SPILT MILK: July 2009

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Rylan

Dear Rylan,

People always told me that my life would change when I had children of my own. That, although I have loved other peoples children, that my own would be very different. I could have never imagined the depth of this love until the first moment I heard your first cry. I wasn't able to hold you because of surgery, and spent hours in recovery waiting for that moment. When that moment came I knew I finally learned what love was. You changed Mommy and Daddy's life instantly.

I can't believe that day was three years ago. That now you are here walking, talking, and going to preschool. I love that you say "I love you" all the time, and that you always say "please" and "Thank you". I love to smell your hair after it has just been washed, and see the smile on your face when you see the ocean. I love that you know what you want and when you want it, even if it is a bit frustrating at times. I love that you like to hold your baby sister, and that she is the first thing you ask about each morning. I love that you still turn to me first when you are hurting, or need a hug.

Even though time has flew, and we are now starting school days, and ending play group days, I feel like it was just yesterday you were my little baby. I still remember how you felt the first time you kicked me when in my belly, and the first time you smiled at me in delight. I can't imagine a day in my life I will forget such important things even though you will. I want you to know that no matter where I am in life, and no matter how old you are, you will always be my baby boy, and I will always "love you through and through" (your favorite book since you were 1 yrs old).

I look forward to watching you grow, and re-reading this little note when you are thirty, remembering it being just yesterday you turned three. I can only hope you someday will have children of your own, so that you too can know what true love is.

I love you bo bo's!

Love Mommy

Anthony Joseph

Dear Anthony Joseph,

From the day I first held you in my arms, I knew my life was going to be different. Being a new mom was going to mean sleepless nights, constantly changing diapers, and worrying all the time about my baby. Yes, motherhood certainly brought forth those attributes in the beginning, but you have changed my life in so many more ways. Because of you I have become a better person. I realize a new life is a gift from God and a promise of the future. You have made me a more humble person who is able to carry out God’s work by serving others. Being a mom has unveiled to me that all human existence is valuable and that everyone needs to be loved and cared for in order to grow and flourish.

Before the day your baby brother Marco arrived, I couldn’t imagine sharing the love I had for you with him. But how wrong I was! My love doubled and multiplied! Your brother has been an extension of our family and our love to one another. You are a wonderful big brother and I can’t wait to see the both of you become the best of friends!

Now that you are three years old, you have grown up so much. The new skills and abilities you possess have prepared you to go to pre-school in the fall. I am going to miss you during the day, but know you are going to learn so much. Remember you and Mommy are going through this together, and I will be there every step of the way.

I know that there are days when you and Marco are very needy of my time and energy. However, those days are few in numbers compared to the days I am able to snuggle with you and watch you grow by being home with you. I have come to the conclusion that although the days may be long at times, the years are short and I treasure every day I am able to spend with you and your brother. I love you both unconditionally and it is a reminder of how God loves every one of us.

Thank you for this incredible blessing!

My love always,

Mommy

Friday, July 17, 2009

Melody

My Dearest Melody,

As I watch the days get crossed off the calendar, I find it hard to believe that you are three years old. I can remember so clearly the day we went into the hospital to become a family. You are the best parts of me, the best parts of your Dad, and I am truly blessed and honored to watch you grow into the beautiful woman you are destined to become. Your strengths will be your humor, your ability to have fun, your intelligence, your empathic nature, your persistence, your love for people, and your charm. Your challenges will be your temper, your fiery personality, your stubbornness and your need to do things only your own way. Please learn to use all of these characteristics to better yourself and those around you, as they can all be used for good things. You make everyone around you feel loved and special. Hold true to what you believe to be right, stand by your friends and family, and continue to sing.

Remember, always, that I love you more than you will ever know. Happy Birthday Sugarplum!

Mommy

Penelope

Dear Penelope,

Happy 3rd Birthday, Penelope Joy! It's crazy to think how fast you are growing up. This past year, you went from being the baby in the family - still sleeping in a crib and wearing diapers, to a big sister. And just like that, you were a big girl - complete with big girl bed and going on the potty! And soon, you'll be starting pre-school and coming home to show me all that you did and learned. I know you will do amazing in school, just as you do with everything, but I'll miss you to pieces for the few hours a week you'll be gone. I can't begin to tell you how much I cherish our time together. It is a blessing that I get to be home with you to watch you grow. I hope you have a very Happy Birthday. And even though you may not be the baby any longer, you will always be my Sweet Pea, my Princess Penelope! Love, Mommy

Ashley

Dear Ashley,

When you were born our midwife helped you breathe.

When you were born a doctor took care of you and helped you eat.

When you were born your Dad wept for you, because he loves you so much.

When you were born your Mom rocked and sang to you night and day.

When you were born, you brought with you teachings of love, strength, joy, sorrow, and faith.

As you grow, we admire you when you are kind or helpful to others.

As you grow, we admire you when you give a loving hug.

As you grow, we admire you as you explore activities of interest, like singing, playing musical instruments, dancing, art, exercise, baking, tea parties, playing outside, gardening and talking or playing with family or friends.

As you grow, we love you and wish the best for you.

We wish for you to learn from life’s lessons so you are wise.

We wish for you to have open ears to hear what people say and to lose yourself in music.

We wish for you to have open eyes to know what true beauty is, and to see the beauty around you.

We wish for you to appreciate your blessings and allow it to show.

We wish for you to strive for your aspirations, and realize your dreams.

We wish for you a life full of exhilaration, joy, peace, strength, trust, faith, hope, happiness and love.

We love and adore you because you are you. There is no one else exactly like you. You are special. We are blessed to have you in our lives.

Love, Mom and Dad

Update: Ashley eagerly awaits autumn, when she will attend Little Wildcats Preschool at Bethel High School two days a week. She adores socializing and anticipates ongoing fun with her friends of three years!

Good-bye My Friends

Our friendships aren't coming to an end, but our blog is. After three years of wonderful support, friendship, with sprinkled ups and downs, we are calling it quits. We hope to continue to get together for play groups, but since all of the kids are off to preschool next year, our weekly scheduled visit might be a little rough for all to make.

In honor of our ending you will see a post from the parents that honors their child, and a favorite photo.

Hope you have enjoyed us, and thanks for coming along on the ride!

Cheers to being THREE!