Long For The Flowers

Thank you, these two small words that hold such strong significance to me. When it come to you Ryleigh, our relationship will never been picture perfect. In fact I have spent majority of my life loving and losing those I have loved. This letter to you is 15 years after these pictures were taken. These were your cousins for a short time (Dillon 3.5, Blake 1.5, and Logan 9 months). They were part of a family that I loved and considered to be my home, I  felt like they adopted me in. I don't truly understand why we had a falling out but it still hurts to this day. I wish they got to know you, there is so much to love. Growing up I fell in love with rollerblading and riding  horses with my friend Shauna, I would scrap my knees but always get back up, when I was unable to do my math homework, she was there to help,  and when I had a bad day she was always there to make me laugh, and when my parents has abandoned me they took me in and let me be a part of their family. Unf...

Daddy Time means tummy time on daddy's legs and lots of daddy's arms, as he never puts you down. 

2.5 months and you are doing so well lifting your head, you almost have full control.  Nana and Papa love tummy time.  

Dear Ryleigh, You are 3 months old, and as your mother, I'm loving every moment. These last three months have been wonderfully full. I marvel at how much you’ve changed in such a short amount of time and know how quickly these present moments will slip into the past. I don’t want to forget them. Already, you have outgrown a drawerful of tiny outfits. Your cheeks have filled out, and your body has lengthened. Your skin has lost its translucence. You kick with happiness and wave for attention, your movements more confident and strong each day. You watch the world with awareness that you are part of it. You smile easily. You are a steady little person, not easily bothered by our barking dog. You sleep for long stretches in the night and greet me in the morning with a happy grin. You open your mouth wide as if to let out a big laugh, but all that we hear is a soft coo. I worry that one day you’ll read this and think I wasn’t being honest – that I composed a history happier ...

Looking so small in your highchair. When your doctor give the OK  that you were ready for solid foods, I had to pick a time of day when you are not tired or cranky, and a little hungry, but not so hungry you would get upset. Plus we needed to support you in your highchair but its hard for you to sit up. Next time in my lap. Most babies' first food is a little iron-fortified infant single-grain cereal mixed with breast milk or formula. We did sweet-potatoes, whoos. Most of the baby food ended up your chin and your bib, it was super cute as you tried to eat. He's not sure about baby food.

3 months and daddy is still loving bath time with you and you love it too. Daddy spends time having you float on your back. After first you're not sure about it but then you relax and enjoy floating in the tub.

When you came into this world, you brought a love into my heart that I had never before experienced. When you smiled for the first time, when you rolled over, I was your biggest supporter and biggest fan. With every developmental milestone you reached, I reveled in joy and celebration. You taught me the meaning of love -- true, unconditional love.

You are almost 3 months and life is amazing with you. After changing you I usually put you in your crib to pick up your room, pack your diaper bag, and grab my things to head out for the day. Our kitties love to jump in your crib with you to keep an eye on you.