A Love Letter to my Daughter

Dear baby girl Katelyn,

You are 9 days old already! Daddy and I still can't believe how lucky we are to have a healthy, beautiful girl like you! We think you have my nose, lips, and cheeks and daddy's chin and hair. We were certain that you would be born with full-on strawberry blonde hair like mommy was, but it's more blonde like your daddy's was when he was born. Although, in some pictures, I see a strawberry tint to it...we'll have to see what happens! For now, you have blue eyes, but the pediatrician thinks you will have hazel eyes like daddy's. Oh, so many things to look forward to seeing!

Just like in the womb, you have your days and nights mixed up. I guess you get this from your night-owl mommy. You can sleep all day long and only eat 3-4 times, but when 9 pm comes, you are fussy, you want to eat every hour, and you go through diapers like nobody's business. (You definitely have your daddy's GI tract...ha!)

You only like to be swaddled from the waist down because you are very active with your hands, and you breastfeed like a champ. I love it when you're finished, because you'll latch off, half asleep, and give the biggest smile. Every time! Now, I know this is 99.9% just a "gas smile", but it's cute, nonetheless! I can't wait for the day when you smile on purpose. :)

You are coming to terms with the fact that I will not give up on you sleeping in the bassinet...the first 3 nights at home, you refused to sleep anywhere but on top of my chest, cradled in my arms, or in the bed next to me with my arms around you. Mommy never wanted to do the cosleeping thing, but to get some sleep, I've allowed it a few times . (look at you, already getting your way) Now, you've slept in the bassinet for 2-3 hours at a time, as long as we've preheated it with the electric heating pad and kept the space heater running nearby to keep you cozy.

I do admit, I've become frustrated, teary-eyed, and helpless at times...but I remember that the same things are happening to you. But if I take a moment to gaze down at your pretty little face in the midst of your crying fits, the tears I have are those of joy, because I've never been happier in my life. Yes, the day I married your daddy was incredible, but I didn't quite fall in love with him at first sight like I did with you. (Don't tell him I said that!)nYou are my pretty baby girl, my first born, my angel. I love you more than I thought I could ever love anything in this world.

Love,
Mommy