11 Months

Dear Baby Girl,

You are 11 months old! Yes, today. It makes me so excited. Just to think how you are growing. And getting older. Things that I pray for every day. Since the day you were born, I've prayed that we'd have years and years together. Now I can see that as a reality.

It's crazy. I'm so excited that you are growing. I know, most parents are upset when their kiddos grow. They want them to be small for a longer period of time. Not your mommy! I'm so happy that you are finally wearing 3 month clothing. I often wondered if this day would come.

This month, has just been one of so much joy. You are doing so many things, that just a short while ago, you couldn't do. You've been breastfeeding. At least twice a day. The entire feed. I'm so proud of you! Not too long ago, that would tire you out. And we would have to feed you, through your feeding tubes.

But the best thing, is how alert you are. How you concentrate on us. All of us. You listen to everything we all have to say. You coo and smile. Baby Girl, you are just so amazing! I LOVE to watch you play. How you grab your toys, and get so excited. It just warms my heart so much.

Recently, you and your Papa Bear, like to watch cartoons. You've always enjoyed reading. But now, he's teaching you all about Sesame Street. The two of you sit and laugh. He makes the silliest voices when he talks to you. Just so he can get you to smile.

Speaking of your Papa Bear, he just LOVES YOU! Yes, I know this. I've never doubted it. He just adores spending time with you. Calling you his Little Monkey. I know that you love him too. You just light up. Every time you see him, or hear him. I'm so glad that your Papa Bear is in our lives. :)

Uncle B is also getting a lot more used to you. He's never been too comfortable with babies. But he is really trying. He holds you. And has learned how to swaddle you. Just the way you like it. The most hilarious thing, Uncle B went shopping for you. And he came back with so many outfits. We had a Baby Fashion Show. And Uncle B just loved seeing you all dressed up.

Your Nono is so excited too! I don't know what all these secrets are, that he tells you. I'm thinking it has something to do with your Nana. I know that he loves both of you. And maybe, just maybe, you can convince your Nana to give him a break. Wouldn't that be fun. To have them together, and near us? But your Nono is waiting, counting down the days, until you guys share your birthday. He's so excited. I have a feeling he's planning something fun for you!

Speaking of your Nana, she LOVES YOU SO MUCH! I used to think that your Nana and I were close. Dear Baby Girl, I know that she loves you even more than that. Something that I never knew was possible. Until I saw her with you. Sweet Baby Girl, she not only sends you the most beautiful gifts. But your Nana calls you all the time. To talk. To see how you're doing. And she finds us all the best doctors.

Oh sweet Baby Girl, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! I pray all the time. I want you to get better. I pray that God will make that possible. I pray all the time, that we can live the life that I've dreamt us. The life that I want for us. I pray all the time, that we will get a long, long life together.

All of your accomplishments, and milestones, mean so much to me. I cry every time you are able to do something new. It means the world to me. Sweet Baby Girl, keep fighting. I want you to live. Know that I'll never give up on you. I'll always fight to keep you safe and healthy. All you need to do, is keep getting better.

Now your mommy needs to go start planning your birthday party. It's not going to be the way I had dreamt of. Of a big birthday party. With all of our friends. At our home. I wish that we could do that. But I'm going to plan something, just as special. To celebrate you. Just one month away! I can't wait! Happy 11 Months!

Love,
Mommy