This is your life

Dear Baby Girl,
I was just thinking about a day in the life of you and wanted to make sure I took the time to capture that for you.

Since Daddy started working from home he gets you up every morning. First he takes you out of your crib and you give him a big hug wrapping your little arms around his neck and grabbing onto his shirt. He then changes your diaper, puts on the outfit I laid out for you the night before and there's usually a little singing.

For awhile there you were flipping over every morning and making the whole process a little challenging for Daddy. We tried giving you a little pinwheel to eat for distraction which worked very well and we've transitioned to just having you help us get you ready which is a big deal to you right now...helping. So, you'll hold something or brush your hair or whatever Daddy asks you to do.

Once dressed you have your milk (No more formula for a couple weeks now.) and hang out with Daddy on the couch watching the news. You have breakfast (cereal and fruit) and then once Mom's done getting ready we head to daycare.

On the ride to daycare we sing songs, do our ABCs, eat Cheerios and make sounds at each other. You have a little "musical" book that you got as a birthday gift that you play with every morning. It sings songs about shapes and you push the button over and over again. If traffic is backed up and you get fussy I reach back and tickle your leg which always makes you giggle.

You are usually one of the first kids to your daycare class and you walk down the hallway to your room saying hi to everyone we see. They all LOVE you at the daycare and you greet everyone with a big smile.

As one of the older kids in your room you are emerging as a little leader and approach each day with confidence. No longer do you cry when I leave or when I pick you up. Most days you hug Miss Bev around the neck when we get there and say ahhhh like you do when you give hugs. Then you play, play, play the rest of the day.

I pick you up from daycare after work and our ride home is similar to our ride there. We sing songs, make sounds and talk about your day. I can't understand a word you say but it sounds fascinating. Usually if we are singing and I stop you say moah moah...and we sing more. You love to sing.

Once home, we have dinner and Daddy usually has something great made for you. Last night it was meatloaf, green beans and mashed potatoes which is a favorite meal of yours. We all sit together and eat and while you haven't mastered the fork you feed yourself. If the weather is nice we take a walk and you still love being outside looking at all the trees.

We spend every minute together, the three of us, from the time we get home until you go to bed, unless something has Dad or I away from the house. That's our time. Our family time. We play. We give you a bath. And most nights Mom is the one who puts you to bed.

Bed time is still a bottle of milk and one or two books. We cuddle and hug and I whisper in your ear how much I love you. I've also started telling you all the positive things you did during the day like...tonight you ate all your dinner, you helped Mom put your toys back in their basket before bed, you shared your toys, etc. Then, bed.

You typically sleep from 7 PM to 6:45 AM without interruption. Sometimes when I am in your room picking out your clothes for the next day you'll wake up and sit up and look at me with this sleepy smile. It's extremely cute and sweet.

So, that's your day in a nutshell. I wish I had more time to spend with you during the week. It's tough working all day and not just hanging out with you. There are so many things you are learning at daycare that I find valuable and can see you blossoming before my eyes. I don't want to miss any of that.

I love you,
Mom