"Take love, multiply it by infinity and take it to the depths of forever...

... and you still have only a glimpse of how I feel for you."



- Meet Joe Black


Monday, October 31, 2011

You've Taught Me...

Dear Daughter


In my teen years working as an ECE I learned a lot from children, as I hope they have learned from me too. I think that is part of nature's plan. Sometimes the best lessons are taught by the ones who don't think they know all the answers, but do know how to live life simply and fully. I also think that we never stop learning. Everyday we see and do new things, and those experiences change us. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not. But always evolving, and because of that opportunity, the possibilities are endless.


Since becoming your Mama, my knowledge has doubled if not tripled. Iv learned things big and small. Like if you wake up in the middle of the night, my off-tune singing puts you right back to sleep. Or, when changing your diaper...I should always give you something to play with. Otherwise you try to practice the art of Poop Painting.


Here are just a few more things you have taught me, and that I will always cherish...


Always Make Time- Life can get hectic. Think about all you have to do. Daily, Weekly and Monthly. You have work, drop ins, and Dr's appointments.Grocery shopping, playdates and laundry. Cooking, playtimes and even more laundry. But amidst all this, theres you, my Sweet Baby Girl. When I'm old and grey, and I am at St. Peters Gates...I don't want to look back with woulda-shoulda-coulda's. I want to look back and my life and know that I lived, laughed and loved. You have taught me to take an extra minute of story time at night, more cuddles in the morning, and be so thankful for each and every moment I have with you.


Asking For Help is a Strength, Not A Weakness- When I was a teenager, I think somewhere along the line I ended  up feeling like I 'shouldn't' ask for help. That I knew everything. I was cocky let me tell you. Then as an adult, I realized I don't know everything, but what I didn't know, I could find on Google. Then you came along...and I realized I knew Nothing...You, baby girl were born fully dependant on your father and I. In your own baby gurgling (sometimes screeching) way, you asked for help when you wanted to eat, sleep, be changed and held. You asked, we came. You showed me that it isn't a weakness to ask for help. But that asking for help is a sign of confidence. That no matter the question, someone, family or friend will be there. To  encourage you threw the tough times and celebrate with you threw the good. Its knowing that it's ok not knowing...because out there is an answer. You just have to reach out for it. You see, I depend on you, just as much as you depend on me.


Capture The Memories!-Every parent thinks that their child is 'The Cutest Kid In The World". Most have pictures to prove it. I take a lot of pictures. Ok like A LOT A LOT. Some might consider it an obsession of mine, you Daddy compares me to a tourist. We don't go anywhere without our camera. You have taught me that two, five or twenty years from now, I might not remember some of the small things. Like the date when your first tooth came in or your reaction to creamed corn and sweet potatoes. But I have them documented. I have them saved in the hundreds (ok thousands) of photos, in the baby book that I keep up to date religiously and in my heart baby girl. I will ALWAYS remember them, in my heart.


Don't Sweat The Small Stuff- Over the course of my life I will admit I tend to be a little bit of a  worry wort. Not the "I have CDO, it's like OCD but alphabetically, like it should be" kinda way. More like the "reading the labels-in before dark-OMG don't put THAT in your mouth" kinda way.You have taught me that the little mishaps and misadventures don't matter. It's the bigger picture. What's one poop-up-the-back-in-the-mall compared to "hugs every morning, and butterfly kisses at night"? Right? On a side note:  This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I volunteer every year, and now you are a part of that too. Being involved in this just made me open my eyes a little bit more. There are always battles in life, some harder then others. So, don't sweat the small stuff!


Try, Try Again- From the moment we knew you were coming, I wanted to be a 'Dairy Manufacturer' just for you. I read all the research and was determined to give it a whirl.  Once you were here, and started down the road of production, we had some difficulties. Due to a Under Active Thyroid Problem, my jersey days were a little low on quantity. I felt like a failure, but I wanted to be able to do that for you. So, I didn't give up. I spoke to a lactation consultant, tried natural herbs, teas and pumped until I felt permanently attached to that machine. But we did it little girl, we made it a year. Until you had all those teeth, and it felt like feeding a 'rabid kitten', but WE DID IT! You kept me going, and made me want to try, try again.


