Dear Ida {month 11}

Dear Ida,

As I write this, we are actually already in your birthday month.  And you are full of everything that's good to celebrate and be thankful for.

Your favorite things right now are kissing yourself in the mirror, loving on your baby doll, sitting in the corner looking at your books, finding a basket of blocks/toy/clothes and throwing the objects one by one over your shoulder, crawling around pushing a toy car and getting a good grasp of dog fur and flesh when we are outside.

You are fascinated with anything your big sisters are doing and you can officially reach across their art and work table.  They are quite patient with you and are often more amused at your quick grab and determination than they are upset about you eating their drawings.

Speaking of eating, you will put paper, leaves, and other found objects in your mouth but you have no interest in eating food.  Pureed foods get swallowed for a couple of bites and then you motor boat spray them all over your tray.  Soft table food gets put in your mouth, we clap, you grin, and then spit it back out.

But if I've learned anything 3 babies in, it's that 95% of the time when you start to think 'Is this a problem?'  If I wait 5 more minutes, it all works itself out. 

Actually it seems to work that way with life in general.  Take a deep breath and wait 5 more minutes...

So I'm not worry my silly, healthy, mama's milk lovin' girl.

But at this rate...no birthday cake for you baby ;)

Love,
Mama

36+

Dear Ida {month 10}

Dear Ida,

As I sit here typing this letter, you are squealing and laughing your head off while Papa tickles you and the two of you play a pretty intense version of peek-a-boo.  The 'boo' part is by far your favorite.

This has been a sweet time with you for months now.  The hour or so after your big sisters are in bed.  You explore and cuddle and play.  Equally content spending time playing by yourself without assistance from your sisters, then turning your attention to your Papa and me, aware of the undivided attention. 

But more then anything, it's become a special play time with your Papa.  And papas have a magical and different way of playing, don't they baby girl?  And you have one of the best.

Love,
Mama

P.S.  Taking your monthly pictures on a bed maybe wasn't the best idea...it's becoming a little dangerous!  You are fast and playful and have no fear.

Dear Ida {month 9}

Dear Ida,

So yes, you are soon to be 10 months.  And you might have even changed since I took these 9 month pictures.

But the 9th month is certainly worth documenting.

It was a big one.  You gained 2 bottom teeth.  Started crawling and then immediately started pulling up on everything as well.  You can say mama and papa, although you like to tease us by mouthing the word papa and then saying mama, followed by laughing, squealing and screeching.  You make us laugh!

Ida you continue to fill our days with your good natured, sweet spirit.  Your world is expanding and you are taking it on with joy and delight and not an ounce of fear. 

My favorite season is beginning and I can't wait to share it with you.  I have a feeling you are going to love it my dear.

Love,
Mama

 

 

Dear Ida {month 8}

Dear Ida,

This last month was pretty intense. 

But yet, like most things of worth, where there were challenges and obstacles and even sorrow, there was also joy and peace and contentment.  And gratitude.  Always gratitude.

You went on your first big family vacation.  It was full and good.  You saw and heard and touched (and ate) the sand and salt water from your first beach experience.  You were loved and held by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

You experienced your first big virus.  Several days of a high fever, including another febrile seizure.  It will never get easier on my heart.  It is unlike anything I have experienced in my short years of mothering.  I am very aware of how little control I actually possess in this journey.  But nothing drives that home more then holding your convulsing body in my arms for what seems like eternity, with nothing in my power to stop it.  I could easily live in fear, obsessively trying to prevent your exposure to the next germ, virus, bug.  But alas, getting sick is part of living.  And so is healing.

And you are healthy.  You are thriving and growing.  You have mastered new ways of getting around, but haven't quite started crawling.  You have your two bottom front teeth in, but still have no interest in eating food.  And you my dear, most certainly are sure of your own voice.  You are loud!  But in the most entertaining and joyful way.  Even when you choose to express yourself with the occasional midnight party.

You spend the majority of your day on my hip.  There are moments when my arms are burning and my body feels lopsided and uneven.  But then there are times where you feel like such a fluid extension of me and I'm thankful for my body and the way it was made with a spot for you in mind, long before you were here to rest in it. 

We brought in your 8 month with your first camping trip with some friends.  For three days it rained a good portion of the time and our tents leaked and most everything we brought was wet. 

And it was wonderful.

You spent the days content on a blanket reaching for rocks, dirt, sticks and anything else you could grab, or wandering around strapped to me, or napping on your papa around the fire or under a tent.

You slept deep and restful during the nights.

It was such a good reminder of what I want our family to remember...

Sometimes your plans change and sometimes you're not prepared for those changes and you have to just roll with it.  Things are better when you are with people who love you and whom you love as well.  Exploring and resting are both good for the soul.  There is beauty in the rain and in the sunshine.  And attitude truly is everything.

We drove home with my heart full.  I was so proud of our little tribe.

I'm thankful for a Creator who says I can cast my worries onto Him.  Who tells me to be anxious of nothing.  Who wants me to be filled with His perfect love, not fear, to be content in the midst of it all.

Ida, I say 'yes' to that. 

It is my prayer that you see me say 'yes' to that over and over and over again. 

'Yes' to Him.

My darling, delightful baby, you are such a gift.  I love you with all my heart.

Love,
Mama

 

 

Dear Ida {month 7}

Dear Ida,

Still no teeth, still no crawling, still not going longer then 3 hours without waking up at night, but...

It was a couple of days before your 7th month and I was up getting breakfast started in the kitchen while you laid in bed playing with Papa.  I hear him holler, 'she said it!'  You had said, ma-ma.

Or so your father says.  I have yet to truly hear it.  I will sing ma-ma to you over and over and you will give me the biggest grin and move your mouth to match mine but with no sound coming out.

I know it's coming.  But we don't need words, do we baby girl?  You look at me with such depth and sweetness and affection.  When you are falling asleep you often rub my fingers or wrap your little hand around my wrist and I feel you sigh and surrender to rest.  And waking in the morning to your sunshine smile is one of my greatest pleasures.

You have my heart.

And you have a million little ways that you let me know that I have yours as well.

Love,
Mama

Dear Ida {month 6}

Dear Ida,

I know, I know, you are closer to 7 months then you are to 6 months.  But I do always take your picture and jot down what you are doing at the month mark.  It just takes longer to sit down and put it all on here. 

At 6 months you are rolling over and continuing to get sturdier sitting by yourself.  You grab at everything and celebrate by waving in the air whatever you manage to get in your hands.  Your vocals are through the roof and you are in no way concerned about being heard over your 2 big sisters.  Baby girl you are loads of entertainment!  Growling, squealing, yelling, blowing raspberries...I can only imagine when words get thrown in the mix.

I am holding tight to every moment.  I know from experience the 6th month is a pretty big turning point.  Halfway through your first year.  The first 6 months have been filled with watching you gain rolls and squish and smiles and laughs, movement and strength and I know the next 6 are going to be a whirlwind of first teeth, first food, first mobility, and first words.  So much happens, so many changes, but there is so much good in store my dear. 

But right now, I am going to continue to be thrilled every time I get to wake up to your full face gummy smile.  I'm going to keep kissing your squishy face and neck and savor your baby squeals. 

I am so thankful for you.  I am so thankful for now.

Love,
Mama