Month One Letter

Dear Gabriel,

You have made my life complete! I feel like I have waited my whole life to meet you and you are finally here. You are my angel boy and I love you more than words can express.

This last month has brought joys, tears, and great satsifaction. You are a good baby and we are grateful for that (but don't let us jinx ourselves by saying that). You eat and sleep a lot! But, in the last week you have become more bright eyed and enjoy playing on your Tiny Love mat. You also love your swing and spend many nap time sessions there and when you are gassy you love the bouncy chair.

I am amazed at how quickly you are learning to use your hands--last night you even batted the bottle away as I persistenly tried to give it to you. I won't be surprised if you find your thumb very soon and put all these pacifiers that we bought out of business.

Our family is overjoyed to have you. Your Nana, Grandpa, Aunt Ellen, and Cousin Tara come to visit you regularly. They love to take turns holding you and watching you as you grow. Nana knows how to rock you to sleep when you are seemingly inconsolable; Grandpa loves to hold you and marvel at how squirmy you are; Cousin Tara is becoming more comfortable holding you and looks forward to playing with you; and Aunt Ellen loves on you and smothers you with smooches just like your Mommy and Daddy.

Speaking of Daddy, I have never seen him happier than when he is looking at you. I thought he loved me bunches, to eternity and back, but that only scratches the surface of the love I see in his eyes for you. Every night he spends quality time with you from 10pm to 2am and helps Mommy lots during the day. I suspect you two will be great buddies and Mommy will delight in every moment of it as she does now.

Last night we took our first bath together. You love to sit in the water and feel the warmth all around you. You got a peaceful look on your face as if to say "gee, I remember this wet stuff." I look forward to bath time as you grow older and hope that you will like the water as you do now.

On pretty days we take a walk together in your jogging stroller. You seem to like the fresh air and change of pace. Daddy likes to proudly push the stroller and show off his boy to anyone that will take a peek. Mommy walks along and smiles, again cherishing these moments that she has dreamed of for so long.

I thank God for you every night as I close my eyes. For nine (well, ten) long months I worried about you daily--whether you would be healthy and whole and have all the normal digits and features. You are here now and you are a breath of fresh air--my handsome, healthy bundle of joy. Never have I felt so blessed.

I love you from the top of your fuzzy, kissable head, to your curly toes...
Mommy