#dearkid

[thepaperpod]

Dear Kid Wednesday: 51 weeks & 4 days..

This is a series of little letters written to my son for him to read someday…

Little man,

This upcoming Saturday is your FIRST birthday! We have a big party planned for you. Family & friends from near and far, balloons (boy do you love balloons), cake, presents, and Mickey everything!

As we approach this milestone, I can't help but to be sentimental a little. Not necessarily because you're getting older but more as a reflection of this last year. Specifically, how much my heart has grown. Did you know that Mommy's have HUGE hearts full of love? Cause they do. It's kinda crazy. 

Every time I see pictures or watch the video Dad made of your birth, my eyes tear up. There are so many emotions that flood over me when I think about that day. My first time ever being admitted to a hospital, my first IV.. my first major surgery. Those things were all scary. But there is a picture Dad took when they let me hold you for the first time. I cry every time I see this picture because I can remember how I felt at that moment. As I looked at your sweet face tears filled my eyes and my heart over flowed with love. My precious baby boy had arrived! 

Over the past year, Daddy and I have learned a lot about ourselves. Being a parent isn't always easy. There are sleepless nights, decisions to stress about, days when the laundry and dishes pile up because there isn't enough time. Lots of adjustments made as our family shifted from two to three. But you know what? We couldn't be happier. Our life is so full of love. 

The amount of joy you bring into my life radiates deep into my soul. One of your smiles can turn any day around. Watching you become excited or figuring out how to do something is pretty much astounding. You're the best. 

Happy birthday, tiny bff. I love you. 

Forever and always,

Mommy

[thepaperpod]

Dear Kid Wednesday: Pre-toddler on the horizon!

This is a series of little letters written to my son for him to read someday…

My sweet boy,

On Monday Dad and I met with your the teacher for the new classroom you'll move into next month. Your new teachers seem very friendly and you're class is mostly boys. The new room has lots of cool older baby toys and daily planned activities. Dad and I are really excited for your transition  Of course we will have our battles (no more bottles & a scheduled nap time) but we think you'll really enjoy the new classroom.

This past week you've really turned a corner. Your curiosity is expanding, you're leaving behind being an infant and cruising right into pre-toddler. I love that you've started to explore our home. Last week we were playing in your room and you left me to play solo. Something in the living room caught your eye and off you went- army crawling away from me. You're testing your ability to stand on your own and starting to get the courage to pull up on things. Your legs are so strong buddy, I know once you figure this out you'll be running around everywhere.

To think just a few weeks ago I was really concerned about you and table food. Now you own meal time with how well you eat. You're making hand to mouth contact like a pro. You're even trying to give me and Dad bites. It's adorable. We just love that you eat what we eat now (with a few exceptions; still no candy or nuts for you lil dude)- mealtimes are so much more fun when we are all eating together. 

You clap and say 'yeahhhh', you give the biggest hugs for being pint size, you are starting to waive when you say 'hi' and light up every time you see Shelly or Winston. 

Over the weekend you were pretty much a sleep on the couch and I put my hand over yours- and this sweet little smile came across your face as you wrapped your hand around my finger. I have no words for how that moment in time made me feel, but I do know I'll cherish it forever. 

You amaze me, son, just by you being you. 

With all my love,

Mommy

[lifithurul]

dear kid, dammit dammit dammit i wish i was writing this all the time. i wish i had written for you a year ago. i wish i could have told you of my thoughts and feelings i was having for the very first time. dammit. I've got to believe that it's better late tan never but damn what i wish i could have told you form my eyes back then, as it was happening.

[thepaperpod]

Dear Kid Wednesday: Changes

This is a series of little letters written to my son for him to read someday...

Dear babe,

This week was a big week for you! On Monday you started daycare at the CDC which is a HUGE change from the in-home care with Mrs. Maggie. The CDC is a lot different. You're in a classroom with two teachers and seven other babies around your age. There is a lot of independent play time and not much snuggling which I think is the biggest adjustment for you (besides all the new faces). You're eating solids for your teachers like a champ and having fun with all the space to roll and scoot. You're not taking great naps yet, but I think that will change over time. It's a new place, a new crib, new faces- you're probably just not sure if you can relax here yet.

One of the neat aspects of your new daycare is its right across from Daddy's building so he can come visit you whenever he likes (I can too, but it's not as convenient). He checked in on you on Monday about mid-day. Maybe that was to ease my mind a little bit more than anything; your Daddy is sweet like that.

Dad and I hope we made a smart decision moving you to the CDC. Although we miss Mrs. Maggie and I'm sure you do too if you understood you're no longer seeing her every day. Don't worry though, we have made arrangements to hang out with them as often as possible- so you'll still get to play with Henry, Danny and Bridgette! 

We hope that the structured environment with babies close to your age will help you develop and explore all that you can. Ultimately we just want you to be happy. So far you're all smiles for everyone; you're sweet like that!

With all my love,

Mommy

[thepaperpod]

Introducing 'Dear Kid Wednesday'

The first blog I ever became hooked reading was Macaroni and Glue.  This blog is no longer active but circa 2008-2010, Kelly was a big inspiration to me.  Five years ago, blogs were just starting to blossom and her blog was the first one I followed that wasn't all fluff. Kelly wrote about her life- she let strangers into her little world. And with that, she used to write ‘Dear Kid Saturday’- a post each week to her little girl. I remember thinking how sweet that was and how I’d like to have a journal with written letters to my children. So, let me introduce what I hope to be a weekly post called ‘Dear Kid Wednesday’. Kelly, if you’re out there somewhere- this series is dedicated to you. 

Dear little teether, 

Well, O- right now you’re miserable and it breaks my heart. Dad and I believe you’re teething. Thankfully you’ll never remember the amount of pain you’re feeling but I still wish I could take it from you. You don’t like any teething toy since you’re not a fan of putting plastic/rubber in your mouth. I found one teething toy that had some cloth on it, but you’d rather chomp on your blanket or Max. You’re a no go on anything cold hitting your gums and fighting to give you Orajel is definitely not fun (either is giving you a dose of medicine!) The only trick that’s left is rubbing whiskey on your gums and I’m not convinced that will do anything but knock you out. But after last night’s lack of sleep maybe that wouldn’t be a bad idea. Just kidding! I sure hope a tooth breaks through soon buddy. 

Even though you’re a snotty and drooly mess- you’re still just the sweetest babe. In between the cries of pain, are smiles and laughs. Boy, do you have a great laugh. It is my favorite sound. While I’m very tired today, I didn’t mind our 3am play date with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (distraction was the only way to calm you down last night). I’ll always participate in cuddle time with you. 

You we will survive this rite of passage. The pain won’t last forever, I promise! Teeth will pop through and today’s cries will be a memory. I love you so much sweetie, hang in there. This too shall pass.

With all my love, 

Your sleep deprived Mommy