Autumn Beauty

Dear Baby Bird,
We've been having some really nice weather this week. The leaves are all turning colors, and it's been warm and sunny with the brightest blue sky, so we're spending as much time outside as we can.

Today we went to hang out under some pretty trees.

Love,
Mom

Brotherly Love

Dear Baby Bird,

It is so fun to watch you and Brother together. You smile for him, follow him when he walks across the room, and watch him play with all his different toys. I know you are secretly plotting how you will steal those toys someday, but we won't tell Brother that, since he still thinks it's really cool to have you around. ;)

Love,
Mom

Fall Hats

Dear Baby Bird,

Fall has come! The mornings are starting to be cold, so when we go outside to say goodbye to Brother in the morning, we have to bundle up and put on our hats.

You're getting so big, you are in size 3 diapers and wear 3-6 month clothes. You still love to be held and sleep cuddled in tight, with your face buried between your hands if possible.You smile and make sounds, and love getting a bath or riding in your stroller.  You are starting to be able to swing your arms to hit a toy.

It's so fun spending time with you and getting to know you and your personality.  You fit right into our family rhythm and add so much joy, love, and laughter.

Love,
Mom

Baptism

Dear Baby Bird,

Today was your baptism day! What a special time, surrounded by family, friends and church members.

I've been saving this song from your birth playlist, it's "your song." (Yes, that means I dream of dancing with you at your wedding to this song. Brother has a song, too.)

 

"Songbird" (Performed by Rosie Thomas)
For you, there'll be no more crying,
For you, the sun will be shining,
And I feel that when I'm with you,
It's alright, I know it's right

To you, I'll give the world
To you, I'll never be cold
'Cause I feel that when I'm with you,
It's alright, I know it's right.

And the songbirds are singing,
Like they know the score,
And I love you, I love you, I love you,
Like never before.

And I wish you all the love in the world,
But most of all, I wish it from myself.

And the songbirds keep singing,
Like they know the score,
And I love you, I love you, I love you,
Like never before, like never before

Love,
Mom

Thumb

Dear Baby Bird,
Yesterday you figured out how to suck your thumb. You've been putting your hands/fingers/thumb near your mouth since you were born, but yesterday you got it in there.

I have mixed feelings about this, since I know we could take away a pacifier when you get older, but can't take away your thumb.  But it also gives you a way to soothe yourself, and you seem to be exerting your personality by always managing to get the thumb up there, so I'm not sure we have an option anyway. :) I've always thought little kids are cute when they suck their thumb... just hope that when you get older it doesn't become too hard to stop.

Tomorrow starts our first week of just you and I home together, while Brother goes to school and Dad goes to work. I think we're going to have a great time! Plus the weather has been really nice for us to spend time outside on walks or just hanging out. I'm trying to enjoy every minute with you while I can.

Love,
Mom

Two Months Old

Dear Baby Bird,

Things you like:
Having your fingers in your mouth
If fingers aren't available, having a binky in your mouth
Sleeping on your belly
Being held, particularly up
Riding in the carseat, stroller, bjorn, swing, or moving arms

Things you don't like:
Saline nose drops (I don't blame you! You seem to have the same allergies as Dad and Brother, though.)

Love,
Mom

Milestones

Dear Baby Bird,

Yesterday, Brother started kindergarten. It's a big milestone for him, but also one for us. Now you and I will be alone together during the day. You definitely miss your brother while he's gone, but today you treated me to some great talking.

You are going to be hitting a lot of milestones in the next few months and I'm so blessed to be home with you to witness them.

Love,
Mom

Election Year

Dear Baby Bird,

You were born in a presidential election year. While not my favorite, especially because of the many ads on tv, elections are very important, and I'm proud that you and Brother will grow up in a place where you can make your voice and vote count.

Today at the farmer's market, you "met" both candidates. Well, at least cardboard versions of President Barack Obama, Governor Mitt Romney, and Rep Paul Ryan.

I'm sure when you get older you'll know which way your dad and I vote in elections.  We promise to help you learn as much as you can to make your own informed decisions and participate in many elections.

Love,
Mom