You are 4 Months Old Today

Dearest Baby Kirsten,

Perhaps I should stop calling you baby, because you are no longer a baby but a little person. When you were really little we used to always say, "oh one day she will be grabbing onto things, sitting on her own, rolling around the room." All of these things were out of your reach. They seemed like these goals that were years away.

Well my dear, they are so much closer than you think. You love to hold things and immediately shove them into your mouth. Sometimes I think you wished your mouth were bigger, so you could fit sea horse's head right in there. You get so angry when the links on your play mat will not stay in your little grip. You twist and turn on your mat, all red faced and frustrated. However, along with all that anger comes turning over, another milestone we never though you could reach.

You turn your little body and roll right from your back to your belly. Most of the time you get sidetracked by your little hand, preferring to stick it in your mouth and drool all over your fingers to rolling onto your belly. We know that you can do it, we also know that you are simply choosing to do things your own way.

I can see those tiny gears in your head working hard at figuring things out. "Now is this stuffed monkey too large to fit into my mouth? Or maybe if I twist it in such a way, I can get at least most of it in there. More importantly though, what the heck are those things attached to my legs???" You love your feet! While feeding you and watching you play, you rub them together, almost as though it comforts you.

Even though you hate both of your strollers, I know one day you will love going on walks with me. I cannot wait to stroll through parks, just me and you, enjoying a beautiful Pittsburgh afternoon. I also know that you will eventually not need me to do all of these things for you. Soon you will be sitting on your own, able to entertain yourself. Soon you will be able to hold your bottle, thus causing me to be completely useless.

But my darling, this month you reached some amazing new heights. We started solids and you love them. Just like your grandmother, you are in love with sweet potatoes! Your little faced stained orange and most of the food going on the bib, you gobble up as much as I can stuff into that little mouth.

As I always promise, I will try my best not to let you grow up too fast. I will keep a close eye on you as you discover the world around you, and try to see things through your eyes. You make this world appear so amazing and new, I love that you can help me see things in a whole new way. I love that you follow my voice, and every time I catch your eye, it as though you are seeing me for the first time. People always comment that they can tell that you love me so much, just by the way you look at me. And I get choked up every time I see your little face light up because of something that I did. I hope I always light up your world. And I hope we can always be patient with one another. I am learning as I go too kiddo!

I love you so much. And really can't wait to see what this month brings. You grow and change every day, and I love that I am here to see every second of it.

With love, always,
Mommy


The first photo I ever took of you

You're 3 Months Old baby girl

As I sit on the couch while my baby girl swings and smiles, I will write a post about how amazing it is that she is already 3 months old.....


Dearest Kirsten,

On April 8th, 2010 you turned 3 months old! This is a large milestone in your growth and development. You will soon be sitting on your own, holding onto your toys without my assistance, rolling around on the floor, and laughing more and more.

I look at this time as when I shall clean out your closet and pack away all of your newborn and most of your 0-3 month of clothing. You are growing so fast that an entire closet of clothing needs to be packed away, and those clothes I stored under you bed, months before you were even born, can now fit you. I really have no idea how we got to this point so quickly, but it is so much fun, and so exciting to see you grow into a beautiful little girl.

You smile all the time, especially when I come into your room in the morning and greet yo with a big "hello my angel!" You squeal in laughter when I make funny noises and faces. You have the biggest smile, and it warms my heart when I see it.

The weather is getting warmer, and the sun is showing its face a lot more, so a lot of exciting things will be happening. We will play in your backyard, go on walks in the park, and even go swimming. I have stocked up on diapers and swim suits, and cannot wait to see your tiny toes touching the water for the first time. I cannot wait to see you discover the water and begin your journey in swimming and playing.

You love to watch tv, especially Blue's Clues in the morning. I love this time spent with you. You drink a bottle, I drink a coffee, and we sing along as Blue and Steve find clues and discover new surprises. I love watching you look so intently at the tv, just happy to be hanging out with me in the morning.

Your hair is getting so long, and showing signs of being blonde. Your eyes are still a bright blue, even though your daddy and I don't have blue eyes. You amaze us with your beauty and how cute you look, even while screaming.

Another big milestone is that you are sleeping without your Nap Nanny in your crib. It is great to see you sleeping so soundly, laying flat in your bed, under your comfy blanket. You look like such a big girl sleep soundly amongst your animals.

I hope this month is a blast for the both of us. I always have such high expectations for you, and regardless if you meet all of the milestones, you continue to surprise me everyday.

I love you so much, and cannot wait to spend this month outdoors, discovering a whole new world that surrounds you.

Love,
Mommy

Happy 2 Month Birthday Kirsten

Dearest Kirsten,

Happy 2 months birthday to my sweet little girl!

It honestly feels like no time has gone by, that just yesterday we were the scared parents leaving the hospital, not sure exactly what we had just gotten ourselves into.

Honestly, Kirsten was an "oops" baby. We were engaged in January and found out about her in early May. Oops.... She wasn't apart of our plan, and I am such a planner! But after some time we really got excited. I started to do so much research and wanted to be THE BEST mommy. I got more excited the bigger I grew, and loved every moment of being pregnant. I loved carrying such a sweet bundle in my belly. I loved walking around and having people look at me, ask me questions, and feel excited for me, even if I had no idea who they were.

Time literally flew by. Before I knew it it was Christmas and our baby was nearly due. We waited and waited, I almost went insane waiting for her. 3 days after our due date, I felt the worst pains a person could endure. But looking back on it, I loved that part too. I loved knowing that nature was taking its course and I didn't have to be induced. My body was doing its job, and baby was doing her job.

Sure things didn't go anywhere near as planned. I had a c-section and failed miserably at breastfeeding. But looking at my 2 month old little girl, I know everything happened for a reason. All the stars aligned for us, and she is here, happy and healthy!

Mommy loves you Kirsten, and no one can replace that huge part of my heart that you now occupy. Even when you are screaming for what seems like no reason at all, or I go 3 days without washing my hair, I love you. I love it when I walk into your room and you immediately stop crying when you hear my voice. I love that I can make you smile and the beginning sounds of your wonderful laugh. I love that you are so funny, even when you aren't trying to be.

But most of all, I love that you are my daughter. I cannot imagine another child being able to be in your place right now. We had you for a reason, you came into our lives because you needed us and we needed you.

I cannot wait to see what the next months bring, and I will do my best not to rush you along. I will try to contain my shopping habit and put you in more comfortable clothes than things that are just too darn cute to pass up. But you have to allow me to dress you up every so often, after all, you are a girl! Thank-you for being my favorite shopping partner, and screaming in the mall before I spend way too much money.

You are my angel, and I cannot wait to see you grow into a wonderful, amazing, perfect girl.

Love, Your Mommy