Hey, Daddy!
Sorry I haven't written much this month; Mama and I have been really busy. I just want you to know that, even when I don't write, I still think of you all the time. Everyone always tells me that I look exactly like you, though my fairy godparents just said that I'm finally starting to resemble Mama, too. My eyes are definitely not staying blue, but it's hard to tell if I'm going to be Daddy's brown-eyed girl or have Mama's hazel eyes. My hair is coming in very, very, very slowly, and it looks like it will be dark brown like both of yours. Hey, speaking of what I look like, there is another baby who looks exactly like me, can you believe it?! And her mommy looks exactly like Mama. They live in our bathroom, which I find rather odd. It seems awfully cramped in there. You know what, though, they seem to be in every bathroom that we go in. I think they're following us. They seem nice enough, always smiling and waving, but they seem kinda' cold, with really flat personalities. Anyway, I don't want to reflect on them anymore. I forgot what I was talking about in the first place.....
Oh yeah, Mama and I have been really busy. She's working at Auntie B's, and now she's fixing up the old condo, too. She's really bummed about selling it. She told me what it used to look like, and how much work she's done to make it look like it does now. But I've heard her talking to people, and I think I understand why you have to sell it. I've been such a good girl when we're over there. Mama plays with me for a bit, and then I hang out in the pack n' play with my toys. I've been taking good naps there, and Mama gets to work for almost two hours at a time. Our friends have offered to watch me, but then Mama would have to drive back and forth, and make up bottles, and it's almost more effort than keeping me with her. So we make it work for us (kinda like everything else, huh?)
I'm really excited to see you on Saturday!! Mama said we can hang out in the morning and afternoon while you work. I know you'll be busy, and we won't get to play too much, but it will be great just being there with you. I'll be sure to bring my ear muffs for when it gets loud. I bet the rest of the crew will think they're pretty cute! I'm still trying to decide what to wear. It's my first concert, after all, even if I can't stay for the whole thing. I don't really have any outfits that say “baby rocker.” I'm sure Mama will come up with something. Maybe we'll go to the consignment store this weekend. They have some cool, funky stuff.
Auntie B. is taking me special shopping tomorrow morning for our trip to Vegas. I heard her leave a voice-mail for her personal shopper; “She's six months but wears size 3. She looks great in every color, but we'll skip black, and we need something shiny or sparkly, something “Vegas.” And a matching headband.” This is some fancy shopping, Daddy! I don't think they have personal shoppers at Target. Mama just rolled her eyes and said, “Baby, I AM your personal shopper!” Good point, Mama. And my chauffeur, too. And my personal chef.
Alright, Daddy, I'm gonna' go. I have to catch up on my cutie sleep. I can't have that shiny girl in the bathroom looking better than me. Safe travels on your way down here, and we'll see you on Saturday!
Love, Piper
P.S. – I'm sorry for eavesdropping, but, well, I was sitting right there when you and Mama were on iChat today. I didn't understand everything that you were talking about, but I know that Mama was in a much better mood after the conversation than she was before. Thank you for being such a good daddy to me and Mama. She would never admit it, so don't tell her I told you, but she really does need your support and help. She loves you lots, and I do, too.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Vegas baby
Good morning, Daddy!
Actually, I guess it's afternoon where you are. But I hope that you had a good morning, anyway. Mama woke up this morning to a silver-dollar sized fist in her eye. Ka-pow! Oops. I'm still getting the hang of this whole motor-control thing. I'm learning new things every day! Yesterday, I learned that if I open my hand to feel the texture of Mama's hair, and then close my fist, I can keep her hair with me. I like that, but I'm not sure Mama enjoyed it. Lola also seemed a bit alarmed when I tried to keep ahold of her whiskers. How was I supposed to know they were attached? No one tells me these things. Her ears look pretty appealing; I bet they're a permanent feature, too. Mama is teaching me “gentle.” She learned that if she softly squeezes my wrist, I open my hand. Probably I'll get better about the hair-grabbing thing when I get hair of my own. On second thought, I'll likely just pull my own hair and then cry about it. The whole cause-and-effect thing eludes me.
Like with my mouth. I don't have any teeth yet, but they're sure coming. I can feel them way underneath my gums. The front of my mouth is a little tingly and sensitive. It feels a lot better when I chew on something. A lot of those “teether” toys are hard plastic. Now, Daddy, who the heck wants to gum on something hard? That doesn't feel good! You guys got me a baby toothbrush, and it's made out of soft rubber (BPA-free!) and has cool little spiky-bumpy brushes. I love that thing! My favorite thing to chew on is my own hands. They're just the right shape and size to go right in my mouth. But sometimes (this is where the cause-and-effect thing comes in) I bite down on my fingers really hard. I have pretty strong jaws for a five-month old. Well, then my hand hurts and it makes me cry. I keep right on doing it, though! I'll figure it out someday.
So Mama says we're taking a vacation in October. It's my six-month birthday, Mama's birthday (I'm not allowed to say which one) and you're all done with your tour. What a fun celebration! I've never been to Las Vegas before. How many babies get to spend their half-birthday at the Hard Rock Casino? Mama and Auntie B. say I'll need a special party dress. Nothing too cha-cha, of course; I'm still underage. I'm excited for the airplane ride. Mama's excited for the pool. And we're both excited to see you again. Lola's bummed that she can't come, but I explained to her that they don't allow doggies in the casino. I think Mama's a little worried about taking the first part of the trip by herself, and making sure she packs everything I need. I told her that as long as she remembers to bring me, we'll be just fine. All the other stuff will fall into place.
Well, Daddy, I guess I should go. It's my naptime, and then Mama and I are going to the fabric store. We've discovered that I love my soft little blanket, so Mama's going to make more. I think she's crazy and should just buy them, but she insists. She's kinda' stubborn like that. But you knew that already. Enjoy your day off in Boston, and I'll see you soon!
Love, Piper.
P.S. – I don't know who Alison Jains is. Is she nice? It will be my first concert when you come through town, and I hope I like it. Mama says it will be too loud to stay for the whole thing. Just how noisy can a girl named Alison be, anyway?
