happy 2 months, charlotte

Dear Charlotte,

Happy 2 months! As always, I’m amazed at how time is flying. And how you’re growing! You weighed in at 8lbs 4oz at your 1 month appointment and are now around 10lbs. I finally gave in and stopped squishing you into your newborn-sized clothes when you were 7 weeks old. I cried when I tried to put you into the little sleeper that we brought you home in and it was too snug for you to straighten your little legs. I remember putting you into it in the hospital room. I struggled with all the snaps, as I had never actually dressed a baby before, and when I finally got it figured out I was surprised that even though it was sized for a newborn, you were swimming in it! It’s hard for me to face the fact that you’re no longer a newborn, but are becoming a feisty baby girl.

I noticed your very first responsive smile on February 4. Though you had been smiling in your sleep for awhile, that Saturday was the first time that you smiled back as I talked to you. These days the smiles are becoming more frequent and that gummy smile makes my day. The way that your eyes crinkle and the sharp intake of breath that’s almost a giggle warm my heart in a way that nothing ever has. You don’t want to know the silly things that your mama resorts to doing to make you smile. Let’s just say that you may be the only person in the world that appreciates my dancing skills. Or lack of.

Your eyes are still a deep blue and they remind me much of your Papi’s. I love that. And you still have your daddy’s pout. You love to sleep with your hands up by your face, just like you were when we saw you in our ultrasounds. If I try to swaddle you before you’re good and sleepy, you try to bust out of it in an incredible hulk style move. Your hair is growing, except for the bit of bald spot in the back. How is it possible to have both a bald spot and a mullet at the same time? I’m excited to see if it’ll stay straight like it is now or turn out curly and wild like mine.

Though you’re still a decent sleeper, your awake time is becoming more and more fun. It’s amazing to see your personality as you grow. My favorite time of the day is the mornings, especially when daddy is home with us, when you wake up so smiley and ready to start the day. You’ve started making the sweetest coo-ing and gah noises and after you sneeze you smile and let out a happy little ahhhh sound that I adore. You’re a big fan of your playmat. You lay there kicking your legs and smiling at yourself in the hanging mirror. You’re a big flirt already. You’ve discovered your hands and when you’re hungry you try to shove your entire fist in your mouth. It’s impressive. I try to keep you entertained during the day… We do tours of the house, checking out all the photos on the wall and looking out the windows. I can’t wait until it’s warm enough for us to get outside on a regular basis. You went for your first walk in your stroller this weekend. You slept through it all, but the pups sure were thrilled to get out and walk. I read to you every day… sometimes you like it, sometimes you don’t. I’ll keep it up though, in hopes that you become a bookworm like your mama.

We celebrated your first Valentine’s Day this month… it’s a special day for your daddy and I, since it’s the day that we met 10 years ago. Hard to believe how much has happened in these past 10 years. I’m so happy to be where we are today. And so happy to have you.

Love,

Your mama