Friday, August 12

Friday, August 12

Dear Julie,

Today, you grew up before my eyes. You've been sitting up by yourself for a long time now, but hadn't been able to make it from laying down to sitting up on your own. Today, you mastered the skill! It was nap time, and you started cheering, so I checked on you. To my surprise, this is what I found!

You were so proud of yourself! I put you down on your back, and you did this! You say up! All by yourself! We facetimed with dada to show him, then I put you on your back again, and you took a good nap. Dada and I talked about lowering your crib mattress, and decided it would be the first thing we'd do in the morning. However, you had other plans! 

When it was time for your second nap, you started talking and cheering again. Here's what I found when I checked on you! 

You were STANDING!!!! What happened to my baby? How did this happen so quickly? Mama isn't ready for you to grow up this quickly. 

Since you pulled yourself up, I didn't have an option but to drop he mattress on your crib before bedtime. So, you played on the floor, and I got to work. Then you decided to help, and so did the cats. 

You'd crawl under the bed, I'd pull you out, and the cats would jump in. It was a long process, but eventually, mama was successful, and your crib was ready. Not only do you have a lower mattress, you also have real bumpers! I'm so excited for this new step in your development, but oh how I wish time would slow down. I love this stage, and would love to keep you here forever. Mamas baby. I love you Julia Rose. More than you'll ever know. 

Day 26 - December 19

Dear Julie,

Today, you rolled over for the first time. You're not supposed to be growing up this quickly! You aren't even a month old! You had a full audience, and rolled from your belly to your back. I tried my hardest to get it on camera, but was too late. I'm thrilled your reaching milestones way ahead of time, but I also know that you may be our only baby, and I want to savor every minute. Your firsts could also be our lasts. As much as we'd love a second child, it may not be possible, and we've come to terms with it. You are our blessing from God, and mommy and daddy are so in love. We are completely content with having only one child, and though you may have a sibling one day, we're not in any rush. We love you Julie, and can't wait to experience all of your "first" moments!

Day 30 - December 23

Dear Julie,

Today, you are one month old! How has time passed so quickly? The days and nights are long, but full of love. You have such a sweet personality. You smile all the time, and love to cuddle. You rarely cry, and when you do there's always a reason.

We started our morning in the bathroom. Mama had to poop, and you wanted to be with me, so I pooped while Ani babysat you at my feet. You were on a towel, and kept rolling side to side. 

We played and sang all day, and then it was time for your pictures! You were in your Christmas pajamas, and looked adorable. I couldn't miss this photo opportunity!

You are such an adorable baby, and I love you more every day. I didn't know it was possible to love someone this much, but I am so grateful to God for letting me experience the love of a mother and child. 

Day 29 - December 22

Dear Julie,

Today, Ani decided he wanted to help change your diaper, and you thought it was hysterical! 

You also tried your hardest to let Obi, but he stayed just out of your reach. 

We had a low key day at home today, playing with the cats and snuggling. I love days like today! 

Day 20 - December 13

Dear Julie,

Today was your second bath, and it went soooo much better! You still don't like being cold, and screamed for a good bit of time at the beginning of the bath and when you got out of the tub, but you definitely started to enjoy the water today! Here's a few photos from the event!

May 21

Dear Julie,

After weeks of not sleeping, and regularly waking 2-3 times each night, last night you finally slept! You inhaled a jar of carrots, a few bites of peas, some prunes, and 5 ounce bottle with cereal, and nursed for six minutes. It took you a little while to fall asleep, but you were out by 8:30PM. You woke up once at 3AM, nursed, and went right back to sleep. You didn't wake again until 7:45AM! I however, was up at 3AM with you, and couldn't fall back to sleep until 5AM. It was still a LOT more sleep than any of us have had since you were three months old and waking 1-2 times a night was your regular. Daddy woke up this morning and said, "she slept!" Then he changed your diaper while singing, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight!" 

Day 28 - December 21

Dear Julie,

Today was very low key. It's been a long few weeks, full of parties and events, so today, we stayed home and cuddled on the couch. We wore our pajamas all day long, and you wore your monkey house shoes for the first time. They don't mean anything to you, but they were the house shoes we used in our pregnancy announcement! They were definitely too big, but were so adorable!

You also began noticing and wanting to play with the cats today. It was hour first took really looking at Ani and Obi, and acknowledging them. I propped you up on the boppy, and you thought it was so cool! Ani was just as curious about you, as you were about him. He's rub agains your toes, and give you kisses!!

Obi helped with tummy time, and you wanted to pet him so badly! He just laid there, and purred, while you looked with longing eyes! 

We sang songs, and played with the cats for hours. I love this stage, where you're learning about your surroundings. Your expressions are adorable, and I am so in love.