Actually, I guess it's afternoon where you are. But I hope that you had a good morning, anyway. Mama woke up this morning to a silver-dollar sized fist in her eye. Ka-pow! Oops. I'm still getting the hang of this whole motor-control thing. I'm learning new things every day! Yesterday, I learned that if I open my hand to feel the texture of Mama's hair, and then close my fist, I can keep her hair with me. I like that, but I'm not sure Mama enjoyed it. Lola also seemed a bit alarmed when I tried to keep ahold of her whiskers. How was I supposed to know they were attached? No one tells me these things. Her ears look pretty appealing; I bet they're a permanent feature, too. Mama is teaching me “gentle.” She learned that if she softly squeezes my wrist, I open my hand. Probably I'll get better about the hair-grabbing thing when I get hair of my own. On second thought, I'll likely just pull my own hair and then cry about it. The whole cause-and-effect thing eludes me.
Like with my mouth. I don't have any teeth yet, but they're sure coming. I can feel them way underneath my gums. The front of my mouth is a little tingly and sensitive. It feels a lot better when I chew on something. A lot of those “teether” toys are hard plastic. Now, Daddy, who the heck wants to gum on something hard? That doesn't feel good! You guys got me a baby toothbrush, and it's made out of soft rubber (BPA-free!) and has cool little spiky-bumpy brushes. I love that thing! My favorite thing to chew on is my own hands. They're just the right shape and size to go right in my mouth. But sometimes (this is where the cause-and-effect thing comes in) I bite down on my fingers really hard. I have pretty strong jaws for a five-month old. Well, then my hand hurts and it makes me cry. I keep right on doing it, though! I'll figure it out someday.
So Mama says we're taking a vacation in October. It's my six-month birthday, Mama's birthday (I'm not allowed to say which one) and you're all done with your tour. What a fun celebration! I've never been to Las Vegas before. How many babies get to spend their half-birthday at the Hard Rock Casino? Mama and Auntie B. say I'll need a special party dress. Nothing too cha-cha, of course; I'm still underage. I'm excited for the airplane ride. Mama's excited for the pool. And we're both excited to see you again. Lola's bummed that she can't come, but I explained to her that they don't allow doggies in the casino. I think Mama's a little worried about taking the first part of the trip by herself, and making sure she packs everything I need. I told her that as long as she remembers to bring me, we'll be just fine. All the other stuff will fall into place.
Well, Daddy, I guess I should go. It's my naptime, and then Mama and I are going to the fabric store. We've discovered that I love my soft little blanket, so Mama's going to make more. I think she's crazy and should just buy them, but she insists. She's kinda' stubborn like that. But you knew that already. Enjoy your day off in Boston, and I'll see you soon!
Love, Piper.
P.S. – I don't know who Alison Jains is. Is she nice? It will be my first concert when you come through town, and I hope I like it. Mama says it will be too loud to stay for the whole thing. Just how noisy can a girl named Alison be, anyway?
Monday, August 23, 2010
Grand love, blue heart
Hi, sweetheart!
Piper is sound asleep, so I figured I would write on her behalf tonight. She got her vaccinations this morning, and had a pretty rough go of it this afternoon. On one hand, I wish I could efficiently convey to you the feeling I get when she suffers through the effects of those shots, but on the other I'm glad that at least one of us is spared it. My breathing gets shallow and I try to ignore the feeling of my chest getting tighter and rising into my throat. My mouth sets into a forced smile and I blink away the beginnings of any tears. I certainly can't console her if I'm blubbering, myself. The worst part is that feeling I get in my belly, about an inch below my navel, deep inside. It's not a sharp pain, it's a slow tugging feeling, like my incision stitches are unraveling and they're being pulled toward the front of my body. Piper looks at me through tears and lets out a yell that magically translates in my mind, transforming from an incoherent squawk to “Mama, please please save me and make me feel better.”
I tell you all this for a reason.
Since I've had Piper, I've learned that I experience two very different types of love, one for each of you. While my pain for Piper is in my belly, so is my love. Your pain and your love I feel in my chest, beneath my left ribcage; coincidentally, right where my heart is.
My love for Piper is strongest in the morning when she wakes up, and in the night when I rock her to sleep. It is a brilliant shade of golden yellow-orange, and it washes over me like sunrise at the Grand Canyon. There is a radiant warmth to it which fills the inside of my belly and makes me feel like I could never be cold again. Her love grounds me to the earth, makes me breathe deeply, and inhale her scent of warm baby skin with the aroma of steamed milk. She makes me feel capable and strong.
My love for you is strongest at night, as I fall asleep in our bed, and in the daytime when I'm reminded of all the wonderful things you do for us. It is the deepest blue of the sea at St. Martin, and it surrounds me with a gentle and fluid grace. Your love binds itself around my heart and keeps it safe. I feel a fluttering lightness behind my sternum that tickles its way out of my mouth, first as a taste of sweetness and then as a smile. Your love makes me feel delicate, vulnerable, and secure.
When I miss you, I feel a crushing tension in my chest that makes me round my shoulders and sigh. When I remember you during Piper's delivery, the ribs around my heart threaten to crack and splinter. My gentle, blue love goes ice cold from the regret that you were so helpless and yet so strong. Fortunately, it is easy for me to transfer the pain back into the love; easier with you than with Piper, for some reason.
I have been overwhelmed and amazed during these last few months by my capacity to love and endure pain. I feel blessed to have two such wonderful people in my life. You and Piper challenge and inspire me to be the best wife and mother that I can. You are my everything, both of you, and I don't think that there could ever be a luckier woman than I.
Safe travels, daddy, and we'll see you in a couple of weeks.
Love, Mama
P.S. – Piper would like to go to the Grand Canyon someday. She wants to know what her sunrise looks like.
