Teatopia

5 Months

My Olivia,

You don't know it, but today isn't just your 5 month birthday. It is also the 5 year anniversary of a tremendous tragedy in our country. It made me think about how innocent you are, and how happy I am, that for this brief period in your life, you know only goodness and love.

Every month with you enriches my life more and more. You have stolen our hearts with your beauty, goodness, and intelligence. I am so proud of you, my Olivia Beth.

This month has been hard because of your teething. I never thought when I first felt the tiny point of a tooth, that 2 months later, it'd be no closer to coming through. It breaks my heart to see you in pain. You go from being very verbal and playful to feeling tired and wanting Mommy to snuggle with you. I hate that your hurting, but I eat these moments up. I love having your little head on my shoulder. I love that you reach for me when you don't feel well. I breathe in your scent and drink you all in. I know someday I will look back on these moments and wish I could hold you again the way I can now.

My favorite time of day is the morning when Daddy is leaving and you come sleep with me. Although we miss Daddy a lot, I love having Mommy and Olivia time. You still sleep in our room, in a bassinet beside our bed. Some people have bugged me to let you sleep in your own room, but Daddy and I agree we aren't ready yet. You have years of sleeping in other rooms-- in other houses-- and we aren't ready to give up having you with us just yet. I'm not sure that you are either.

This month you also have a new found love of blowing raspberries. You do it hundreds of times of day. Sometimes it's in response to something exciting, other times, you just do it because you feel like it. When strangers talk to you, you often say hello by spraying them in the face. You think this is very exciting and you kick your legs.

You also have become quite observant. We didn't even realize how closely you watch us until you screamed and reached for my cup. When I brought it closer to you, you put your little hands around it and brought it to your mouth. You tried to lift it up, and when I helped you a bit, you took a sip. We now cannot drink from a cup when we're around you, because you scream until we give you a sip. You can't drink what we drink. Mommy still nurses you exclusively because the doctor said you are thriving and don't need anything else yet. Go boobs! We did experiment with some cereal, and after you nose-dived into the dish, I am quite confident you'll love it when we do begin other foods!

I love that I am home with you-- that I never miss a thing. I know how blessed I am. Money is tight, but you know nothing of that-- only that you are happy and loved.

I can't wait to watch you grow up (but don't do it too fast). I am so curious about the woman you'll become. I want to travel with you, take you to places I love. I hope we'll be as close as I am to your Grammie. I heard Daddy tell you the other night that he's give up his computers for you. I know that he probably wouldn't ever need to, but that was his way of telling you he'd do anything for you. It made me laugh! I love looking at you and seeing your Daddy, who I love so much. You are going to be a beautiful woman, inside and out.

This Sunday, you are going to be baptized. Mommy is afraid she'll cry and embarrass herself as she agrees, before God, to raise you according to our faith. This is something important in our family, our faith, and I am excited to have you christened. My grandma (your great-grandma) is taking the whole family out for brunch at the same hotel where your Mommy and Daddy had their wedding reception. This means so much to me.

I love you, my baby girl. No matter how big you get, you will ALWAYS be a my little baby girl.

All my love,
Mommy

Posted by Hannah at September 11, 2006 11:52 PM