask me questions about things that happened a long time ago, most I don't even remember and don't know the answer to and somehow you always end up helping me answer your own question!
I want you to know that you were our 4 pound, 9 ounce perfectly healthy baby girl. It isn’t everyday a 4 lb 9oz baby is perfectly fine with no complications, you were. So here we are. A little family with perfect little kids. Little babies that were and are gifts from God. He helped you come to us. He gave us the opportunity to raise you and show you right from wrong. Because we used our faith and the priesthood, he guided your spirits to your little teeny bodies. He kept you safe up until then…and we have been trying ever since.
Love,
Mom
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Dear Eli
I want you to know how special your life has been. You are now over 3 months old. You are 7 pounds 5 ounces and keep getting bigger. You like to be held, and get a lot of tummy aches which keep both of us up at night. It makes me feel bad there is nothing I can do for you, but secretly I enjoy the extra cuddle time. You love to roll over. We try to put you on your tummy but you instantly roll to your back. Last week you rolled from your back to your stomach for the first time which scared daddy because you were laying on the couch! You are starting to smile more on purpose. Ry and Tennell absolutely adore you, they cant keep their hands off of you!
I want you to know that on the day you were born, we were prepared to give you a priesthood blessing that same day. To give you a name to be known by in the history books of our family and church. Eventually, Daddy and I felt comfort with the thought of actually waiting until you came home instead. We knew you would come home as a healthy baby boy and we would save the name and blessing for a special day when you could be surrounded by family and friends. On August 7, 2011, your daddy was joined by Grandpas, Great Grandpas, Uncles, and Great Uncles as they surrounded you with the priesthood and blessed you with incredible things from our Heavenly Father. We are so thankful for that day. Thankful for the comfort we felt while still in the hospital after you were born, so thankful we saved your blessing for a day when you could be surrounded by so many friends and family who, 3 months before, were praying for you to live.
I want you to know that many people prayed for your safe arrival, prayed for you while you were sick, prayed for you to grow, and still pray for you now that you are home. I know that it is because of all these prayers, that you are with us. I cannot even begin to list the names of all those who have told me about the prayers they say for you. They, too, know how special you are.
I want you to know how you have changed me. You showed me how to be close to our heavenly father. The day before you were born, you showed me the voice of the spirit. I have never been able to listen to the still small voice like I did beginning that day. It became louder in the weeks following your birth, and has now started to quiet down. I miss being so close with the spirit, but I know it can return loudly when I need it the most.
I want you to know that I love your daddy. That I have felt even closer to him than before your birth. He is my best friend. He keeps me strong. He was the voice of reason that day. It was his idea to save your baby blessing for when you came home. He was and is the strongest man I know. I hope you can grow to be exactly like him, a worthy priesthood holder, a hard working husband, a leader in the church, a playful and involved father, and much more.
I want you to know that your sisters pray for you. That they will always care for you. They will always be there for you. There will come a time where you will be a protector for them as they have been for you, because that is what a brother is for. They will need you forever, we all need each other forever. I want you to know that you are a lucky boy. Your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and great grandparents adore you.
Most of all, your sisters, daddy and I love you. I hope you will always know that. I hope you know you are with us for a reason, and you get to stay with us for eternity, guaranteed.
Love,
Mom
(originally written 8/11/11)
(originally written 8/11/11)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)