{this moment}

Letter to Noa Month 6

Dear Noa,
Yesterday I took you to your 6 month well baby appointment and you were so happy to be at the doctor! You are such a happy kiddo- it makes everyone around you smile. I can't really believe that 6 months have passed, although it does seem really long ago already that you were getting up every two hours and sleeping non-stop. Now you want to move! We should have anticipated a mover, however.. the second kiddo is never like the first and your name means movement. (Silly us.)

You are getting pretty adept at rolling. You now roll to your belly to sleep, which also means you're sleeping longer stretches (yeah!). But you do not want to lay on your back when you're awake, and honey, you can't sit on your own yet, so this means mama is propping you up, or holding you so you can stand like a big girl.

Your sister is probably your favorite thing in the world after milk that is.. and she doesn't even have to do anything to make you smile. If she looks at you, you laugh. I cannot wait to see what happens when you two can talk to one another. (I know, 10 years from now I probably will take this back on occasion.)

You've started eating solid foods and seem to enjoy eating just as much as Sena did/has. We are good eaters over here, as evidenced by the rolls on your thighs. (Although you are only 25% for weight?)

Honey, I know being the 2nd child means hand-me-downs, and a mama who is not as on top of writing these letters to you. But do know that it isn't because I don't want to.. I'm just so busy, and so absorbed in watching you grow that I don't even want to stop and pause. Wait, I actually do want to pause. You're growing up too quickly and knowing, most likely, that you're our last baby I just want to snuggle for a few more minutes, or months... so please don't move too fast.

love you
mama

Three Year Succession

drum roll.. Every year on her BIRTH day!

Three Years

Dear Sena,
I really am in shock that I have a three-year-old. I know how proud you are to be three (you continue asking each day if you're still three!) but I really just feel like the last two years have flown. (Yes, I said 2. The first year was a little longer and relatively sleep deprived.. but not as much as your sister's first year may prove to be.)

In the last year you have gone from a chubby-cheeked baby to a full-on toddler and now "kid". When we moved into the house you were hesitant on the stairs and sleeping in a crib, and now you have a giant bed filled with at least 17 "friends", and navigate the house relatively confidently. (Although you did fall down the garage stairs the other day.. mama lost at least a year for that one.)

Your birthday was a big event this year. We took you to the Denver Children's Museum (no camera. sorry.) and then had dinner with Grandma Sheree and Grandpa Thomas. The next day Grandma and Grandpa Montana arrived and we went out with all of the grandparents (lucky girl) for pizza and ice cream. (When your ice cream cone fell to the ground, to avert tears and a disaster your father scooped it up and licked it clean.... that's love for you (or stupidity?)!)

We then had your actual party at Monkey Bizness this crazy bouncy house madness that I never thought I'd be a part of. But just like I didn't think I'd ever by those shoes that light up when you walk (yep, did that too), we went for it and it proved to be a fun party to boot.

Needless to say, you have become a glowing child. Your curiosity and memory astound me every day. I love watching your mind work, and sometimes just smile waiting for you to say your next thought that comes to mind. Other times I can't believe what you're saying and I just want you to stop and slow down. For instance... I asked you if you wanted a boy or a girl monkey cake. Your response, "Boy. I like boys." Okay dear.. but just so you know, your father says you have another 15 years to go before you can date. Unless you count taking your papa as your date.

Love you honey,
mama

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. Simple, special, extraordinary moments. Moments I want to pause, savor and remember. via SouleMama

Letter to Noa Month 5

Dear Noa,
Whoops! I guess we missed month 4 somehow.. but I seem to remember the month starting out with you nearly sleeping thru the night and ending with you definitely not ; ) But, honestly I'm not sure what happened last month to make it go by so fast. Everyone says that your second child grows up even faster than the first, which is hard to believe but oh so true, and oh-so-sad. I don't want you to grow any faster, especially knowing (or at least mostly knowing) that you're our last baby.. you don't need to grow so quickly honey.

I know you're ready to chase your sister and play with her. Your delight each time you see Sena brings me such joy. Sena has no idea what kind of trouble you'll cause one day when her toys go missing, but for the time being you can each just eye each other and everyone can stay in harmony.

You've learned to roll.. from back to front... which isn't usually the case. And you don't do it that often. You are drooling a lot, but no teeth have appeared, and you really show very little interest in learning to sit. I think standing seems much better to you since that brings you closer to Sena's level.

You are such a happy little girl. I have to apologize that I thought you had colic a few months back. Those were the hormones talking honey. Some day you'll understand. Sigh.

Love you,
mama

{this moment}

A little late, but better than never!

Things here have been really busy. As of February 1st, I'm the official co-owner of the new Yoga Junction in Louisville! I'm very excited, and feel incredibly blessed to have this opportunity. I'm hoping that in a few months things will slow down a little in terms of getting systems in place, etc. so that I can still have the time to do what I love.. be a mama.