Letter to Charlotte: Month One

Dear Charlotte,

I can’t believe it’s already time to start our letters, what a crazy month it’s been for everyone!  I started writing to your sister when she was born and hope to keep up the tradition as long as possible.  The truth is that you kiddos seem to grow by leaps and bounds and I love being able to look back and remember all of the fun we've had.  And, if the past is any indication, we’re going to be having A LOT of fun! 

You’re the younger sister and throughout your life you’ll be compared and contrasted to your older sister constantly, and for that I apologize in advance, but sadly, I think it’s simply a fact of life for you.  That being said, in just a few short weeks, you've proven to everyone that you are most certainly your own person, have a charismatic personality in the making, and will definitely be giving us a ride for our money.  Starting with your looks, you surprised us right out the gate; I never thought it would be possible to have a child with my coloring, but here you are, fair skinned, light haired and absolutely gorgeous.  You have delicate, feminine features and I simply can’t wait to see you grow into your own skin.

So far you've excelled at everything related to being a baby.  You are a super star eater, REALLY excel at peeing and pooping (nothing is more hilarious than seeing your Dad change four of your diapers in a row), love a good nap, and do a wonderful job at making cute baby faces.  You’re a squirmy girl and love to make noises, I wish I could say they were sweet little coos, and sometimes they are, but more often than not you’re grunting and stretching with all of your might.  The first few nights at home I laid next to you worried that you were about to start wailing as you settled in to sleep after a feeding, but finally I realized those were just you getting nestled in for a long nap.  You’re a good sleeper, still bunking with us in your bassinet, but likely ready to spread your wings and head to your “big girl” bed soon.  You’re still up to feed every 3-4 hours, but sometimes I think a dirty diaper is the culprit in waking you up.  You don’t cry often, and if you do it’s usually because you have a dirty diaper (you REALLY hate a dirty diaper and I guess I can’t blame you), or we’re taking too long to change that dirty diaper, or occasionally you’ll let out a half yelp, half cry to let me know that you’re ready to move onto another activity outside of tummy time or picture time. 

Everything about you is tiny and perfect and I could sit and stare at you all day long.  I’m constantly amazed at how your features are so defined, yet miniature at the same time.  I love nothing more than to stare at your little hands as you grab my finger while nursing, or to count your toes and act out “this little piggy” with those adorable feet; we've also been known to get those chicken legs going as we start up a dance party.  You have a myriad of little faces that I see at times during the day, my favorite is the half-smile you’ll show after you've finished eating and are settling in for a snooze.  You were born about half a pound smaller than your sister, but at your 5-day check-up weighed several ounces more than she did at hers, I can’t wait to see if you grow in a similar fashion, but have to think you may be one to pack on the pounds a little faster given the attention you give to eating. 

Your sister Anna is one of your biggest fans, although it took her a few days to come around.  She tells you hello and goodbye when she enters a room and asks for you if you’re not around.  Right now you’re “Baby Char” to her, but she’s working hard on your full name.  She’s started sharing her “food” with you and has been known to put on a puppet show for your entertainment, she’s also all over the location of your pacifier and makes sure to always bring it to you if it’s out of arm’s reach.  She always gives you a kiss before bed and wishes you “night night” in her sweet little voice. You two will have many ups and downs over the years, but first and foremost you’re going to be best friends and will have each other’s back through thick and thin and I can’t wait to watch this unfold.  

Right out of the womb the doctor did his initial check, your Dad helped cut your cord and you were then placed on my chest and you stayed there for over an hour while we got to know each other.  For the second time in my life I fell in love instantly.  And then you peed on me.  Twice.  As if I tell me who was really boss in this relationship.  I remember staring down at you, so proud that I’d given you life and totally in awe that God had put me in charge of now sustaining your life.  I was also a little overwhelmed.  There’s a lot your Dad and I don’t know about having two girls, heck there’s a lot we don’t know about having one girl, and we’re bound to make mistakes along the way and you’ll question what we’re doing or why we’re making you do things on a routine basis.  But then I remembered the one thing I knew you’d never be able to question.  Our unconditional love.  We loved you the day we found out I was pregnant and that love grows more and more each day, and that love will never falter.  You’ll always be my little girl. 

Love,

Mom