Taste of Spring

With your baby brother arriving soon, mom wants to try and do as much fun stuff as you can while there is just one little booger to lug around.  I wasn't invited on this trip so she can tell you about your fun day.

Since you and your dad LOVE donuts, I thought it would be fun to go to a make-your-own-donut shop.  Despite the fact that both of you drug your feet, I think it was a hit once we arrived!  You immediately saw M&Ms and were hooked....like you really needed to be hooked on a donut.  You loved getting to make your own chocolate donut with M&Ms and dad even admitted they were quite yummy.

We went and got lunch at one of Pop and my favorite places, Da Bronx.  We brought it home so we could have a "picpic" which you LOVE to do.  Obviously we made sure to get the dogs and your brand new princess kite!  Sadly, it was too windy to even fly your kite.  But you had a blast at the park, having a picnic, playing in the sand, and swinging in the sun.

It's days like these that I would love to never end.  :)

Love you so much it hurts Charlotte,
Mommy

To My Baby

Charlotte Ann,

The past two years and nine months have been the MOST amazing months of my entire life because I was made your mom.  I could not ask for a more happy, loving, compassionate, hysterical, smart, silly, and adorable person to call my daughter.  My best life memories are now the ones that have you in them.  I remember the day you were born so clearly.  It was painful how much I instantly fell in love with you.  Your dad and I just stared at you out of utter shock how we got such a beautiful baby (some days I did more staring and your dad did more sleeping!).  I remember crying a couple days after we brought you home because I didn't know that I would love someone so much and it hurt my bones.  

Now you're turning into such a big girl!  Although I like to still call you my little baby.... "No Charlotte not a baby, mom!  Charlotte big girl!" you continually tell me every day.  But, you're always going to be my baby.  I look through your tiny little onesies when I pack away yet another set of clothes you've outgrown and remember every place I took you in each outfit.  I came across Super Puffs at the store and nearly got a tear thinking how we would never leave the house without some.  Each night I pull out one of your blankies I think about how your tiny, sweet little body used to be swaddled so tightly in them.  Now they are the thing that calms you when life gets a little tough.    

But, you're right...you are getting big.  You are my big girl.  And soon, so very soon, you are going to be a big sister.  Any day now I would say our lives are about to get rocked.  To say I'm scared would be an understatement.  I never had a sibling so I don't know the first thing about raising any!  I've been told that the day I bring your brother home you will all of a sudden appear giant.  Something that pains my heart to think about!  Saying lets go out for a girls lunch and shop will be a little more challenging now.  Possibly a run to target will take twice as long.  I know there will be times when you want go outside and play and I'll have to tell you to wait while I feed your brother.  Life as us girls know it is going be a little different.   

However, I have to imagine what you are about to experience is the best gift.  Having someone to call your brother for your entire life sounds so incredibly awesome to me.  Someone to complain to about your annoying parents, someone to play with every day and night, someone to help and learn from, and someone to teach and guide.  Someone to protect you and someone you can take under your wing and show them all the big girl stuff you've become some wise on.  These are the most important things in life.  

I know that there are going to be hard times coming up with having a new baby.  Less attention on you at times will be painful for both you and me.  But I know that you will be there by my side in every way.  To help change a diaper, get a blankie, read a book to your brother, help with his milestones, and cheering him on.  I know you will hug me when I'm too tired to think and you'll rub my back and tell me you love me.  You are going to be the BEST big sister because you are simply the BEST daughter.  Your heart grows by the day, and you make mine want to explode because of how much I love you.  I am so proud to be your mom.  

I just dream about the day when your brother arrives and I see you hold this tiny little baby, swaddled in a blankie you gave him, knowing you are going to be the best of friends.  

My sweet baby girl, I'm excited to go on this journey of raising another baby because I have you.  I love you more than you'll ever know and I cannot wait to meet your brother and tell him the same thing.  

You are my world and my favorite person on the planet.  

I love you,

Mommy

Dear Nelson,

I don't know what to say, other than I'm sorry!  You never leave my side and you calm me during any storm.  You were the first to show me how to unconditionally love and you are my perfection.  You've had a lot thrown at you over the last couple of years....baby sister, sister dog.  I know that at the end of the day all you need is me.  You're my first baby and I love you.  

Love,

Mom