Piper is sound asleep, so I figured I would write on her behalf tonight. She got her vaccinations this morning, and had a pretty rough go of it this afternoon. On one hand, I wish I could efficiently convey to you the feeling I get when she suffers through the effects of those shots, but on the other I'm glad that at least one of us is spared it. My breathing gets shallow and I try to ignore the feeling of my chest getting tighter and rising into my throat. My mouth sets into a forced smile and I blink away the beginnings of any tears. I certainly can't console her if I'm blubbering, myself. The worst part is that feeling I get in my belly, about an inch below my navel, deep inside. It's not a sharp pain, it's a slow tugging feeling, like my incision stitches are unraveling and they're being pulled toward the front of my body. Piper looks at me through tears and lets out a yell that magically translates in my mind, transforming from an incoherent squawk to “Mama, please please save me and make me feel better.”
I tell you all this for a reason.
Since I've had Piper, I've learned that I experience two very different types of love, one for each of you. While my pain for Piper is in my belly, so is my love. Your pain and your love I feel in my chest, beneath my left ribcage; coincidentally, right where my heart is.
My love for Piper is strongest in the morning when she wakes up, and in the night when I rock her to sleep. It is a brilliant shade of golden yellow-orange, and it washes over me like sunrise at the Grand Canyon. There is a radiant warmth to it which fills the inside of my belly and makes me feel like I could never be cold again. Her love grounds me to the earth, makes me breathe deeply, and inhale her scent of warm baby skin with the aroma of steamed milk. She makes me feel capable and strong.
My love for you is strongest at night, as I fall asleep in our bed, and in the daytime when I'm reminded of all the wonderful things you do for us. It is the deepest blue of the sea at St. Martin, and it surrounds me with a gentle and fluid grace. Your love binds itself around my heart and keeps it safe. I feel a fluttering lightness behind my sternum that tickles its way out of my mouth, first as a taste of sweetness and then as a smile. Your love makes me feel delicate, vulnerable, and secure.
When I miss you, I feel a crushing tension in my chest that makes me round my shoulders and sigh. When I remember you during Piper's delivery, the ribs around my heart threaten to crack and splinter. My gentle, blue love goes ice cold from the regret that you were so helpless and yet so strong. Fortunately, it is easy for me to transfer the pain back into the love; easier with you than with Piper, for some reason.
I have been overwhelmed and amazed during these last few months by my capacity to love and endure pain. I feel blessed to have two such wonderful people in my life. You and Piper challenge and inspire me to be the best wife and mother that I can. You are my everything, both of you, and I don't think that there could ever be a luckier woman than I.
Safe travels, daddy, and we'll see you in a couple of weeks.
Love, Mama
P.S. – Piper would like to go to the Grand Canyon someday. She wants to know what her sunrise looks like.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
One third of a year
Daddy!
I can't even believe that I turned four months old today! Mama pulled out the first picture that they took of me in the hospital. I swear, it looks like a totally different baby! We hopped on the scale this morning, and it said that I weigh 11 pounds. That means that I've gained about a pound and a half each month. Holy cow, that's a lot of growing! Of course, Mama just pointed out that she gained an average of 2.5 pounds a month when she was pregnant with me. I guess we're both good growers.
Anyway, we didn't do anything special to celebrate my mini-birthday. We took my monthly pictures, but that's about it. Oh, and we went to the store, too. Mama had a really good idea. Since I stare at the ceiling as I'm falling asleep and upon waking up, she decided to get me something fun to look at. I picked out a poster with the alphabet on it. I know, I can't even read yet, but if I'm gonna' stare at something, it might as well be educational, right? And I got a really pretty poster with the colors on it, too. I liked them both so much that I started to cry when Mama took them away to pay for them. I cheered up again when she put them in the car. I'm excited for them to be up on the ceiling (don't worry, Mama will be careful on the ladder.)
We've been going over to Auntie B's house once or twice a week so that Mama can work. I hang out in my bouncy seat on the counter while Mama does stuff like laundry, organizes the pantry, and separates fresh fruit to store in the freezer. I have a good time hanging out, watching Mama and smiling at Auntie B. when she comes upstairs to say hi. Mama seems like she's having a really good time, too. I think she likes getting out of the house, and I know that she loves Auntie B. I also think that Mama just feels good when she completes tasks and projects that are quantifiable and concrete. I know she loves staying home with me, helping me learn how to sit up, make sounds, focus on her words, track her motion, grasp my toys, and find my toes. Never really thought about it, but that's a lot! But when someone asks her what she does all day, she has a hard time answering their question. Mama knows that she does a lot, but I think she feels like she has to justify herself by being able to make a list of what she accomplishes each day. We're working on getting over that silly feeling. The point is, she likes working at Auntie B's because, for a three-hour chunk of time, she can see the immediate results of her work. I think that anyone who meets me can see the results of her hard work, in ways that are far more impressive than cleaning out Auntie's refrigerator. The most important thing is that Mama feels good. She is so happy to have me there with her. She always talks to me while she works, spelling things out and singing made-up songs. I'm really lucky to be able to hang out with her and not have to be in daycare. Thank you for that, Daddy.
Okay, it's waaaaaay past my bedtime. I'm sorry that you didn't have such a great day at work today, and I hope that tomorrow is better. At least you had my birthday pictures to cheer you up! Safe travels, and I'll write to you after my doctor's appointment next week.
Love, Piper
P.S. – Mama was on the phone with grandma for a long time tonight. It started out kinda' tense, but at the end they were both laughing and saying “I love you” a lot. I'm not too sure what that was all about, but conversations that end with those three little words must be okay, right?
I can't even believe that I turned four months old today! Mama pulled out the first picture that they took of me in the hospital. I swear, it looks like a totally different baby! We hopped on the scale this morning, and it said that I weigh 11 pounds. That means that I've gained about a pound and a half each month. Holy cow, that's a lot of growing! Of course, Mama just pointed out that she gained an average of 2.5 pounds a month when she was pregnant with me. I guess we're both good growers.
