Dear Maggie,

Yesterday I had a really bad day at work. I came home angry and sad. And exhausted. I was full of emotions and couldn't settle. You were sleeping soundly in your crib but I missed you and I wanted to be close to you. So I gently lifted you from your bed and laid you on mine. Then I laid down next to you and watched you sleep. It was like magic. Watching you made me feel calm. And even a little bit happy at the end of a rotten day.

I love having you in my life.

Love,
Mom

Blessing (April 8)

Easter
My Abigail
My testimony: middle name Joy - mom taught me more about being a mom than school and work - my mom has many Christ like qualities, including the way she loves children
grateful for support of family and friends
gratitude to Christ for atonement that allows us to be happy, makes life worth it

Back to Work (add snuggling in bed that morning)

Dear Magibail,

Magibail, that is what I call you now that I can't decide whether to call you Maggie or Abigail. Today was my first day back at work. I knew my maternity leave would come to an end, but I didn't really want to believe it. I spent most of the day watching pictures of you and your brother and thinking about how much better it is to spend my days with the two of you than at work. It made me so sad last night thinking about how someone else would see your smiles and hear your coos and not me. And I hate the thought that someone else might witness one of your firsts, like rolling over.  I was so happy to leave work and pick you up. I couldn't believe how nice it was to hear even your cry after missing you all day. Your daddy and I are working on a plan so that I can spend lots more time with you and lots less time at work. I love you my little Magibail and I want to spend all the time I can with you. Especially because I know how fast you will grow.

I love you baby girl.

Love,
Mom

Dear Maggie,

I think you are such an adorable baby. I want to raise you as a strong girl. I want you to be kind and smart and confident. I hope you wont think that looks are everything. Having said that, I just want to say that I think you are stunning. You are so beautiful. And it's not just me. Today I took you to a friends house for a play group and you started crying while I was downstairs with Max. My friends got you out of your car seat and I could hear them admiring you. They kept saying how beautiful you are. I thought maybe it was just my mama pride thinking it, but now I know it's not just me who sees it. I love you my beautiful little girl.

Love,
Mom

2 month check-up

Dear Maggie,

Today you had your 2 month check-up with Dr Fox. You weighed 10 lbs 6 oz and are about 21.5 inches long. That means you are about 50% for weight and 25% for height. Ever since you were born you have not been able to breath through your nose. I read that all newborns have congestion so we have been patiently waiting for it to go away. But it should have gone away by 4-6 weeks and you are 8 weeks. And it is so sad because you can't breath very well and you are so noisy and never seem comfortable. So I asked Dr Fox about it and it turns out you have an infection in your nose. The good news is that we can give you medicine and hopefully in a few days you will be able to breath through your nose! And maybe if you can breath better you can sleep better. Fingers crossed! Dr Fox had to take a culture swap of your nose, which you hated! And then you got three needles for immunizations. It broke my heart to take you to the doctor knowing you would have to get shots. I never want to see you sad. It is so hard to know that you will have to experience hard things. Dear baby girl, you are really working your way deep in to my heart. I love you so much!

Love,
Mom

Text Message from me to daddy:

March 20, 2012 @ 1:47pm

(Picture)

Our daughter is so sweet. She is tired now but we just spent some time talking. I loved it. Isn't she so cute? I think she is ready for a nap now.

Smiles!

Dear Maggie,

In the last week it is like you have suddenly become a little person. You smile now, which is the sweetest thing! Your whole face lights up and it makes my heart sing. I love holding your tiny little body against my chest. When I do I can feel my heart flutter. I am overcome by emotion when I hold you, or see you smile, and think about how lucky I am to be your mom. There are so many things I love about you. I love your chubby little legs and your round body. I love the way you smile with your whole face. I love the little sounds you are starting to make -"Gooah" is my favorite. I love your gorgeous blue eyes. I love the way you stretch when you wake up, and after you eat. But most of all, I love that you are mine.

Love,
Mom