Deep In The Heart Of Texas

Gem!

You are growing so fast! You are already 3 months old! Slow the heck down, girlfriend!

A couple of weeks ago, I took you on your first airplane ride to visit Ammie & Papa for Ammie's (40th) birthday. By the time you are actually able to read this, your Ammie will actually look 40 instead of 25. Sometimes, people think we are sisters and that I AM the older one. WHAT!

Anyway...

Back to the flight. You did so well! You slept, ate and cooed sweetly at the ladies next to us. You are always a huge hit with folks. You love to talk and smile- you smile all the time. We landed in Texas and the moment we walked out of the airport, it felt like someone opened a massive heated oven. Neither of us stopped sweating until we left. Sweat aside, we had so much fun with Ammie and Papa. We ate Tex-Mex (I'm assuming you loved it- I'm positive you could taste the difference in your milk) and all of the other beloved Texas foods we lack in Tennessee.

You have a special bond with Ammie. You respond to her as if you know exactly who she is and what she is saying. She read books to you and you LOVED it. She sang songs with you. The two of you took naps, went shopping, had girl talk. It was the sweetest. You were even into watching the final season of Gossip Girl with us (xoxo).

We made a trip to the next town over to see your Uncle Alex, his new condo and where he will be finishing up college. He played guitar and you were so amused. You even cooed along with him. Our hearts melted. You have a way of doing that frequently. 

I'm thankful for the 10 days we spent with Ammie & Papa and your uncles too. It was such a special time and I'll treasure that always. I'm also thankful that we have an incredible family who loves, cares and supports us daily. Makes life so much better.

Love you dearly sweet girl,
Mama

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

June Bug

My Sweet Girl,

What a whirlwind of a first month for you! Visitors near and far away came to meet you and love on our family. So many dinners and errands and gifts in your honor. If you could only begin to understand how much you are loved. How much you were loved the moment you came into existence. Gem, your dad and I are so grateful for all of the care and support we have received from our families and friend-family. They spoil us (and you) constantly. My hope is that our family would be just as loving and compassionate to those around us. That you will grow to love and care for others; to be tender hearted. I know you will. 

Here is your first month summarized in photos. You began holding your head up from day 1! Strong and active. Such a healthy girl. This was the month we also conquered breastfeeding. It was a struggle for us both but we did it. I found myself wanting you in my arms at all times. Even if I was exhausted and drained, I felt anxiety without you near me. Allowing others to hold you for a long period of time stressed me out. It stresses me just thinking about it. I promise I'm not a crazy mother, Gemma. You see, we hadn't been separated for nine month and just so we're clear, nine months is a long enough time to have clingy issues.

Anyway...

You smiled your first week home and rolled over (on accident) because you were frustrated during your third week. Accident or not, I was still so impressed by you. Every little thing you do or accomplish doesn't go unnoticed. I'm quite content watching you all day long. It's my favorite.

 

All My Love,

Mama