Bristol turned 1 month on June 8th. We had a fun day. My 2 friends, Kim and Michelle, have decided that we are going to get together every week and go swimming or do something fun with our kids. We went swimming for the first time, with Bristol, and it was so fun. It was a cooler day and the water was pretty cool as well. Bristol fell asleep in her floaty, but as soon as she woke up she wasn't too happy. I think when the weather gets warmer she will enjoy it much more. But, she so far doesn't really like the water. She has been crying in the bath. Sam and I have been trying to play games with her to make it more fun. She just stares at us like we are crazy!
I have decided to write a letter to Bristol every month. I think it will allow me to reflect on the last month and to keep track of all her changes. It just goes by so fast and new things happen every day. Here is her 1 month letter.
Dear Bristol- 06/10/10
Two days ago you turned 1 month old. I can’t believe that it has already been a month since your birth day. I feel so lucky and blessed to be your mother. I will never forget the day you were born, when the doctor placed you on my chest. I felt so in love with you at that moment. It was breath taking. Your daddy and I love you so much. Getting you here was the hardest thing I have ever done on this earth, but the moment I saw you, I knew it was more than worth it. I am watching you grow day by day and seeing all the new things you are learning in this world. It is amazing the plan that our Heavenly Father has for us. I am able to see your plan unfold as you discover what this world has to offer you.
This last month you have done so many neat things and you are learning more each day. Some of my favorite things that you do are:
The day you were born you were strong enough to hold up your head. It was an amazing sight. You are getting pretty good at this. You also like to kick really hard. I know understand what the ultrasound technician meant when she said I was lucky I could not feel you kick during that ultrasound because you were kicking like crazy.
When you get spooked when you are sleeping you raise your hands really fast and then they fall back into place really slowly.
You laughed for the first time while sleeping in Grandma Flory’s arms. You were 11 days old. You keep laughing in your sleep, and daddy finally saw you do it. He didn’t believe me at first until he saw it first hand.
You love to stretch. Every time you wake up you have to be on the floor to stretch you arms and legs. I think you are doing this because you are growing so fast.
When you sleep you go through all the emotions. You get mad, sad, you smile and you laugh. I love watching you sleep.
Daddy thinks you looked Chinese when he first saw you. I just thought you were an adorable baby, with dark skin and dark hair- just like mommy and daddy.
When you get the hiccups you like to be only on your back. The hiccups convulse your entire body. I wonder how it was when you were in my tummy, you hiccupped all the time, did they take over your whole body?
You have your dislikes and likes with the breast milk. I have just now, yesterday, discovered that you do not like eggs! No more egg salad sandwiches for mom. I have also stopped drinking caffeine. It gives you horrible gas and that causes you to poop all the time which gives you a diaper rash.
You are now beginning to focus on things. Dad gets jealous when he is holding you and you are staring at me. I love that!
You have smiled at me 4 times now. You like to smile a lot, but now you look at me and smile when I make a big smile at you. The doctor says that is on accident, but I think now you actually are smiling at me.
You grew 1 lb 5 oz and 1 whole inch in about 9 days. It was amazing. You are growing so fast. At 1 month old you weighed 10 lbs and 14oz and you were 21 inches tall.
You now have defined rolls on your arms and legs, they are so cute! You also have a cute double chin.
You love sleeping. You sleep most of the day. The times you are always up is around 9pm to 11pm and 7am to 9am. You eat about every 2-3 hours. The longest you have gone is 5 hours! But that only happened once.
You are still very jerky with your motions. Your head bobbles on my chest when I am burping you and you are still trying to figure out your arms and legs.
I am starting to discover your needs through your cries and emotions.
You have stopped sleeping on my chest. For the first 3 weeks of your life, you (and I) loved sleeping on my chest. As of just a few days ago, you have decided to sleep in your own bassinet. It has been bitter sweet for me. I miss you on my chest but I can see you are gaining your independence. You have been doing this with a lot of things. Sometimes when you are upset you just like to be left alone, laying on your back or tummy.
You really enjoy your binky. This has been an adjustment for you, but now you are a pro.
I feel so proud and privileged to be your mommy. I love being able to do things for you, to help you figure out life. I know how vulnerable you are and how dependent you are on me and your daddy. I have so much love for you. I remember finding out I was pregnant with a little girl. I was so ecstatic. I knew you were going to be one very special daughter of our Heavenly Father. You are such a choice daughter to come here at this time. I know you were chosen for these days because of how brave and strong you are. I can already see those traits in you. You have such a strong spirit within you and you bring joy to all those around you.
I just want you to know that I am so happy you chose me to be your mommy. You are an amazing little girl and I can’t wait to see you grow. This past month has brought so much joy and love into my life. Your daddy and I love you so much and we will always be there for you.
Love always,
Mommy
