noah | one month

Dear Noah,

As I write this, you are one month and one day old (posting it five days late). I'm trying my best to keep up with you, as I did your sisters (here and here), but time just passes too quickly these days. You are no longer a newborn. Your legs and cheeks are filled out, chunky even, and you stay awake longer. I wish for more time to snuggle with you while you are still small and squishy. I think you smiled at me a couple days ago, not just a sleep smile, a real smile. But, since you haven't done it again, I can't say for sure. You have the cutest dimple in your left cheek and I'm anxiously awaiting more smiles from you so I can see it. 

You eat well, sleep quite a lot, and poop even more. You have big, wide eyes, fuzzy, little ears, and silky, soft hair.  You look like your daddy and that makes me happy. You seem to have his laid back personality, content to just snooze or hang out as long as you're not hungry or wet. Most of the time. Like any baby, you have occasions of inconsolable crying, but so far, they pass quickly. Maybe it's because this is our third time through the baby stage and your daddy and I finally have some things figured out. Things like swaddling and shushing and swaying. And recognizing your cues as to when you're hungry or tired or just want to lay on the floor and kick.

You've already been to your first movie. You slept through most of it (thank you), but woke up and had a crying meltdown during the last five minutes. It's okay. Mia was crying, too. And today, you went on your first big grocery shopping trip with me. You slept through that, too, in the Moby wrap, which is probably your favorite place on earth. You spend quite a bit of time in that wrap because you love to be held but momma needs to get stuff done. It's a win/win for both of us. 

Your sisters both love you, though they have very different ways of showing it. Laci will pat your head or give your arm a kiss occasionally as she passes by. She isn't so interested in holding you, but she sings to you every time you cry in the car. 

Mia demonstrates her love in more physical ways. Like hugs that smother you and kisses that leave you slobbery. She squeezes your arms and pretends to change your diaper. She asks to hold you several times a day. She has loved you since she first laid eyes on you in the hospital. You are lucky to have these girls as your sisters, as I'm sure they will fiercely protect you if the need arises. 

We are so blessed to have you in our family, little man. It's different and special to have a son this time. There was a bit of a learning curve with diaper changes, I'm not used to changing a boy.  But now that we have a few things figured out, there is significantly less laundry to do.  I look forward to seeing your little personality emerge...just as long as it isn't too fast.

Lots of love,

Your momma