This month has passed so quickly. Much, much more quickly than with Ellie. I though I'd never make it to the 6 week mark with Ellie, and now, with Olivia, it's almost here and I can't believe it.But the undeniable swiftness with which this first month has passed makes me wish there was a better way than photography to capture the newborn essence. Once babies are about 3-4 months old, photographs can really do them justice in capturing their personalities. I just don't feel like pictures can do that for a newborn. But of course I take them anyway, because they are the closest I'm going to get to preserving these moments forever. Although a friend did suggest getting a wax mold made of her. I don't know...
Newborns are like optical illusions - their true beauty is in their movement. Something is lost when they are not depicted in motion. There is just no way to really grasp their fleeting, precious wiggles and stretches; their incredibly soft skin and the way their whole body reacts to even the tiniest nudge. Olivia is so incredibly little, yet so full of wonder. She is so contemplative, taking in every moment and every new piece of information with a calm determination and a quiet inquisition. Her tiny, yet very real, person-hood never ceases to amaze me.
Dear Olivia,
Today you are one month old. I can't believe it! It has been so wonderful having you finally here with us! You are a very content and sweet little girl.
Everyday your big sister Ellie likes to give you lots of kisses. Occasionally, she also likes to sit on your head, but we're teaching her not to do that. She likes to share her dog and blanket with you, but that's really only fair considering she likes to steal your Boppy and other toys. Sometimes she reads to you from her favorite book, "The Ear Book." Whenever you are doing your "tummy time," Ellie likes to crouch down so she can look in your eyes and say, "Hi. Hey. Hi."
Lots of people have come to visit you - your Grandma F, Aunt Jaci, Uncle Chad and Aunt Georgia all came from Idaho to see you when you were 2 weeks old. Your godmother Allison came from Utah and Aunt Cara came from Texas. And of course all your relatives that live close by, like Uncle Kevin, Aunt Emily, Uncle Tom, cousin Cyril and Grandma and Grandpa W.
It breaks my heart a little to think about how quickly you are growing up. I know that in the blink of an eye you will be such a big girl. I already have a big baby - your sister, Ellie - and that makes me almost wish that you could just stay tiny and new forever. You're such a good sleeper that I wouldn't mind.
But I don't actually wish that. I'm so excited to see you grow up. To watch you learn and laugh and play. I'm looking forward to every new discovery that you make. But until then, I'm happy that you love to cuddle and that you look so sweet when you are nestled in my arms. I love waking up to you sleeping beside me, with the morning sunshine illuminating your precious features and caressing your incredibly soft skin. I love the little grunts you make when you are trying to get comfortable and your wiggles as you wrestle between sleep and wakefulness. I love the little spasms your arms and legs make as you try to control them. I love the way I can make you perfectly happy just by picking you up. And I love the way you look at me so intently, as if we've known each other for a very long time.
I know that these moments won't last for long. So I'm trying to hold on.
I love you with all my heart.
Love, Mommy