Ignore the Commentary from the Peanut Gallery- People talk, they always will. They give advice, can be judgmental and sometimes, down right rude. But that's okRoosevelt


Multi-Tasking IS a Super Power!-There’s a special skill that comes with having a baby — super-multi-tasking. Sure, in my pre-baby days I could juggle multiple things at once. Now though, I've learned that in order to get things done, you have to push the limits. Eating dinner (cold), feeding you, humming softly (off-key) and keeping an eye on who wins the 'veto' competition are all part of a Mama's charm! Just keep thinking YES I CAN!


Like a Scout....Always Be Prepared!-I have an obsession with purses. Like Big Time! Purses, bags, wallets...pretty much anything you can put other stuff in, I love it.  On any given week, I could have easily changed my purse three times.  None of them though could hold the multitude of things I now carry around with me. Sure there's the usual diapers, wipes, snacks and a drinks, but being prepared can save a life. Really! Mine! When you have a poop up the back emergency in the mall, a change of clothes (and maybe a hose) can come in handy.  I've always been a 'what if' kinda girl, but now I'm a 'when it' kinda mom. I know I might not need some things, (mini sewing kit, baby Tylenol, and 5 extra dummies) but just in case.....they are there. Consider me....The Ultimate Brownie/Guide Mama!


There is probably a hundred more things you have taught me  that I could list. Everyday you are growing and learning something new. And everyday I, as a Mom, am growing and learning as well.  So, just in case I forget once or twice. Thank You my Sweet Baby Girl.  For teaching me more about life, that I could have possibly  have ever known.


I Love You S.B.G
Always & Forever
Mama




Thursday, October 27, 2011

One More Story




Dear Daughter

You fell asleep on me. All cuddled close and smelling like baby bubble bath. We just finished our nightly routine of bath, fed, read and bed. I'm reminded of the things I love to do, and the things I love to do with you. Reading is just one of them. I think back now, about all those nights, and of one in particular...

 Your face is still round and soft, a little slack with sleepiness, and I’m reading a book to you. It’s Dr. Seuss ABC's. It was a big favorite of mine when I was a child. I remember asking  my Mom and Dad to read it to me all the time.
We’re lying on Mama and Daddy's bed, you snuggled on my chest, and I’m reading you the story. I’m turning the pages and you’re looking at the pictures and hearing me say the words. I can feel your breath on my neck, whiff your scent, see your eyes blink as you listen, utterly absorbed in the Dr Seuss's shenanigans. You looked up at me, smiled said "Mama", then turned back to the book. It wasn't the first time you said Mama, but it was a moment that will stick with me forever. I felt like we shared something in that moment. Like you were telling me you loved me, that you appreciated this "Bedtime Us Time." We do this a lot. Cuddle together and read. Sometimes sitting on the sofa in the living room, other days elsewhere. We have pictures books, large prints and classic novels. And you sit with me, helping turn the pages, completely focused.  

Mostly I remember how close reading brought me to you, the intimacy of it, sharing a book with my daughter, reading it together. No doubt it served us both well.  It gave me the chance to give you something of value, a love of reading.  And you took it all in, all the words and pictures, making a world of your own. 
4
Your a little older now but your prove everyday how much you are learning and growing. Friends are amazed when they watch you curl up on your Cars couch with  an assortment of books. You will sit there for what seams like forever. Absorbed. Enthralled. The funny thing is, you have toys up the wazzoo, a kitchen set, ride a longs, stuffies and more....but you keep coming back to the books. You hold them by yourself, and flip the pages in wonder. Your eyes get all bright, happily pointing at things on the page. Baby noises come from you, as you tell me what you see. I see the wonder in your eyes. I see promise. I see your imagination twirling. And it doesn't matter that someday's I think we go through your entire collection. (and believe me, that's a lot) Or that I can read 'My Mama Loves Me' ten times in one hour. I get more out of those times then I could ever explain in mere words.

So,  I guess that's part of the reason why I am writing these letters to you little one. Why I feel it is so important that I capture these thoughts, feeling and memories. Because one day, hopefully far into the future, I might need a little help in remembering. Just a little mind you, to spark that part of me the knows you deep into my soul. So I can look back at say 'Yes, that was me and you Sweet Baby Girl. Cuddled together, sharing stories, and making memories for the future.

I Love You Baby Girl
Always & Forever
Mama


  

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

One Sick Baby Girl

Dear Daughter


Nothing says, “good morning Mama!” like exorcism-style vomiting. Seriously, in your 6 months of life you haven't  seen the movie yet, I promise, but you  opened your mouth and out it came  like you've been studying the retched scene of a green-faced Linda Blair for years. This is no spit-up, Macaroni, it’s a hose turned on high-stream-power-washer. A geyser, really. And I have to say I’m getting quite good at recognizing the strange puzzled look on your face a half second before it happens.


