A Letter to My #2...

Dear Madelyn,

I really want to write you this letter to document all of your amazing baby behaviors so far. I have been mesmerized by you since the day I met you. It's like this rush of love came and flooded me and I love it. Everything about you makes me smile more, laugh more and best of all?

Love more.

You are such an amazing baby.

Seriously.

You are so mellow and calm that I sometimes worry if you are okay! You rarely cry--and when you do it's usually because of something that Isabella has done to you (don't worry, I know she doesn't mean it. She just doesn't understand yet--although she is getting better each day!).

Your sleeping habits? I'm still amazed!

For a little one who kept me awake so much during my pregnancy at nite you are definitely letting me start to catch up now.

Like last nite? You woke up just for your paci and didn't wake us up until 5 to eat. I was shocked! And proud of you at the same time.

Now lets talk about eating...girlfriend, you were made to be an eater! You take the bottle like a champ--you literally chug it and gulp it down.

Take today at the doctor's office--a few important pieces of information for the Madelyn record books.

1) You have gained 1 pound (on the dot) and 1 inch (again, on the dot) in your two weeks and one day of life outside of the womb. The ped? Was so impressed with those stats, honey!

2) At your hearing test you were hungry (surprise surprise, honey!) and the doctor performing your test cracked up at my little piglet chugging away. She asked me if there was tequila in your bottle--although personally? I don't know too many people who chug tequila...

I love you so much, Miss Madelyn Reese. I know how blessed I am to have you as my little girl.

I want to raise you to be a loving, caring and compassionate girl. One who is able to forgive people, share with others and as someone who knows how truly lucky they are to be in such a loving home.

I love you, sweetheart, and thank you for the 2 amazing weeks so far. I'm looking forward to so many more with you.

Love,
Your proud and adoring Mommy

Happy 18 Months

Dear Isabella,

It's official. You are now one and a half years old.

When did this happen? How has time gone by so fast? I swear it's like one day I was in the hospital holding you for the very first time and then I blinked and you are suddenly 18 months old. Amazing.

I want to take a moment to capture what you are up to. I can't wait until the day you are old enough to read this and see all the adorable things you did!

You are a very sweet, beautiful, funny and full of life little girl. You LOVE making people laugh and you do it so well!

You can say so many different words and little phrases--it's amazing! Anytime you say something new and Momma cheers you get so excited and proud--sometimes you even puff your little chest out. Too cute!

You are an animal lover, although you prefer kitties over doggies any day. I love how much you are like me--it makes me smile each time I see another similarity.

You are getting more aware of my growing tummy. You now come up, rest your head on it and say baby. And if I'm extra lucky? You start giving my tummy lots of kisses. You are so fascinated with babies--whether they are real, on tv or dolls, you love them all. I know Addison is going to have a great big sister!

A few weeks ago I was getting you dressed. As I was pulling your jeans up you sucked your tummy in so far--I hadn't laughed that hard in a long, long time. It's even funnier because you are so little and have nothing to suck in. Silly girl!

I made you a hair bow holder and you love it. I love making you things and see your face light up as I show you what I've made. You appreciate everything and it's a great reminder to me to be thankful for what I am blessed with. Thank you, sweetheart.

We love you so much, big girl! Happy 18 month old birthday and I can't wait to see how much you continue to grow, love and surprise us.

Love,

Momma and Daddy