Anyway, we didn't do anything special to celebrate my mini-birthday. We took my monthly pictures, but that's about it. Oh, and we went to the store, too. Mama had a really good idea. Since I stare at the ceiling as I'm falling asleep and upon waking up, she decided to get me something fun to look at. I picked out a poster with the alphabet on it. I know, I can't even read yet, but if I'm gonna' stare at something, it might as well be educational, right? And I got a really pretty poster with the colors on it, too. I liked them both so much that I started to cry when Mama took them away to pay for them. I cheered up again when she put them in the car. I'm excited for them to be up on the ceiling (don't worry, Mama will be careful on the ladder.)
We've been going over to Auntie B's house once or twice a week so that Mama can work. I hang out in my bouncy seat on the counter while Mama does stuff like laundry, organizes the pantry, and separates fresh fruit to store in the freezer. I have a good time hanging out, watching Mama and smiling at Auntie B. when she comes upstairs to say hi. Mama seems like she's having a really good time, too. I think she likes getting out of the house, and I know that she loves Auntie B. I also think that Mama just feels good when she completes tasks and projects that are quantifiable and concrete. I know she loves staying home with me, helping me learn how to sit up, make sounds, focus on her words, track her motion, grasp my toys, and find my toes. Never really thought about it, but that's a lot! But when someone asks her what she does all day, she has a hard time answering their question. Mama knows that she does a lot, but I think she feels like she has to justify herself by being able to make a list of what she accomplishes each day. We're working on getting over that silly feeling. The point is, she likes working at Auntie B's because, for a three-hour chunk of time, she can see the immediate results of her work. I think that anyone who meets me can see the results of her hard work, in ways that are far more impressive than cleaning out Auntie's refrigerator. The most important thing is that Mama feels good. She is so happy to have me there with her. She always talks to me while she works, spelling things out and singing made-up songs. I'm really lucky to be able to hang out with her and not have to be in daycare. Thank you for that, Daddy.
Okay, it's waaaaaay past my bedtime. I'm sorry that you didn't have such a great day at work today, and I hope that tomorrow is better. At least you had my birthday pictures to cheer you up! Safe travels, and I'll write to you after my doctor's appointment next week.
Love, Piper
P.S. – Mama was on the phone with grandma for a long time tonight. It started out kinda' tense, but at the end they were both laughing and saying “I love you” a lot. I'm not too sure what that was all about, but conversations that end with those three little words must be okay, right?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
A little Holiday
Dear Daddy,
Okay, I know you want to hear about my visit with the family, but first I have to tell you about the crazy thing that happened last Thursday......
You know the bouncy seat that I have, the one that Mama puts me in when she's folding laundry or taking a shower? Well, I'm still so little that my bum scoots down really low, and I can't really do much more than lay there. So Mama folded up a blanket, and put that in there underneath me. Now, I'm higher up and I can see better. A lot better. There's that bar that hangs over me, right across my waist; Daddy, you'll never believe this, but there's toys hanging from that thing! Who knew?! I'm still working on making my arms and legs go where I want them to, so these days I just practice my randomly-placed karate chops and kung fu kicks. I gave that little hanging monkey the ol' one-two, and it made noise! I've never been so surprised in my whole life (all 110 days of it.) I was so startled that I opened my eyes really wide and just froze. It was the strangest thing ever. And then this morning, I accidentally pulled the lion's tail, and it played music! Weirdest darned lion I've ever seen. Do you think they have those at the zoo?
Anyway, Mama and I drove up to see the family last weekend, and we had a really fun time. My cousin H. seemed happy to see me. She didn't come right out and say it, but when she drooled and jumped up and down, I took that as a good sign. I think she got a little jealous when Aunt E. held me, but I understand. I don't think I'd like it if Mama cuddled with another baby, either. Grandma was really happy to see us both together. She took lots of pictures. Mama said she forgot to take pictures because she was busy holding me and teaching H. to give me gentle pats and not poke my eyes out. Grandma P. once said that you can't really poke an eye out, you can only poke it in further. If anyone can prove that theory wrong, it'll be H, but I'd rather she not test it on me.
We mostly just hung out at home, eating and sleeping and watching each other. We didn't go to the soccer game because H. had to go to bed, and I forgot to pack my ear muffs. I'll remind Mama to grab them next time. Mama, grandma, and Auntie E. watched it on the television. I heard them cheer when our team scored two goals, but I didn't really wake up. Uncle B. was very happy when he got home from work. He was in such a good mood the next day, he even agreed to hold me! I know he likes me, even if he doesn't cuddle with me like Aunt E. I think they're both pretty awesome.
Okay, Mama says it's time to wrap this up. I think that's a good idea, because we're both getting pretty tired. She likes the fact that I sleep so long at night, now. I guess I like it, too. I mean, it's better than waking up at 2 AM. Either way, Mama's right there when I get up, and she always has breakfast ready for me. She's the best!
Safe travels on your super-long bus ride, Daddy, and I love you! I'll tell Mama to post pictures tomorrow of our visit.
Love, Piper
P.S – If I pull on Lola's tail, will she play a song? I know that I'm a few months away from being able to intentionally grab it, but I figure I should think about these things in advance. I'd like to be ready for these upcoming milestones.
P.P.S. – Mama and I just had a conversation about tail-pulling. Forget that I asked.
Okay, I know you want to hear about my visit with the family, but first I have to tell you about the crazy thing that happened last Thursday......
You know the bouncy seat that I have, the one that Mama puts me in when she's folding laundry or taking a shower? Well, I'm still so little that my bum scoots down really low, and I can't really do much more than lay there. So Mama folded up a blanket, and put that in there underneath me. Now, I'm higher up and I can see better. A lot better. There's that bar that hangs over me, right across my waist; Daddy, you'll never believe this, but there's toys hanging from that thing! Who knew?! I'm still working on making my arms and legs go where I want them to, so these days I just practice my randomly-placed karate chops and kung fu kicks. I gave that little hanging monkey the ol' one-two, and it made noise! I've never been so surprised in my whole life (all 110 days of it.) I was so startled that I opened my eyes really wide and just froze. It was the strangest thing ever. And then this morning, I accidentally pulled the lion's tail, and it played music! Weirdest darned lion I've ever seen. Do you think they have those at the zoo?
