One Month Old!

Dear Carolyn,

Today you are one month old! I find this amazing for so many reasons – I can’t believe it’s already been a month, I can’t believe it’s only been a month, I can’t believe a month can fly by so quickly… I can barely remember life before you (B.C. – Before Carolyn). In fact, it feels like I’ve always had you to take care of.

You’re starting to be so much more alert now. You smile and giggle when things amuse you. Your favorite toys so far are the teddy bears that hang above your pack and play and your musical lamb – well, at least, you notice those toys the most. You’re not terribly fond of your swing, or of being put down while you’re sleeping. You’d much rather sleep on me or Daddy. I guess I can understand that, since you were part of me for so long…being alone must be quite a frightening experience. (Don’t tell your pediatrician, but you sleep in bed with us more than in your cradle. It’s the only way we can get those nice long six-hour stretches you so graciously give us most nights!)

Once you learn how to talk, we’re never going to get a word in edgewise. You coo and giggle, shriek (I think with happiness) and say “ah-goo”. You flirt with your toys…I think you think they’ll give in and pick you up because you are so darn cute. I hate to break it to you, but you’re bigger than they are, so even if they do wake up and move around when I’m not in the room, they can’t lift you. You’ve got this great little “ah-ah” sound you make, too, which I’ve translated to mean “I am the cutest baby ever, now pick me up before I start screaming!” You make good on the threat, too.

Everyone says you’re the most beautiful baby they’ve ever seen. I may be a little biased, but I have to agree. I’ve also been told you’re brilliant for your age. That’s a little scary to me, but hey, you can be as brilliant as you want. Besides, every kid thinks they know so much more than their parents while they’re growing up, so it may as well be true for you. You’re growing so quickly, too. I do just have one thing to say, though…please don’t be in a hurry to grow up! I love watching you change and seeing all the new things you’re discovering and learning, but please take your time about it. I’ve never been very good about changes, and it’s hard for me to think that you’re never going to be one month old again after today.

You’ve really made me a morning person. You are just so darn cheerful in the morning, and it’s hard for me not to be cheerful in return. I’ve watched so many more sunrises since you were born – not because you wake me up earlier, but because we’re usually nursing in your room around when the sky is turning all shades of sky-blue-pink, and it gives me an excuse to just watch the colors change through your window instead of doing the things I used to think were important. I think I’ve learned almost as much as you have this past month. You’re a great teacher. (You get that from your Daddy.)

Love, Mommy