Lucy: Forty-Seven Months

Dear Lucy-

Recently your friend Jonah passed away. He was only 14 months old. As touchingly documented by Mom, we as your parents have learned some important lessons. As I mentioned to your brother, I will be writing you a monthly letter as well.

Here are some things I've noticed about you during the past month:

1. You have a beautiful smile. I love how your entire face lights up when you laugh and you show all your pretty teeth. I am grateful that you have lots of opportunities to smile, and I hope you always will. Now if I could only get you to smile that way when I take your picture.
2. You have a knack for figuring out technology. It's not a problem now for Mom or me to ask you to set up the iPad, start a DVD or VHS, or navigate the PBSKids website using a trackpad. As we speak you are playing a matching game on the iPad.
3. You've learned to push the swing. This has been a critical lesson in cause and effect. Indeed, I think you are realizing that cause-effect relationships apply in other areas of life as well. This is a lesson I hope you never forget, especially as life gets more complicated.
4. You love your sister. You frequently stop whatever you are doing and want to get her attention. You call her "chubs," "boop," and other variations of those nicknames. You are often the first one to notice when she wakes from her naps. Sometimes when Vivian is fussy, you are the one we turn to to help calm her down. I'm excited to see how this sisterhood bond develops over the years.
5. You are an extrovert. You like to have the attention of others, and you're verbal enough to be interesting to adults. For example, the other day you wanted to talk to someone about inertia and simple levers. Who wouldn't want to hear about those things from an almost-four-year-old?
6. You love to move. Dance class is a favorite activity, and you are certain to show me what you learned in your most recent class. Last night, we put on some kid's music and danced throughout the house. You absolutely loved it!

When I talk with your sisters, I remind them of something that I think every girl should believe about themselves. I say it to them every time, with the hopes that it will become a part of their belief system. I'll expound upon it a little this time, but in the future will sign off in the typical fashion I use with your sisters.

Remember that you are a good girl. Remember that you are beautiful on the inside. Remember that you are pretty on the outside. Remember that you are smart.

Love,

-Dad

David: Twenty-Eight Months

Dear David-

A few days ago I learned an important lesson from your good friend, Jonah. He taught me that life is precious and that circumstances can change quickly and unexpectedly. You don't realize it, but you will miss him. I miss him, too. Even at this young age, he's been a great friend to you, and you to him.

So, with that sobering reminder fresh in my mind, I've decided to write you a letter on the monthly anniversary of your birthday. Without further ado, here are some things I've noticed about you during the past month:

1. You have a kind heart. I've known this for a while, but it's been reinforced to me almost daily. When Vivian is crying, you come tell me. You don't like it when people are upset with you and you try to quickly assure your positive standing by approaching them for hugs. I love that you're tender-hearted. I would much rather have you be so than to have you be insensitive.
2. You like to read. When I read books to you at night, you will ask for "that book" and read it again to yourself while Lucy and I are singing the night-time song. Sometimes you read out loud about "Max" or about "Love you through and through."
3. Your curiosity about how things works fascinates me. When I swing you in the porch swing, you look up to where the chain is connected. When playing with the garden hose, you study how the water comes out, and what happens when you put your finger over the end. I wonder what you will do with this curiosity you have.
4. You are sticking up better for yourself with your sister. Lucy has long known that she can "boss" you around. I've noticed now that you're tolerating that behavior from her less and less. Good for you, son; while I appreciate your gentle soul, I don't want you to be a pushover. And...sometime in the very near future, I think you and Lucy are going to both come to the realization that younger doesn't necessarily mean smaller.
5. You are doing great "using your words" when you get frustrated. You still scream, but when prompted, will with increasing frequency explain what has upset you, or what you want. Thank you for this. I appreciate understanding.

Thanks for being my good, smart, handsome man.

Love,

Dad

Eleven Months

Dear Lucy-

As you approach your one year anniversary, it's exciting to see you develop and learn new things. Here are some things I've observed this past month:

1. Sitting is your preferred posture, and you've learned to spin around in order to access items of interest.
2. Memphis, the Fat Pug, is the most interesting toy you have. He's warming up to the idea that the two of you can be friends. I wish his brain worked better so he could understand how much fun the two of you could have.
3. Teeth. You have five of them now, and every once in a while you will grind them a few times as you figure out what to do with them. Don't worry about wearing them out; you'll get new ones in a few years.
4. Tubby-time is a highlight of your day, and your favorite part of tubby-time is when the water is draining and reaches the level where when you kick your legs together, the splash is maximized. You know when this is happening and your kicking intensifies.
   
