Margo à la Maude

This letter comes one day after your one month birthday. Before I go into some words to commemorate your first month with us, I simply must insert a short letter to my mom, your Grandma:

***Dear Mom,
I'm sure you're looking down at us now and smiling. I just want to tell you that I'm SORRY I got on your case about my pathetic baby book. You had two kids under two, and an 11 year old. You used cloth diapers for both Dean and I that you washed in what I can understand was a sub-par washing machine with a spin dry. You ironed every one of those damn diapers since you had read that it made them cleaner. You did so much. You had no time to fill out baby books. I get it. I really really get it. You're more than off the hook.

Love, Donna

Ps. I miss you every day.***

Back to you, Maude.

Now that I've learned my lesson about what it's like to have two kids, I am hoping you will know that you're loved as much as your big sister, even if there are fewer photos, fewer blog entries, and no baby book (yet! At least Margo doesn't have one either so you're even steven in that department). We'll do our best to capture your firsts as best we can and to snap a picture every few days. It's a busy house with two kids. Your Grandma was right!

You're a wonderful baby. You have begun to sleep longer at night (yay!) and are growing fast. You weighed 9 lbs 6 oz at your last weigh-in, just a few days ago. You LOVE to eat, go for walks strapped to Mama or Papa's chest, and you always turn your head when you hear a familiar voice. Your grandmaman is visiting now, and you are enjoying the extra pair of hands to hold you, since you LOVE to be held. All.the.time. Although this doesn't let me do as much as I would like around the house, I am doing my best to remind myself that this time is but fleeting and you will soon enough be running around like your big sister, playing tricks and singing songs.

You are amazing us every day with your strength - you can hold your head very steady and love to be on your tummy so you can lift your head. It's mighty impressive. I haven't ben able to capture this feat of strength yet but here is a shot of you doing the floppy. Contrary to what this picture might suggest, you do have a beautiful neck.

Breastfeeding you has been so wonderful. Having gone through it before, I feel confident in my ability to nourish you and watch you flourish. No doubt about it, being a first time mama was amazing - every thing seemed magical. But the ease and confidence I feel the second time around really allows me to enjoy you. I don't feel guilty when I sit and stare at you for an hour. I know that all too soon you'll be taking those first steps to turn into the girl you were meant to be, and I know I'll long for those long moments when you gaze into my eyes and I feel the powerful connection between mama and daughter.

Happy one month birthday, little one. I love you with all my heart.

- Mama.