It’s sneaky, quick, and if you blink, you just might miss it, regret it, and never blink again. I’ve gotten so good, in fact, that I pat myself on the back at times like this morning where I was able to grab, flip and aim you away in one quick motion and not a drop ended up on either of us. Granted, we may have to start remembering not to pile things on the floor next to the bed like the unfortunate blanket, books, burp cloth and bottle of water that met their match this morning, but I still deem it a success considering no costume change was needed for either of us and we’re still enjoying our pjs.


For Now.


It's official. As confirmed by the Doc, you have your first 'Bug' ever and there is not much I can do about it. And it's killing me.


I wish I could take it away, wave a magic wand and make you feel better. But for now I’ve accepted that the best I can do is hold you close and keep you snuggly, dry, fed, and cozy warm. The laundry will wait, the dishes will wait, the wrappers and coffee mugs all over the place….aw who am I kidding, that was all there before you got sick.


You have  a sad little look in your eyes, when you eat. You can’t breathe so you throw up instead and when you cry, it’s not just an “I’m hungry” cry, it’s a painful “take it away, mama ’cause it hurts” cry and it’s breaking my heart.


I didn’t get any smiles from you yesterday which, along with the snuffly breathing and coughing and the desire to be held all day long (you, not me)…(OK fine, maybe me a little, too) tells me just how awful you're feeling. So I’m summoning all my happy  thoughts because I believe in the power of good energy and love…


Lets hope that you get better soon, and that Mama and Daddy don't get the 'Bug' either.


I love you little Girl
Always and Forever
Mama

Friday, October 7, 2011

I'm Thankful For...

Dear Daughter


Thanksgiving is a time for reflection. A time to contemplate just how blessed we are in life. And to give thanks. Since it's just a few days away,  I'd like to take a moment to jump out of sequence and tell you what I'm thankful for.


I'm Thankful For...


1. Your Daddy. He is my husband, best friend, lover, confidant, snuggle buddy, mouse catcher, and garbage taker-outer. He kisses me every morning and hugs me every night. He laughs with me,  talks with me and always holds my hand. He's willing to fight it out with me until we smile again. And at least once a day, he always gives me 'that look'  from across the room. Followed by a little smooch.


2. My Family & Friends. I'm fortunate to be able to call my family and in laws my friends. And some of my friends my "Framily". I'm thankful for their unconditional love, support and encouragement. They are always there for me and mine. That even though some live far away, I can call, write or Skype them anytime.


3.Facebook. Seriously!  I know this is such a silly thing to be thankful for but I am. Without Facebook I wouldn't have reconnected with friends from the past. Some that I'm more close to now then I was then. That it enables me to share our life with friends and family that can't be where we are. Plus it allows me to be a little bit nosy without feeling like a stalker.


4. The Promises To Come. For all the things that that we will be blessed with in our future. For all your firsts still to come. As well as the seconds, thirds, fourths and fifths. For our happiness and health. For all the people who we've yet to meet. And for all the paths that will intersect with ours.


5.All The Little Things...The first sip of coffee in the morning. Foot rubs. The smell of wood burning, Gramma's kitchen and you, Darling Girl, during those first few weeks. A cool glass of wine. A New Book! Fudgeos.A Happily Ever After. My dishwasher. Fall, and all it's beautiful glory. Ok, maybe two glasses of wine. Giggles! Comfort Food. Sunday afternoons. Photographs. Chocolate! Skype. Music. Hand holding. Eskimo kisses... and  did I mention the wine?


But most of all...
 I'm Thankful For You. For the way you look up at me in the morning. The way you tickle your face with my hair. For the cuddles you give me, and the kisses you blow my way. For holding my face, looking deep into my eyes, and baby talking like it's the most important thing ever. For those full body giggles. For always sharing your cheerios. For those sleepless nights; because without those, how else could I rock with you till you fall asleep again. For making me a better person.  For making me a Mother. For being our Miracle Baby! You are so strong. And so tough. You fought when all the odds were against you. For changing our lives. Totally and Completely. You are what I am most thankful for. And Always will be.


I love you.
Always and Forever
Mama

Thursday, October 6, 2011

What You Won't Remember

Dear Daughter


You wont remember your arrival. That your Daddy was right there, holding me, holding you. That your Gramma Pyle cried as we all cried. That you had so many visitors come see you, we ran out of chairs. Or that on the first night, your Daddy and I didn't get a wink of sleep. For fear that we would  miss something. But don't worry. We remember, and will tell you someday.