5. One day you said, "BOO-shay" as if it were something miraculous and mysterious. You've said something similar a few times, but it sounds like a word describing what comes from the north end of a south-facing bull.
   
6. When I pick you up, you put your arms on my shoulders and give me pats. I like that.
7. We play a game on the bed at night where I ask you, "Are you being silly?" and you smile, roll your eyes, and flop over. After I tickle you, you sit up and we do it all over again.
8. It's nice to see you excited for Mom when she comes home after being gone for a while. It's clear that you love her and that you feel safe when she is holding you. She's a great Mom.
   
9. I can say, "Give some to Dad," and you will hold what you have up to my face.
   
10. One of the highlights of my day is saying hello to you when I come home from work. The excitement is mutual.

Love,

Dad

Seven Months

Dear Lucy-

For some unknown reason to me, as I have told people this past week that you are "seven months old," I've noticed that it feels like you have crossed into a more mature phase of life. I didn't think this when you were six months, which would be a more logical milestone. Strange.

Whatever the reason, welcome to Seven Months!

Here are ten observations and reflections from the past month:

1. Your two teeth are a mystery to me-not because they came in, but I can't figure out how those sharp little incisors don't shred your upper gums.
2. Sitting is quickly becoming your preferred posture. Initially I could look sideways at you and over you'd go, but now you are pretty resilient to perturbation.
3. Your hair. See photo above. What more can I say...
4. We have a "glasses game" that we play when I am dressing you or changing your diaper: I put my face within your reach, you grab my glasses and pull them off my face, after which I say "Thaaaaaaank yoooooooooooou!" and you smile a huge toothless grin and give my glasses back to me.
   
5. You sleep through the night! After only two rough nights, you figured it out and will sleep until 6:55 am. The first few nights, Mom and Dad woke up every couple of hours to check on you, even though you were just fine.
6. For nap time, you still love your swing. And your yellow and white blanket Grandma Sampson made for you: pulling it close to your face is a sure sign that you're ready for a nap.
7. Every time we go off-roading in Suby, you either fall asleep or stay asleep. Does this remind you of the womb? ;)
8. If I hear you laugh, I will stop what I am doing and come watch...I love it!
9. If we've been gone for a while, you smile when you see me, and you go crazy when you see Mom-arms flapping, legs kicking, happy squeaking. When the two of you are reunited, your arms go around her neck and you bury your face next to hers and coo. If you've really missed her, you'll suck on her chin. I love how you love your Mom.
10. I think you will be a lefty. Other's are not so sure, but I'll bet a bottle you will be.

Love,

Dad

Six Months

Dear Lucy-

It's been so enjoyable to watch you become more interactive with people and your environment...I love it! Some of your favorite things are: your keys, pulling of my glasses, pulling Mom's hair, and watching a music video ("New Soul," by Yael Naïm).

Here are ten things that come to my mind as I reflect on the past month:

1) Your hair holds a curl.
2) You like turn and see who is holding you, which can surprise the person who is holding you!
3) Sitting in a high chair is exciting when you can play with a frozen burrito.
4) When I go through the mail, you're my best helper, especially with envelopes that have that clear plastic address window.
5) It's cool to see your face light up when you reach for things.
6) Your abs must be getting stronger because you pull up your feet to your mouth...without using your hands!
7) Rice cereal is not your favorite thing. Nope, not even close.
8) You have become an expert Baby Björn traveler.
9) I watch you for a few minutes as you are sleeping when I leave for work in the morning.
10) Your arms and legs flap when you're excited.

Love,

Dad

Five Months

Dear Lucy-

We've had quite a month, haven't we? Since you have come into our family, every month has been quite a month. I finally got my brace off, and can now feed you a bottle and change your diaper. Mom is thrilled, and so am I. I've missed being involved as much as I would like. We also took our first airplane trip together-to Boston. While there you attended an important conference, met a TV star, and negotiated the subway. You travel well. Maybe we should go to Peru next summer.

Here are ten things I've learned/observed this past month:

1. You are photogenic, like your Mom. See above for an example.
   
2. You are a "conversationalist," like your sisters. You have discovered your voice and you use it often to tell us your thoughts about who-knows-what.
   
3. You can see things that are across the room. This is most obvious when the thing that is far away is Mommy.
4. When people are around, it's hard for you to fall asleep; not because they are loud, but because you want to watch them.
5. There are definitely things you love: Mommy, Daddy, books, the ABC song, swing, bottles, and being outside, to name a few.
6. Whenever I change your diaper, you grab my left hand with both of yours, then hug it close to your chest and smile at me. I melt every time.
7. You are fascinated by Your Heidi. Isn't everybody?
   
