Dear 5-week Old You

Dear 5-week old you,

I know 5 weeks isn't considered a major milestone, but I wanted to write you to tell you how proud I am of you.  Your little life hasn't been the easiest one so far, but you are such a good little baby and I think we are finally starting to understand one another. 

Sometimes I worry that because I didn't carry you in my tummy, I am a little slow with my instincts when it comes to interpreting what you need.  After all, our relationship is still pretty new.  But you know what?  You are really good a communicating what you need to me.  I can tell the difference between your hungry cries and your gassy cries.  I know you love to eat, and you hate having your clothes changed- especially if we are putting your little arms through long sleeves.  I can tell when you are tired and need a snuggle and I can tell when you need some independent time listening to music in your bassinet.

Your little life hasn't been the easiest.  You had so much you had to go through during your time in the hospital, and I think you are still trying to figure things out at home.  I think you think it's funny that I try so hard to keep you on a schedule because the minute I've got it figured out, you turn the tables on me and give me that little stink eye that reminds me who is in charge now.

I know you love riding in the car, taking walks (as long as mommy brings a bottle) and eating at just about every opportunity.  Even though you are small, you have a mighty will.  You try to roll over, hold your bottle and even stand up and it frustrates you because you are a little too small but still need to try.

You love the Christmas decorations and sitting in your swing watching the lights of the Christmas tree really calms you down if you have been especially fussy.

You are an escape artist and no matter how many swaddling methods we've tried, you shed your blankets like a snake shedding it's skin.  We bought a swaddle sack and I'm still not sure you've forgiven us for that transgression.  And even though you hate getting in your carseat, that's the one place where I know you will calm down and rest.

You are a little like me in that you don't want to miss a thing, which is why you sometimes fight sleep even though your little eyes are so tired.  You like hearing mommy and daddy sing to you, and you focus on the phone when we FaceTime with your granddaddy.

Each night, when I feed you in the middle of the night, we go through the list of everyone who loves you.  Your daddy and I, your grandparents, your birth parents, your family and friends, and we end with Jesus.

We all love you so much little peanut.  I can't wait to see what we will learn about each other in the next weeks to come.

Love,

Mommy