You wont remember your first laugh. Trust me, it was amazing! I wasn't sure you had done it, but then it happened again and again. All because I sneezed! So I faked it, over and over just to hear that wonderful sound. I called your Daddy and we left a message on his phone of your laughter. But don't worry. We remember, and will show you someday. We videotaped it. 


You wont remember your first Christmas. That your Gramma and Grampa Pyle came here from out East to spend it with you. That you were so spo...'loved' that they needed extra suit cases, and your Nanny sent hers through the mail. Or that you had so much fun ripping open presents and emptying out bags. That you kept Mama company well we did all our Christmas baking. Smiling, laughing and singing in your very own chef's apron. But don't worry. We remember and have the pictures to prove it!


You wont remember saying 'Mama or Daddy' for the first time. How your Daddy and I looked at each other in amazement the first time you called for me. How you would look around for us, saying Mama and Dada over and over. You recognized us. Wanted us. But don't worry. We remember and love hearing you call for us. Even at 3 am.


You wont remember my reluctance to leave youIn the beginning, the time I spent away from you was counted in minutes. The nervousness as I kissed you goodnight, and sleep tight when I finally gained the nerve to trust you would be all right. That to this day, I sometimes tip toe into your room, and lay my hand on your back. Just to make sure your breathing. That your there. That your OK. And that your mine. But don't worry. We remember. And more then likely will still check on you at night.


You wont remember the first time you ate "real" food. It was rice cereal. Then peas. Then carrots. That every time you try something new, the first time it comes right back out. Sometimes on the second try too. But third times the charm and you usually like it. That you would eat your vegetables like they were candy. That you had such a love affair with food from the beginning. But don't worry. We do. And you still LOVE your vegetables


You won’t remember your first steps. The strength, courage, and fearlessness in which you moved along. You won’t remember me sinking to my knees in wonder, delight, and trepidation that you were gaining independence. You won’t remember the tears on my face as I tried to commit every.single.second to memory while grabbing the first camera I could find. But don't worry. We will. And you still amaze us everyday.



You won’t remember some of the moments in your life ahead, of the people you will meet, those you will love, the accomplishments you will achieve. You won’t remember things we say to you, things we did or will do. But, eventually, you will build an abundance of memories and none of them will be lacking in love. You won’t remember the moment I wrote this with such conviction and belief in the amazing woman you are going to become.


Whatever the future brings, there is so, so much you won’t remember.
But even with all you won’t remember, I still hope you never forget.....That we LOVE you. Right up in to the Moon and the Stars in the Sky......and back.


I Love You. 
Always and Forever
Mama



Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Happy Half Birthday!!!

Dear Daughter,
You just turned six months old and I can hardly believe it!
Six months of exhaustion; six months of sleep deprivation, six months of feeling confused, worried, inadequate.
Six months of pure contentment; six months of complete delight, six months of fun, happiness, and wonder.
26 weeks of apprehension; 26 weeks of feeling distraught, fretful and flustered, wondering if I'll ever get it right.
26 weeks of joyfulness; 26 weeks of feeling elated, blissful and blessed, wondering how I ever lived without you.
183 days of trying to figure out my new, turned-upside-down life; 183 days of eating from-the-freezer-to-the-microwave meals, wondering if I'll ever have time to cook again.
183 days of relishing my new title and purpose, 183 days of happily not knowing what produce is in season or where the fancy spatula is.
4392 hours of my house being in a state of constant chaos, of my mind being in a continual state of anxiety…
4392 hours of my house being full of love and merriment, of my mind overflowing with thankfulness and gratitude…
Half a year. Half a year already! Half a year of feeling more love than I ever could have imagined bursting out of me with such speed and force I can hardly believe it. The best half a year of my entire life, dear daughter, and I can hardly wait for all the rest.
I Love You
Always and Forever
Mama xoxoxo

My Wish For You..

Dear Daughter


Happy New Year Little Girl!


New Years Resolution is generally a goal someone sets out to accomplish
 in the coming year. It's making a  commitment to oneself about 
 personal goals, projects etc. I usually swear I am going to exercise more, 
loose weight, take more time to volunteer or write more letters to friends and family. These are things I wish I could do. That's what a resolution is to me.
 Wishing. Dreaming. Hoping.


So here goes...


My Wish For You...