8. Sometimes I lie awake at night and listen to you coo while you're sleeping. It makes me smile. I think you are dreaming about milk.
   
9. When we go walking in the Baby Bjorn, you like to hold my hands. It makes me feel important, and lets me know that you're okay.
10. Mommy shows unconditional love towards you, even in the middle of the night, when she is so tired (and you should be, too).
    

Love,
Dad

Four Months

Dear Lucy-

It's been quite a month. I ruptured the biceps tendon in my right arm, which required surgery and rendered my arm and hand unusable. It's been difficult to be as involved in your care as I would like to be since I can hold you with just one hand. Mommy has had to take over your bath time and diaper duty and has done so without complaint. In addition, Mommy has assumed care of Daddy, too, as I cannot get dressed completely. Thank goodness for a loving Mommy and wife.

Here are ten things I've learned and/or observed this past month:

1) Mommy has a endless supply of love and caring for you (and me!).
2) You rolled over from your tummy to your back.
3) You roll over more quickly when you are mad,
4) When I call home during the day to say hello to Mommy, I love the sound of you cooing in the background. It's not so amusing when you are fussing.
5) If you are nursing when I come home, you will stop and smile at me when I kiss Mommy hello.
6) When I hold you facing out and walk around, you will run your hands over the back of my hands.
7) You look around for Mommy when you are not with her.
8) You cross your legs when you nurse, looking so comfortable.
9) Your voice is so sweet, it makes me smile when you "talk."
10) You love to be outside, even if you have to squint in the sunshine.

Love, Dad

Three Months

Dear Lucy-

I can't believe how quickly time has gone by. For some reason, three months seems like quite a milestone in my mind-maybe because you're a quarter of a year old now? I don't know...maybe because if you round up, you're a year old. ;)

Here are ten things I've learned and observed this past month:

10) You always win when we have a staring contest.
9) You have discovered your hands and can fit most of your fist into your mouth.
8) When I call your name, you will stop doing what you're doing and look around for me.
7) Your hair stands straight up when in a ponytail. Your hair stands straight up when it's not.
6) You love to watch yourself in mirrors.
5) Sometimes you will stop nursing and stare at Mom with a look on your face that can only be described as pure gratitude.
4) You like to talk when I talk. This is tricky for everyone because I will stop to listen to you, but then you stop and Mom doesn't get to hear the rest of the story.
3) I love to watch you because I never know when you will do something new.
2) I love the sound of your voice.
1) Frequently I wake up in the middle of the night so I can listen to you coo in your sleep.

Love,
Dad

Two Months

Dear Lucy,

Congratulations on a great month! You met many of your aunts, uncles, and cousins this month. You also met your big sisters, Hailey and Melia. You also celebrated your first Christmas (FYI, Mom bought all your presents at Allen's grocery store...).

I've enjoyed watching you become more interactive this month. You're eyes get so big when you watch things. You like to smile when your belly is full of milk and when you first wake up. You're quite the cutie, with your big eyes, toothless smile, and wild hair. I love it!

Here are ten things that I've observed with you this month:

10) You will track something with your eyes, side to side.
9) I used to be able to see your entire body by just looking in one spot. Now I have to look in two spots.
8) When you're done with something, YOU'RE DONE!
7) You're growing into your diapers.
6) You coo in your sleep.
5) I can tell the difference now between "irritated" and "mad."
4) You make a special "milk cry" when you get close to Mom.
3) You love your nightly baths.
2) Swinging is the next best thing to milk, if not better sometimes.
1) You're growing SO quickly, I need to cherish every moment I can.

Love,
Dad

One Month

Dear Lucy-

You're one month old now. It's hard for me to believe that it's already been four weeks since you joined us folks on the outside. I thought I would be the family expert, as Mom is the youngest in her family and I'm the oldest, so I was around babies a lot more. I also thought that my experience with Hailey and Melia would be helpful.

Well, I am a boy. Mom is a girl, and girls in general have more baby experience than boys. Also, it's been more than 12 years since I was so involved with babies. So, I've learned this month that I've forgotten (or never had) the experience I thought would immediately come to mind.

Here are ten things I've (re)learned this last month with you:

10) You know who has the milk.
9) I need to thank MY mother for all she did for me.
8) Love reaches new depths when you entered our home.
7) Your Mom will move mountains for you.
6) Onesies have too many snaps. One is sufficient.
5) I can never change the diaper fast enough when you're hungry.
4) You love your hair brushed, from Day One.
3) You get junk mail.
2) When you burp, I feel better.
1) I love when you fall asleep in my arms.

Love, Dad