Anyway, Mama and I drove up to see the family last weekend, and we had a really fun time. My cousin H. seemed happy to see me. She didn't come right out and say it, but when she drooled and jumped up and down, I took that as a good sign. I think she got a little jealous when Aunt E. held me, but I understand. I don't think I'd like it if Mama cuddled with another baby, either. Grandma was really happy to see us both together. She took lots of pictures. Mama said she forgot to take pictures because she was busy holding me and teaching H. to give me gentle pats and not poke my eyes out. Grandma P. once said that you can't really poke an eye out, you can only poke it in further. If anyone can prove that theory wrong, it'll be H, but I'd rather she not test it on me.
We mostly just hung out at home, eating and sleeping and watching each other. We didn't go to the soccer game because H. had to go to bed, and I forgot to pack my ear muffs. I'll remind Mama to grab them next time. Mama, grandma, and Auntie E. watched it on the television. I heard them cheer when our team scored two goals, but I didn't really wake up. Uncle B. was very happy when he got home from work. He was in such a good mood the next day, he even agreed to hold me! I know he likes me, even if he doesn't cuddle with me like Aunt E. I think they're both pretty awesome.
Okay, Mama says it's time to wrap this up. I think that's a good idea, because we're both getting pretty tired. She likes the fact that I sleep so long at night, now. I guess I like it, too. I mean, it's better than waking up at 2 AM. Either way, Mama's right there when I get up, and she always has breakfast ready for me. She's the best!
Safe travels on your super-long bus ride, Daddy, and I love you! I'll tell Mama to post pictures tomorrow of our visit.
Love, Piper
P.S – If I pull on Lola's tail, will she play a song? I know that I'm a few months away from being able to intentionally grab it, but I figure I should think about these things in advance. I'd like to be ready for these upcoming milestones.
P.P.S. – Mama and I just had a conversation about tail-pulling. Forget that I asked.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Borealis Spontaneous
Hey, Daddy;
I was so happy to see you on the computer today! That iChat thing is amazing! Can you believe how big and strong I am getting? I bet you were proud to see me stomping my feet when Mama held me up, and don't I do a good job holding up my head? I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I think I'm doing great (Mama helps.)
We had a fun night last night! A few people came over; some neighbors and also my friend from play group. I had a nice time visiting with everyone, but I just couldn't settle down enough to eat and go to sleep. There was too much to see and hear! Finally, our friends went home and Mama and I cuddled up for food and bedtime. Well, actually, I went to bed. Mama stayed up like she usually does. Instead of going to sleep a few hours after me, though, she did something different. She got me out of bed at a really weird time, and whispered something about “being spontaneous.”
Spontaneous is a new word for me, but based on Mama's actions I'm guessing that it means something like “let's hop into the car, drive out to the middle of nowhere in the dead of night, and stare at the sky.” I don't know why anyone would want to be spontaneous. It wasn't very exciting. I slept the whole time.
This morning, Mama explained to me what I missed. Apparently the sun did something explosive, and it caused some pretty lights in the sky. Now, I thought that the sun was a pretty light in the sky, but Mama said she was looking for something different, called Aurora Borealis. That's where the nighttime sky is painted with shades of green and blue, and sometimes red and violet. The news said this was a rare chance to see something really special. To see it, though, we had to drive way out past the city to where it was really dark. And it was really late! Mama was tired, but she said she would have kicked herself if she missed it. As it turned out, I guess she didn't see very much because of where we were, but she said she wasn't disappointed at all; she got something way better than the northern lights.
Mama said she was reminded that life doesn't stop when you have kids. You don't have to stay home all the time, miss out on the fun, or wish you could do more. You can still experience all of the amazing things that the world has to offer. And the greatest part is that you get to share it with a brand-new person. How awesome is that? You can still do the things that you love, and you get to teach someone else how to appreciate them, too. I could have told her all that, but I suppose it's something she had to figure out on her own. It must have taken her a while to figure out, too, because we stayed out there 'til almost 1 AM. Mama sure looked happy when we left, though, so it was worth it.
Well, Daddy, I guess that's all for now. We have to start getting ready for our big weekend. We're driving up to meet Auntie E., Uncle B., and my cousin! I know she's five months older than I am, but I think we're going to have a lot of fun. I bet she has a lot of cool moves to teach me. When we're big girls, maybe we can be spontaneous together! Um, Mama just groaned and said something about shipping us off to Grandma's house. Anyway, I love you, Daddy! Safe travels in Canada, and I hope to see you on the computer again really soon.
Love, Piper
P.S. – Mama mentioned something called “camping.” I think it's like being spontaneous, but with lots of dirt, a campfire, and a tent. Count me in!
I was so happy to see you on the computer today! That iChat thing is amazing! Can you believe how big and strong I am getting? I bet you were proud to see me stomping my feet when Mama held me up, and don't I do a good job holding up my head? I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I think I'm doing great (Mama helps.)
We had a fun night last night! A few people came over; some neighbors and also my friend from play group. I had a nice time visiting with everyone, but I just couldn't settle down enough to eat and go to sleep. There was too much to see and hear! Finally, our friends went home and Mama and I cuddled up for food and bedtime. Well, actually, I went to bed. Mama stayed up like she usually does. Instead of going to sleep a few hours after me, though, she did something different. She got me out of bed at a really weird time, and whispered something about “being spontaneous.”
Spontaneous is a new word for me, but based on Mama's actions I'm guessing that it means something like “let's hop into the car, drive out to the middle of nowhere in the dead of night, and stare at the sky.” I don't know why anyone would want to be spontaneous. It wasn't very exciting. I slept the whole time.
This morning, Mama explained to me what I missed. Apparently the sun did something explosive, and it caused some pretty lights in the sky. Now, I thought that the sun was a pretty light in the sky, but Mama said she was looking for something different, called Aurora Borealis. That's where the nighttime sky is painted with shades of green and blue, and sometimes red and violet. The news said this was a rare chance to see something really special. To see it, though, we had to drive way out past the city to where it was really dark. And it was really late! Mama was tired, but she said she would have kicked herself if she missed it. As it turned out, I guess she didn't see very much because of where we were, but she said she wasn't disappointed at all; she got something way better than the northern lights.
