Cuddles Are For Struggles.

Gemma,

We successfully made it through yet another challenging day. I'm well aware that there are many of those days ahead but I've found that rejoicing in the small victories is beneficial for our disposition. Our little family is growing stronger each day and watching that progression is remarkable. Your father and I love each other more despite the trials we face on a day-to-day (sometimes hour-to-hour) basis. We aren't perfect parents nor are we perfect to each other but we are perfect for each other and you are perfect for us. 

We love on you, stare at you, talk to you and cuddle with you all the time. You are beautiful, my girl. Your smile makes my heart want to burst with joy. Your coos make my days better. Your hair is growing thicker and those bald spots aren't so bald. Your cheeks! OH your cheeks! I want to kiss them all the time! You are happiest when you're spoken to. You love interacting with others. You also love when I nibble on your long toes and that little neck of yours hiding under that delicious double chin. You are so loved by everyone but especially by us. We think you're an incredible little human. 

I took these photos of you yesterday, August 10th, 2014. The first real photos I have taken of you. You were 10 weeks, 1 day old. We spent the afternoon at your Uncle Nate and Aunt Joy's house for a change of scenery.

Always,
Mama

Little Lessons Little One

Oh my sweet Gem,

This new life with you is so sweet. Mornings are my favorite despite the fact that I'm so tired, my eyelids ache. You are happiest when you wake up and I am never too tired to see your double-dimple smile accompanied by your delightful coos.

As your mother, I take care of you. I hear every cry. I see every tear. I know when you're hungry, tired or have an upset tummy. I'm here to comfort you and hold you for as long as you need; however, something happened last night that surprised me.

You see Gem, I'm stubborn. Your father knows this all too well. I try to hold things together as best I can. Last night, I picked you up, sat on the couch and just wept. Just lost  it. I knew you were hungry and fully anticipated you to start crying but you didn't. You laid on me, rested your head beneath my tear-soaked chin and held my arms. It was as though you forgot your hunger for a moment to comfort me. It was incredible. You let me cry all over your little head while looking at me every now and then smiling. 

I was surprised. I overlooked how much I can learn from you and how much I need you too. I overlooked that we are in this together. Even though you aren't aware of this nor will you remember it, I'm thankful for such a tender moment with you, my precious girl. We don't have this thing down just yet but my eyes are now open to see the beautiful little lessons in it all.

I can't wait to see what else I learn from you in the days ahead.

Love you always,
Mama