Feel better

Dear Sprout,

Today Mommy stayed home from work to be with you. You have been running very high fevers for two days now. I know that you are in good hands with Daddy, but sometimes a baby needs his mommy (or perhaps it's mommy who just needs to be with her baby). Despite your crazy high fevers, you have managed to keep a smile on your sweet little face. You amaze me. You truly are an inspirational tiny mister.

Tomorrow I am going to venture back to work. Despite everything, I am going to do my very best while I am there. However, make no mistake -- my thoughts, prayers, and heart will be at home with you. And as soon as I am able, I am going to drive right back to our little cottage ... where I can hold you and love you and kiss your little head until it is time for you to go to bed.

Sprout, thank you for making every minute that we spend together wonderful. I love your kisses, your sweet little "mama" voice, and your content smiles. You have brought so much into my life. I love you so.

Feel better, baby boy. Keep smiling away. Tomorrow will pass quickly and before you know it you and I will be back together again.

Love always and forever,
Mommy

Don't You Love It When That Happens?!

Recently, Andrew and I were driving in the car and talking about our little boy. We were smiling and smiling as our conversations made us picture our little boy doing all of the outdoor things that he loves to do. And then Andrew said something like, "Do you know what I'd really love to get Budro? I'd like to get him one of those little red cars with the yellow tops. You know, they're kind of like Flinstone cars that kids can move around with their feet." And of course I knew what he was talking about! That classic plastic car that kiddos have enjoyed for decades. Do they still make those things?

Well, the very next day, we found one at a local consignment shop! Don't you love when things like that happen?

Smile

Dear Sprout,

It's 10:20 and you just fell asleep. I had so much fun with you today. It is so wonderful to spend an entire day with you. Your smile brings me such joy. I cannot help but smile right along with you each time you give me that toothy little grin. You are so young, but I am so proud of you already. You really have a knack for spreading happiness all around you. Soon after you were born, I started to call you my "little sunshine." What an appropriate nickname that ended up being for you!

Sprout, thank you so much for making so many of us so happy. Thank you for doing something funny at just the right time. Thank you for the sweet hugs you have shared when people have needed a little extra love. Thank you for reminding me to celebrate tiny wonders. You are a delight.

Mama loves you, little man. God bless you, sweet baby boy.

Love always,
Mommy

Routine Things that I Like...

I like:

1. My red reindeer cup. Whenever I drink out of it, I smile. I guess it's because reindeer are my third favorite animals ... after dogs and dolphins. They're just magical to me.

2. Holding Sprout on my hip. Even though the boy is growing like a weed, he still fits perfectly. And when I hold him like that, I feel very "mommish." And all seems right in the world.

3. Hot herbal tea. The best way to start the day. I think this is because I am always cold (except when I was in labor).

4. Holding my husband's hand. His hand and my hand ... they're like puzzle pieces. And it's not just because I have grown accustomed to holding his hand, it's always been like that -- from our first "hold hands" during the song Silent Night until now and for always.

5. Family meals. I do love family meals. We go over to Grammy and Grampy's and we eat better than anyone on the planet. We laugh, chat, smile, and just love our little Sprout as much as possible.

6. Sunday School. Babies and mommies and Nana Twyla. Sweet times.

Hats Made by Me! ... with some help :-) :-)

Thank you Debbie and Andrew for your help!!!!!!!

Things that I Would Like to (attempt to) Make

Your birthday is coming up very soon! For the past few weeks, I have been looking at Etsy to find some party ideas for you. By looking at things that others have made, I am getting ideas of what I can make. I know that I will not be able to create all of the things that I would like to, but here is a list anyway! Sometimes, it's just fun to imagine, you know?! :-)

1. Felt party hat ... check!
2. Fabric bunting flags
3. Paper pinwheels
4. Fabric Easter eggs
5. Baby food jar party favors (with a fitting surprise inside!)
6. Firefly jars
7. Photo display where guests can have their pictures made

Sprout, you are one lucky little duck. You're actually going to have two parties! One with baby friends at Sammi's house and another one at Grammy and Grampy's! And yes, I know that perhaps I am getting a tad carried away with your party. But you're my first baby, it's your first birthday ... and ... well ... I am just so excited! This will be a special party year, indeed. But remember, the good ole' pizza and ice cream parties that you will have in the future will be just as wonderful.

Together

Dear Sprout,

It's Friday. We are finally together, uninterrupted, for a few days. We are going to have a wonderful weekend. We will go to parties, take pictures, see friends, and go to church. We are going to cherish every moment of our family time. Daddy is going to play songs on his guitar and I will sing and you will dance. We will go on little adventures and learn new things. We will love and love and love.

Sometimes, a lot of times, I wish that I could just stay with you. I carried you within my body for over nine months and it just seems that I belong with you still. I do love my job and I do love the beautiful people that I come into contact with each week day, but a part of me longs for you the whole time. How I wish that I could just hold you just a bit more often and kiss your cheeks at least once an hour. You are your dad, you're my heart.

I am going to be better with my time. I feel guilty. After work, I wanted to make you a birthday hat and I did and it is so sweet ... but in retrospect, I should have just held you instead. Now you are asleep. And I feel like I hardly got to share this day with you. I should have just waited to make the hat. I am not trying to be too hard on myself, I just miss you.

So, in closing to this solemn little note, I just want you to know that I am going to be better. I'll figure something out. I'll make a plan. Some how, some way, your little self will be cradled in my arms more often. You and me and dad, we'll be together more. I promise.

Love always,
Mommy