Dear Izzy: Week 16

Dear Izzy,

Hello sweet girl. You are the sunshine of my life, my inspiration to be a better person and my best little pal. Our days together are long as you wake up very early and have not been a big fan of napping lately. We are constantly working on it and trying to tune in to your ever changing needs and cues though, so don't think we will give up so easily! When you do nap it has to be on Mama and I don't mind. Sometimes we sleep together, but most of the time I stay awake reading and watching you sleep as you nurse and dream. I have to think this time together will only make us closer and let you know how much I love you. And trust me, I know by the time you are reading this you will have so much going on and these days will be long gone from your memory, but I will always hold them, and you, close. You want to know what my favorite part is? When you are done eating and napping you look up at me with your big bright eyes and flash me the greatest smile as I pull you in with a tickle and a laugh, causing you to squirm and smile even more before you look at me with anticipation for me to begin again.

Some days it astounds me how quickly you have grown and I tell you to stay small awhile longer, but most of the time I am so happy to see you growing and changing and though I may eat my words later, I am actually looking forward to you becoming a bit more mobile and independent because I know you will be so happy and it will be so fun to watch you put all the pieces together and propel yourself forward. Plus, you do get awfully frustrated trying to sit yourself up and to get up on your knees, so when you are able to do that I'm sure you will be relieved. I look forward to continuing to grow right alongside you. You are wonderful!

Love,

Mama