Welcome, Baby Girl!

Dear baby girl,

It's been a long time since I wrote to you, but I promise that I have a good reason. You finally joined our world on November 26 at 10:07pm after 44 long hours of labor. But, as I predicted, you were worth it!

You, our beautiful baby, are three weeks old today. We named you Charlotte Claire and have enjoyed (almost) every minute of this parenting journey so far. Soon, I will recount your birth story - before I forget the details! - but in the meantime I will quickly share a few words with you. (You're currently sleeping peacefully in your daddy's arms but will undoubtedly awaken to eat any second.)

I knew I would love you immensely and that you would steal my heart, but I didn't fully understand. I didn't know how it would feel to look into your beautiful eyes and experience an overwhelming sense of joy, happiness, love and fear all at one time. I have stumbled tiredly through these first few weeks as a parent and know that I have not been, and will not be, perfect -  but I can promise that I will always do my very best.

Our first holiday is approaching and I am so looking forward to it (among many other things) because I know that from now on I will be seeing the world through your eyes. I will be learning about life all over again and I will experience joy from the littlest of things.

I love you so, and though I have only known you for three weeks, I can't remember what life looked like without you. I promise to savor each little moment, as they pass quickly and you will never be this young again.

Until then, you're a hungry little girl and I need to feed you!

I love you so,
Mommy