Is to Believe...Believe that all things are possible.
Believe that dogs are your best friends.
Believe that you are perfect just the way you are.
Believe that Grandma’s Mac n Cheese is the best food in the world.
Believe that crying helps.
Believe that you have gifts that nobody else has.
Believe that there will be someone to catch you when you fall.
Believe that you can do it.

Believe that people are usually good.
Believe in yourself….even if others don’t.

I want you to love yourself. With all your heart and with all your soul. There might be days when this is hard, and that’s okay. Just pick up where you left off the next day. Our time here on this beautiful earth is short, do with it what you want. Stop before you do things you think you should do just because other people are doing it. Listen to your heart and soul. It speaks to you in whispers often. I promise if you follow it you won’t be disappointed in the end.Who you are is who you are. And what’s important to you should be important to you, period. Don’t compromise your feelings and values. And if you do, I promise not to say, “I told you so”.


Dream Big! Whatever it is that you love, whatever it is that you are passionate about, do that! Even if you change your mind in a week. Try it on, see how you like it. You’ll never know until you try it out. Trust your craziest dreams. And it’s okay to be afraid. Fear is at the root of all of us. Admitting it is freeing and healing.
I Hope You...Give thanks. Keep your promises. Daydream. Sing out loud. Dance the night away. Surround yourself with beauty. Use the saying “And this too shall pass”. Laugh hysterically! Pick your battles. Communicate effectively. See things through. Set boundaries. Treat people how you want to be treated. Take your vitamins and eat healthy. Don’t Smoke! Take responsibility for your actions. Make a list of things you want to do in life and work toward them! 
And lastly my Dear Sweet Mackenzie, I wish you a life filled with every happiness. Including, of course, the joy of children. May they wake you up with a shrieking, growling, blubbering tantrum at 5:30 a.m.


I love you
Always & Forever
Mama


P.S. Here are the lyrics to one of Mama's favorite songs. It made me think of all these wishes, hopes and dreams I have for you. Enjoy!


My Wish ~RASCAL FLATTS

I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

But more than anything, more than anything,

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.

This is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Merry Christmas!!!

Dear Daughter


So it's Christmas Eve and like a five year old the night before I can't sleep. My body is telling me to shut it down for the night, but my mind is singing "Here comes Santa Clause, Here comes Santa Clause". I LOVE this time of year. I love Christmas! And this year little girly is your first!


You are a very lucky little girl. Gramma and Grampa Pyle have flown all the way from Ontario to spend Christmas and New Years with us. Your Grampa joked that he only had the clothes on his back, because Gramma needed his suit cases for presents. I wont say your spoiled...Just very well LOVED!!!


I just wanted to take this time and remind you how much I love you. Your so precious to me.  Tomorrow morning I will see your eyes widen with curiosity over all the little things that we have for you. We are going to take a million pictures to capture every moment.  I want to see you rip paper and dig for goodies in your stalking. I can't wait to see you in your Baby's First Christmas hat that Gramma brought, and put the ornaments that Gramma and Grampa always give us up on the tree.


Your Daddy gave me a great idea. I'm going to make a 'Christmas Memory' book. It is going to have a few of my favorite pictures from all your Christmas's, and little notes to remind me of some of the things that happen. I never want to forgot the look on your face. The look of "OH MY" on Christmas morning when you see that Santa and his reindeer ate the cookies and carrots you left out for them. The way you will jump around excitedly, hoping to fill your basket during that Easter Egg Hunt. Most of all I hope you never stop believing. I hope you always believe the magic Christmas brings. Believe that  there are things out there that Daddy or I can't explain.That sometimes, but not always, 'because' has to be enough.


I better get some sleep little one. I'm sure everyone one else in this house is very excited to see you open things tomorrow.


Happy First Christmas Macaroni
I love You
Always and Forever
Mama

Your Own Room

Dear Daughter


Your room has been decorated since we moved it. Your Daddy and I set up your bed, put your sticky bugs on the walls, put away all your clothes and found spots for all your stuffies. But your still in our room...


Tonight we tried to have you sleep in your own room. It didn't go so well....For me... Up until now, you were in a bassinet in our bedroom. Right beside me. I've always been a light sleeper so I sometimes wake up even if your shuffle around in there. Your Daddy, now he could sleep through a bomb going off and it wouldn't bother him at all. I like knowing your right there. That I can lean over, hold your hand or sing your a lullaby. All without leaving the comfort of my blankets. We thought it might be a good time to "test the waters" so to speak and bring you to your own room for a night. See how it goes.


