On the night you were born...

Dear Amelia,

Yes, I know I just wrote you a letter a few days ago. But this week the hospital where you were born is being demolished. You were born in August, just months before our new hospital opened in November. Seeing the pictures and videos of the place where you were brought into this world being torn down is making me a little emotional. I know, silly Mom - it's just a building. But that building is where my life began - literally, and my life as your mommy.

I wanted to tell you about the time we spent there. Before you were born, Daddy and I went to CPR and childbirth classes at the hospital. I knew my way around the labor and delivery area because your cousins Bella and Zoey were born there not long before you were. During one of our childbirth classes, a huge summer storm hit and we heard them announce a "Code Black" over the PA system. Scary stuff! We were evacuated into the waiting room of labor and delivery to wait for the storm to pass.

The next time we would set foot in that hospital was the night you were born. Mommy had been in labor at home all day, and finally around 10pm we headed to the hospital. Because it was after hours, we knew we had to register in the emergency room. I remember sitting with Daddy as the woman took all of our information, and having to pause when a contraction hit. Your Grammy and Grandpa met us there, and we went up to labor and delivery shortly after. I was first put into a triage room so they could decide if you were really on your way. I was nervous, but we found out we would be staying that night to welcome you into the world.

We were set up in our room, and I'll spare you the details until you want to know them, but four hours after we left our house, you arrived. At the time there were no separate delivery rooms so we stayed put the whole time. Because we had arrived so late in the evening, we spent two nights there instead of one. The nurses took great care of us, and that room became a safe home for the few days we were there. When it was time to leave, I was scared of being on our own. But off we went, back out into the "real world," to begin our life as a family.

So yes, it may just be a building, but it was a building full of memories for me and for so many people we know and love. It makes me sad to think that I won't be able to drive by the hospital one day and show you where you were born, but I wanted to share these memories with you so you could have the most important part of that building for yourself.

Love always,
Mommy

Letter to Amelia - 2 1/2 Years

Dear Amelia,

I feel like I say this every time I write one of these letters, but I can't believe how much you have grown. You're on your way to 3, and that is so hard to believe. You're still my baby! But you are definitely becoming a little girl. You are such a bundle of sunshine and energy. Every day with you is an adventure, and I love the conversations we have now. You are always making Daddy and I laugh. You love to sing and I was so proud of you at your Christmas program and your performance this past week at daycare. You sang the songs (mostly) and weren't afraid of an audience. Not surprising since you are always entertaining us. We're still going to gymnastics on Saturday mornings and you've mastered the forward roll and walking on the beam. You've walked on the lowest one by yourself and were pretty successful. It's been a long, very cold winter and I know we both can't wait until you can play outside again.

You still love books and currently your favorite is a search and find animal book you got for Christmas. You're starting to learn letters and can write a capital "A" with no help from us! You also love playing with Mr. Potato Head, your blocks, dress up with your "princess" skirts and jewelry, and you like to cook for us in your kitchen. You love it when the "tea" is too hot and we spit it out - so funny!

We're working on potty training - you're doing great at daycare but your stubbornness seems to take over at home. We'll get there! You're starting to realize you have choices in life and like to make your opinions known. You like to choose your clothes when we let you (you take your "sparkly boots" off/put them on yourself, and you also can take off your coat - "I do it!"). You would eat macaroni and cheese (or as you sometimes say, "noonles") for every meal if you could, but you still also love green beans, "blockly" (broccoli) and fruit, and you'll usually try whatever Daddy and I are eating. You ask us for your "violins" (vitamins). It took Mommy awhile to understand what that one meant (thanks for translating, Daddy!).

At your 2 1/2 year check up last week you were 30 pounds, 2 oz and 36.5 inches tall - in the 75th percentile. Apparently you still are not a fan of sleep because you wake Mommy up once at least three nights a week, and you don't know the meaning of sleeping in. You still nap pretty well though, and last weekend Mommy loved snuggling up with you in our bed and taking a nap together. You love giving "big hugs!" and I taught you to give Eskimo kisses before bed which you call "kissy nose."

It's so much fun to watch you learn and grow. Daddy and I are so thankful for every day with you and we love you oh so much. I am so lucky to be your mama.

Love always,
Mommy

Hooray, I'm 2 1/2!

Blog of Shame

Um...have I really not posted since November? Oops. I'm coming back, I swear. Life has been crazy with work, a lack of being on any sort of real schedule due to snow (we are currently at 8 missed days and countless two hour delays for my district after this nasty winter), and well the holidays. Which were almost two months ago. Yowza.

I'm hoping to post a two and a half year update/letter for Miss A. I probably have a few other things to fill you in on after that if you haven't written me off yet. (Spoiler alert - no, I'm not pregnant, since that seems to be the question everyone asks you once your kid turns two.)

Until then, here are a couple of holiday pics of my adorable, grown up girl. You know, since I haven't seen you all since then. In the words of Ah-nahld, I'll be back...

Christmas Eve 2013

 

Valentine's Day 2014