Dear Izzy: Week 23

Dear Izzy,

Just a few minutes ago I tanked you up with milk and sent you on your way to buy groceries and pick up supper with Dad. Mama has been very sick these past couple of days and while we have made it through and I need this time to rest while you are out with Dad, it is still always strange to be apart. We spend almost all of our time together as you like it best that way and I am a big fan of sharing my days with you as well. I am glad you have so much love for your Dad though, so long as you are fed and not too tired you are happy as can be to be hanging out with him. Lately he has had to walk you to sleep in the Ergo carrier from time to time as well as you seem to need his special touch when nursing alone won't do the trick. You sure do love your milk though and are going strong at five months and twenty pounds on mama's milk alone. I'm so proud of you and of us and love those quiet times with you while you nurse and take in my face and I take in yours. Those nursing sessions can also be comical these days as you are all about grabbing your feet while you eat or stopping for a moment to get in a sit-up or two, always practicing your skills!

Speaking of skills, for the past few weeks any time I sit you in the chair to take your photo you sit yourself up and go grabbing for the camera. I think if you had it your way you would be sitting up almost always and you often hold your hands out to grab for my fingers to do just that. It's hard to believe that in a matter of weeks you will probably be able to do this all on your own. It is so exciting to see you grow, but my heart also aches at the speed of which it's all happening. No matter how many pictures I take or words I put down, the time keeps on flying by and there is nothing I can do to slow it down, so I breathe you in deeply each and every day and tell you how beautiful and strong and loved you are and hope that these moments will be engraved into my memory forever, for even the most challenging days together are more full of love and happiness than I have ever known, you are incredible in that way. All it takes is one smile from your face, one slobbery raspberry blown in my direction, or one snuggle into my chest and everything seems right with the world, even if only for a moment. I love you so much my sweet Izzy Fawn.

Love,

Mama