We followed the books instructions. Kept with routine. We bathed you, changed you, read to you. I fed you and burped you and then lay you down. I kissed you goodnight and turned off the light. And for a few hours I was fine. Your Daddy and I watched a video before going up to bed. I stood in your doorway long after your Dad had turned out the lights. I just watched you sleep for a little bit then made my way to bed.


But I couldn't sleep. Too many thoughts running through my head. 'what if the monitor wasn't working properly'? or 'OMG I didn't take the bumper pads off...I CANT leave the friggin bumper pads on.'.. I felt like I was having a mini panic attack. You were only five feet down the hall, we had the monitor on (it worked) and I knew...KNEW ...you were going to be fine. But I wasn't. I wasn't ready. So I got up, crept into your room and lifted you from your crib. You didn't wake while I put you into your bassinet. After that I finally fell asleep. Now here we are. It's so early the sun hasn't even come up yet. Heck, your not even up for the day yet. But I can see you. Your started to do that 'stretchy, face contorting, yawning' thing you do about ten minutes or so before you actually wake up.


So, so what if we (I) didn't make it last night. Your still my baby, and until WE are ready, you can sleep anywhere we want you to. Soon you will move to your own room and once that transition is over, it's over. You wont be there for me to watch, to see you do the "hungry bird" thing. For me to reach over, and hold your little hand just cause I can. But.... I'll be ready. One day.  For now...I just want to watch you sleep.


I love you Baby Girl
Always and Forever
Mama

Here Comes Santa Clause!

Dear Daughter


You met Santa today! O.k. you got me, not the real Santa Clause, but one of his helpers. (Who just happens to look like him, say Ho Ho Ho, and have a reindeer by his side.)


We took to you the mall where he was visiting girls and boys. Right between the leather depot and the Telus store naturally. I thought we were being kind of cleaver showing up an hour early. I though we could sit, get a cup of Timmies, then mosey on over and line up to see the big jolly fella. Boy was I wrong. There were people EVERYWHERE! We had to walk what must of been a mile before I even saw a glimpse of the end of the line. But I was determined to stick it out. There were going to be REAL reindeer. Like with hooves and everything! I think I was more excited them some kids. OK I was definitely more excited them some kids.


You looked SOOO cute! Gramma & Grampa sent this adorable pink dress, with a matching shruglette. It even had cute little penguins on it, and to finish off the look...You had your own little pair of fur trimmed Ugg boots! Yep, just like Mama's!


We had your letter for the big guy ready. Our camera on hand to sneak in some free photo's and enough diapers to last us through the night. Because let me tell you, as daunting as that line up was. I was NOT going anywhere. We came there to see Santa and we weren't leaving till we did.Of course, an hour and a half later I was re-thinking my decision to stay at the mall. Some children were starting to get Crraannnkkkyyy!!!


 Not you though. You smiled and baby talked to anyone who approached you. I felt like we were preparing for a marathon. I kept you hydrated, fed, changed and entertained. By the time we go close enough to see the man in red I was desperate to get you up there. A lot of parents called it quits or their children were screaming there little heads off. For such little people they sure can make a lot of noise. I thought I should take make chance and get in a few shots before our turn because hey... you might turn all 'Linda Blair" on me and we wouldn't get them done. They had all these beautiful trees, presents and snow everywhere. So we plopped you right down and started taking pictures. Other parents thought this was a Great idea because they soon followed suit.


About ten minutes later it was our turn. I gotta tell you, I didn't really have high hopes. The last five kids cried, one peed and another just plain ol' refused to sit on Santa's lap. I brought  you up to Santa while your Daddy got the camera ready. The reindeer gave you a sniff and Santa held out his arms for the pass off. I backed away, the photographer jingled her tambourine and.......You Laughed! Yay! You smiled right at the camera, gave chuckle and waved your tiny little hands in the air. It Was Perfect! I swear there were collective "Awwwww's" all around us. We got a lot of  "Great Photo" and "She did Amazing". I couldn't ask for a better  shot.


After words, your Daddy and I collected our prints and went out for a "Family Date Night" for Vietnamese food. We congratulated each other on our Awesome Offspring and considered ourselves lucky you weren't the "pee kid". You would have NEVER lived that down. I'm talking future wedding photo montage. We plan on using that photo as our Christmas card this year. Who knows...Next year, we could have matching sweaters! The possibilities are endless!


I love you Baby Girl
Always & Forever
Mama