Sleeping and Other Things...

Dear Charlotte,

Mommy would very much appreciate if you would sleep at night. Yes...I know that sounds very hard for you, but most people sleep when it is dark out and are awake when it is light out. You like to stay up until after 2am and cry and cry and cry. It is very hard on your Dad and I because we like to sleep. I know you are new here and just learning how things work, so I thought I'd give you a little tip on this one.

In other news, you can hold your head up all on your own! You can do it when you are sitting up in my arms or when you are on the floor on your tummy. You like to look around and your sister and I get down too and cheer you on! Way to go! Such a strong little thing!

We got your birth announcements in the mail the other day and sent them out to everyone so they can see just how sweet you are! Here is a peek at them:

We had your pictures done by a family friend so that I could remember how tiny you were and the way you looked. You grow so fast and change everyday, that these photos are forever special to me.

Okay, that is all for now, but remember - SLEEP AT NIGHT!

Love you,
Mommy

Welcome to the World my Baby!

Dear Charlotte.

You are just over a week old today and your first week has been a crazy one! Grandma Connie came over the day you were born and just made it in time to watch your sister. I wasn't feeling well all day and had a doctor's appointment where they told me you might be here soon. After several hours I started to feel contractions and we headed to the hospital. I was in labor for a little over four hours and then you came into the world full of life and had a lot to tell us! You were screaming and pink and perfect and I got to spend an entire hour just holding and snuggling you before anyone else could hold you. It was so special and so wonderful to feel your little body and touch your nose, ears, hands, and feet.

You were born at 12:21 am, so one week, four days, and 21 minutes late. Perfection is worth the wait I guess!

We came home that Wednesday and we had a wonderful day of you sleeping and making sweet baby noises. That night you decided you were done being sweet and sleeping so you cried all night. In fact, you cry most nights. It is a little exhausting and combined with your sister waking up early Mommy and Daddy and very tired.

Your sister loves you very much. She always asks where Baby Charlotte is and gets worried when you cry. She will be a great friend to you and I hope that you grow close as you grow up and that you become the best of sisters. It is such a gift to have a sister, and Ella is truly a wonderful soul to have near.

Right now you are sleeping in the swing. Enjoying some quiet time with mommy before your sister gets home from daycare. My little baby, you may be my last baby. That makes me both sad and excited because that means you are my baby forever. My little gift that even though we had a rough start we are forever each other's. My sweet baby - you are my heart. I have loved you from the moment I knew you were mine and the second I held you I knew that you were special. I'm so excited for all that you will do in this life.

Love,
Your Mommy

To My Daughter

Dear Charlotte,

I am sitting here waiting for you to come. You are due in six days and I would love for you to come at any moment! I can't wait to meet you, hold you, and see your sweet little face.

It hasn't been an easy journey with you. Momma was very sick for the first few months together. It was hard and exhausting, but worth it to be able to bring your sweet soul into this world! I am excited to see this little life that caused so much havoc on my life!

Your Daddy and I went around and around on names. Mommy was set on Diana but Daddy held strong and finally convinced me that Charlotte was the right name. You can thank him if you hate Diana...ha!

Please hurry and join your family. Your big sister Ella has been talking to you and rubbing my belly trying to coax you out to play. At first you won't be able to join her, but soon you will be running and jumping right a long with her. She will be a good big sister, and I'm sure you will be a good little sister. It is very special you will have a sister. I never had one and feel that your journey in this world will be so much better having a friend to share memories and secrets. Just remember to include Mommy sometimes!

All my love,
Momma