Mama said she was reminded that life doesn't stop when you have kids. You don't have to stay home all the time, miss out on the fun, or wish you could do more. You can still experience all of the amazing things that the world has to offer. And the greatest part is that you get to share it with a brand-new person. How awesome is that? You can still do the things that you love, and you get to teach someone else how to appreciate them, too. I could have told her all that, but I suppose it's something she had to figure out on her own. It must have taken her a while to figure out, too, because we stayed out there 'til almost 1 AM. Mama sure looked happy when we left, though, so it was worth it.
Well, Daddy, I guess that's all for now. We have to start getting ready for our big weekend. We're driving up to meet Auntie E., Uncle B., and my cousin! I know she's five months older than I am, but I think we're going to have a lot of fun. I bet she has a lot of cool moves to teach me. When we're big girls, maybe we can be spontaneous together! Um, Mama just groaned and said something about shipping us off to Grandma's house. Anyway, I love you, Daddy! Safe travels in Canada, and I hope to see you on the computer again really soon.
Love, Piper
P.S. – Mama mentioned something called “camping.” I think it's like being spontaneous, but with lots of dirt, a campfire, and a tent. Count me in!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Mount St. Piper
Oh, Daddy...
I know I just wrote yesterday, but I have to tell you a story that just can't wait.
Mama and I were having a very nice afternoon today. It's been sunny and warm, and I feel much better than I did yesterday. We settled in for my lunch, and Mama opened up a new book. I was having a great time, getting some good food, Mama was enjoying her story. Totally normal lunchtime. I stopped eating sooner than normal, and I tried to tell Mama that I felt funny, but all that I could say was “Uhn!” Mama peeked down at me. “You okay, sweet pea?” she asked. And then it happened. I exploded. No, I erupted. Mama says there was a rumble from my bum that she felt clear down to her toes, and then my diaper overflowed. It came out the front, the back, and the legs. Daddy, there was molten-lava-poo everywhere. In three seconds flat, the entire lower half of my onesie went from white to dandelion yellow. Mama's eyes got really big. “Wow,” she said, “that was...I don't know what that was.” Then she stood up, and saw that I got her pants and her shirt, too. We were a huge mess! I don't know if it was from the vaccines, or what, but it was all over the place.
But that's not the best part of the story, Daddy. The best part is that we were in the bookstore.
Mama kept her cool, like always. She wrapped me up in a blanket and whispered “I sure hope they have a changing table here!” As she picked up our stuff and turned to leave our table, a nice grandma lady saw me and said “What a sweet little...oh my!! Well, they do that sometimes, don't they?” Mama just smiled and crinkled her nose. “Off to find the ladies room!”
We cleaned up pretty well. I had an extra outfit in my bag, but my blanket was a goner. Mama wiped her clothes off as best she could, and said it was probably time for us to leave, anyway. We bought two books (I think one's for you) and returned home. I was sad to leave the bookstore. I really like that place.
That's about it for now, Daddy. I hope you have a good time at work. Just remember that even if you have a poopy day, it's probably better than getting pooped on in a bookstore.
Love, Piper
P.S. - I think I'm ready for the next size of diaper.
I know I just wrote yesterday, but I have to tell you a story that just can't wait.
Mama and I were having a very nice afternoon today. It's been sunny and warm, and I feel much better than I did yesterday. We settled in for my lunch, and Mama opened up a new book. I was having a great time, getting some good food, Mama was enjoying her story. Totally normal lunchtime. I stopped eating sooner than normal, and I tried to tell Mama that I felt funny, but all that I could say was “Uhn!” Mama peeked down at me. “You okay, sweet pea?” she asked. And then it happened. I exploded. No, I erupted. Mama says there was a rumble from my bum that she felt clear down to her toes, and then my diaper overflowed. It came out the front, the back, and the legs. Daddy, there was molten-lava-poo everywhere. In three seconds flat, the entire lower half of my onesie went from white to dandelion yellow. Mama's eyes got really big. “Wow,” she said, “that was...I don't know what that was.” Then she stood up, and saw that I got her pants and her shirt, too. We were a huge mess! I don't know if it was from the vaccines, or what, but it was all over the place.
But that's not the best part of the story, Daddy. The best part is that we were in the bookstore.
Mama kept her cool, like always. She wrapped me up in a blanket and whispered “I sure hope they have a changing table here!” As she picked up our stuff and turned to leave our table, a nice grandma lady saw me and said “What a sweet little...oh my!! Well, they do that sometimes, don't they?” Mama just smiled and crinkled her nose. “Off to find the ladies room!”
We cleaned up pretty well. I had an extra outfit in my bag, but my blanket was a goner. Mama wiped her clothes off as best she could, and said it was probably time for us to leave, anyway. We bought two books (I think one's for you) and returned home. I was sad to leave the bookstore. I really like that place.
That's about it for now, Daddy. I hope you have a good time at work. Just remember that even if you have a poopy day, it's probably better than getting pooped on in a bookstore.
Love, Piper
P.S. - I think I'm ready for the next size of diaper.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Some days hurt more than others
Hi Daddy!
Mama can say what she wants about how well I did this morning, but the bottom line is that the day really sucked. I'll tell you about the good stuff first, before I complain about the bad.
We went to Dr. T's office for my two-month visit today. They did a lot of stuff to me! First I got weighed and measured. I'm 8.5 pounds now, which puts me in the 25th percentile. That doesn't even take into account my early four weeks, so that's a really good number! I'm about 20 inches long, but the lady pulled on my leg a lot, so I think I'm actually a little less. The doctor said that I'm just perfect for my height/weight ratio. I don't know what a ratio is, but I like the fact that it's perfect. The nurse said that I have the perfect head, too, and I told her that I get it from you!
That same nurse checked me out from head to toe. She even looked in my diaper, which was a little weird, but Mama said it was okay. I guess they have to make really sure that I'm a girl. She shined a super-bright light in my eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. I didn't mind one little bit, and I'm glad that Mama took care of my milk-boogies in the waiting room. Then the nurse put this round thing on my chest, and it connected to a tube that went up to her ears. Very strange. I had some tummy time, too, and the lady said that I did a great job lifting my head. "Duh!" I thought, "I've been doing it for, like, a month!"
Then a new nurse came in. Mama told me that she was going to give me a shot. I didn't know what a shot was. Mama told me that it would hurt, and it would make both of us cry. I'm glad she told me the truth, so I could get ready for it. It did hurt, but I only cried a little and Mama didn't cry at all. I let out a really long wail that started out loud and ended as just a little squeak. My face turned bright red and got all scrunched up (must they put a mirror on the exam table?!). Surprisingly, I felt pretty okay when we left. When we got home, I ate and then took a nap. Daddy, when I woke up I felt awful. I've never felt so bad in my whole life. All I could do was cry. Mama held me a lot, and even offered me extra food, but I didn't want it. It's too hard to yell with your mouth full. So Mama just kept rocking me and telling me I was okay. She was crying too. “I wish I could make it better, baby, but I can't. All I can do is hold you and love you.” I got to nibble on some ice chips, and Mama put a cool washcloth on my head to help with the fever. Even though it didn't make the yuckies go away, it sure calmed me down.
So now I know what a shot is. It's where you get stabbed in the leg with a needle, and they put stuff in your body that makes you feel like crap, and then you and your mommy cry for a long time. Mama says that next time, you're taking me.
Other than that, things have been okay while you've been gone. We sure wish they weren't doing construction on the house, though! I can't wait 'til you get home, so I can show you my big smiles and my almost-laugh. I smile when Lola licks my face, and I frown when Mama doesn't get me quickly enough when I'm hungry. I've gotten so big, I've grown out of all my preemie clothes. I'm nearly too big for my newborn diapers, and most of my hats are too tight.
I'm sorry that you have to be gone to New York and Chicago, Daddy, but thank you for taking such good care of us. It's nice to have girl time and it's even nicer when we get to welcome you home. Safe travels and I promise to write again soon.
Love, Piper
P.S. - Mama says to hurry up and come home so she can read book number 5. I sure hope you know what she's talking about, because I have no idea. I'm still working on "Goodnight Moon."
Mama can say what she wants about how well I did this morning, but the bottom line is that the day really sucked. I'll tell you about the good stuff first, before I complain about the bad.
We went to Dr. T's office for my two-month visit today. They did a lot of stuff to me! First I got weighed and measured. I'm 8.5 pounds now, which puts me in the 25th percentile. That doesn't even take into account my early four weeks, so that's a really good number! I'm about 20 inches long, but the lady pulled on my leg a lot, so I think I'm actually a little less. The doctor said that I'm just perfect for my height/weight ratio. I don't know what a ratio is, but I like the fact that it's perfect. The nurse said that I have the perfect head, too, and I told her that I get it from you!
That same nurse checked me out from head to toe. She even looked in my diaper, which was a little weird, but Mama said it was okay. I guess they have to make really sure that I'm a girl. She shined a super-bright light in my eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. I didn't mind one little bit, and I'm glad that Mama took care of my milk-boogies in the waiting room. Then the nurse put this round thing on my chest, and it connected to a tube that went up to her ears. Very strange. I had some tummy time, too, and the lady said that I did a great job lifting my head. "Duh!" I thought, "I've been doing it for, like, a month!"
Then a new nurse came in. Mama told me that she was going to give me a shot. I didn't know what a shot was. Mama told me that it would hurt, and it would make both of us cry. I'm glad she told me the truth, so I could get ready for it. It did hurt, but I only cried a little and Mama didn't cry at all. I let out a really long wail that started out loud and ended as just a little squeak. My face turned bright red and got all scrunched up (must they put a mirror on the exam table?!). Surprisingly, I felt pretty okay when we left. When we got home, I ate and then took a nap. Daddy, when I woke up I felt awful. I've never felt so bad in my whole life. All I could do was cry. Mama held me a lot, and even offered me extra food, but I didn't want it. It's too hard to yell with your mouth full. So Mama just kept rocking me and telling me I was okay. She was crying too. “I wish I could make it better, baby, but I can't. All I can do is hold you and love you.” I got to nibble on some ice chips, and Mama put a cool washcloth on my head to help with the fever. Even though it didn't make the yuckies go away, it sure calmed me down.
So now I know what a shot is. It's where you get stabbed in the leg with a needle, and they put stuff in your body that makes you feel like crap, and then you and your mommy cry for a long time. Mama says that next time, you're taking me.
Other than that, things have been okay while you've been gone. We sure wish they weren't doing construction on the house, though! I can't wait 'til you get home, so I can show you my big smiles and my almost-laugh. I smile when Lola licks my face, and I frown when Mama doesn't get me quickly enough when I'm hungry. I've gotten so big, I've grown out of all my preemie clothes. I'm nearly too big for my newborn diapers, and most of my hats are too tight.
I'm sorry that you have to be gone to New York and Chicago, Daddy, but thank you for taking such good care of us. It's nice to have girl time and it's even nicer when we get to welcome you home. Safe travels and I promise to write again soon.
Love, Piper
P.S. - Mama says to hurry up and come home so she can read book number 5. I sure hope you know what she's talking about, because I have no idea. I'm still working on "Goodnight Moon."
Monday, May 17, 2010
The trial-run tour
Dear Daddy,
I know you've only been gone for two days, but it's a short trip and I want to make sure I write to you before you come home. See, Mama and Auntie C. had this great idea about me writing a blog to let you know all the things that happen while you're gone. This trip isn't so bad, 'cause it's only for three days. Mama says that you'll take other trips that will last for two or three months. I'm not certain, but I'm pretty sure that's a long time.
We missed having you home on Saturday. Can you believe that it's been a whole month since I was born? It's gone by so fast. Mama says I've already changed so much, I don't look like a preemie anymore. She wishes that she took more pictures during the first few weeks, but isn't too hard on herself since things were so crazy. We took special birthday photos on Saturday to make up for it. I had a bath before we took pictures. I outgrew my little pink tub from the hospital, so we used my new big-girl tub and put it in the kitchen sink. We did great! I reclined on my little mesh hammock, and Mama had both hands free to wash me. Then she put me on a big soft blanket on the floor in the sunshine. I loved it! I didn't have one of those bulky, uncomfortable diapers on, and it was so nice and warm. I didn't fuss one little bit! Mama fussed a tiny bit when I peed. Okay, so I peed five times. Hey, when you're on a liquid diet, things process a little differently.
Mama's been really laid back about that stuff. Like yesterday, when I projectile-vomited all over her, she was totally cool. I don't really know what happened, there. I was having some nice awake time in her lap, we were making faces at each other, and then all of my milk came straight out of my mouth like a little mini fire-hose. It went all over the front of Mama's shirt, down her belly, and kinda' pooled at the top of her pants. She was super-quick and leaned me forward, making sure it was all out of my mouth so I didn't choke. Then, still holding me, she patted her shirt dry, wiped the milk out of her belly-button, and smiled. “Well...that was unexpected!” Then she mumbled something about laundry and stinky cheese, but by then I was half-asleep and not really listening.
Mostly we've done okay while you've been gone. I miss having awake time with you, and we both wish you were here for one of the late-night meals. Mama says “The late-late nights are the hardest. For the first five minutes that I'm awake, I re-live every negative feeling I've had during the last 12 hours. Every ounce of anxiety gets compounded and experienced all at once, all at 2 AM. I make my way down the stairs, praying to God that my feet don't falter. I have this insane fear of falling and crushing the baby, and it's made worse when I'm half lucid and on-edge. But then I sit down on the couch with Piper and she looks at me through sleepy eyes, rooting around until she finds her food. She expresses gratitude with contented little grunts and a hand wrapped around my finger. She finishes with a big-girl burp and a loud sigh of satisfaction as her milk-wet cheek rests on my shoulder. And suddenly, I wouldn't trade the late-night feeding for anything in the world.”
Well, Daddy, I guess I should go. It's almost time for me to eat again, and then we have to go to Target (can you believe I'm almost out of diaper wipes again?). Have a good time at work, and tell Uncle C. that I said thanks for taking you out for some “guy time” in NYC. You've earned it! Safe travels, Daddy, and I'll see you when you get home.
Love, Piper
P.S. – You know how you're always telling Mama not to drop food on me when we're both eating? Well, last night she dropped Rice-a-Roni on my arm and then said “Shh...Daddy will never know.” Please come home before she moves on to spaghetti with meatballs.
I know you've only been gone for two days, but it's a short trip and I want to make sure I write to you before you come home. See, Mama and Auntie C. had this great idea about me writing a blog to let you know all the things that happen while you're gone. This trip isn't so bad, 'cause it's only for three days. Mama says that you'll take other trips that will last for two or three months. I'm not certain, but I'm pretty sure that's a long time.
We missed having you home on Saturday. Can you believe that it's been a whole month since I was born? It's gone by so fast. Mama says I've already changed so much, I don't look like a preemie anymore. She wishes that she took more pictures during the first few weeks, but isn't too hard on herself since things were so crazy. We took special birthday photos on Saturday to make up for it. I had a bath before we took pictures. I outgrew my little pink tub from the hospital, so we used my new big-girl tub and put it in the kitchen sink. We did great! I reclined on my little mesh hammock, and Mama had both hands free to wash me. Then she put me on a big soft blanket on the floor in the sunshine. I loved it! I didn't have one of those bulky, uncomfortable diapers on, and it was so nice and warm. I didn't fuss one little bit! Mama fussed a tiny bit when I peed. Okay, so I peed five times. Hey, when you're on a liquid diet, things process a little differently.
Mama's been really laid back about that stuff. Like yesterday, when I projectile-vomited all over her, she was totally cool. I don't really know what happened, there. I was having some nice awake time in her lap, we were making faces at each other, and then all of my milk came straight out of my mouth like a little mini fire-hose. It went all over the front of Mama's shirt, down her belly, and kinda' pooled at the top of her pants. She was super-quick and leaned me forward, making sure it was all out of my mouth so I didn't choke. Then, still holding me, she patted her shirt dry, wiped the milk out of her belly-button, and smiled. “Well...that was unexpected!” Then she mumbled something about laundry and stinky cheese, but by then I was half-asleep and not really listening.
Mostly we've done okay while you've been gone. I miss having awake time with you, and we both wish you were here for one of the late-night meals. Mama says “The late-late nights are the hardest. For the first five minutes that I'm awake, I re-live every negative feeling I've had during the last 12 hours. Every ounce of anxiety gets compounded and experienced all at once, all at 2 AM. I make my way down the stairs, praying to God that my feet don't falter. I have this insane fear of falling and crushing the baby, and it's made worse when I'm half lucid and on-edge. But then I sit down on the couch with Piper and she looks at me through sleepy eyes, rooting around until she finds her food. She expresses gratitude with contented little grunts and a hand wrapped around my finger. She finishes with a big-girl burp and a loud sigh of satisfaction as her milk-wet cheek rests on my shoulder. And suddenly, I wouldn't trade the late-night feeding for anything in the world.”
Well, Daddy, I guess I should go. It's almost time for me to eat again, and then we have to go to Target (can you believe I'm almost out of diaper wipes again?). Have a good time at work, and tell Uncle C. that I said thanks for taking you out for some “guy time” in NYC. You've earned it! Safe travels, Daddy, and I'll see you when you get home.
Love, Piper
P.S. – You know how you're always telling Mama not to drop food on me when we're both eating? Well, last night she dropped Rice-a-Roni on my arm and then said “Shh...Daddy will never know.” Please come home before she moves on to spaghetti with meatballs.
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