Two Months Old

Dear Hannah Cate,

Today you are two months old and time is just flying by. I keep trying to soak in the details of your little life, because I know before long you won't be so little anymore! This month you crossed the 10 pound mark and we were so proud of you. You are starting to get some chubby little cheeks and even have a roll or two on your arms and legs!

Over the last month you have really started to develop your own personality. You have found your voice and discovered that your arms and legs will really move! My favorite times of the day with you are right after you have eaten. You are so content and happy. I will lay you on a blanket on the floor and just watch you play. You kick your legs and flail your arms and we just "talk". You make the sweetest noises and it just makes me smile to watch you. Speaking of smiles, you gave us your first intentional smile this month. If I could get you to do it all day, I might not do anything else. I had no idea how much I would love that toothless grin! Your Daddy is really the best at getting you to smile, you love him so much!

We have also discovered that you love to be outside. Daddy discovered that when you are fussy he can take you outside and you are immediately quiet and content. You love our evening strolls around the neighborhood. We have also been slowly introducing you to Clive and Gabby. They sniff you in the stroller and like to lick your feet when I am holding you. When we go on walks, Clive stays close to your stroller and I know that he is being protective over you already. They are going to be your best friends and I can't wait until you are big enough to play with them.

You found your hands this month and you love them! You seem to favor your left hand, so maybe you will be a lefty like your Daddy. Your favorite thing to do with your hands is put them in your mouth, sometimes your whole fist at one time and other times just a finger or two. Though your hands are satisfying, nothing takes the place of your beloved paci! That thing is a miracle worker and one of your most prized possessions. We make sure never to leave the house without it. I made the mistake of taking you to Subway one day and left the paci at home on accident. You let me know that was not okay, and I promised all the way home that I would never do it again!

You continue to enjoy bath-time and laying on your changing table. You also love to be swaddled and nearly refuse to sleep without it. You are an angel when we ride in the car and usually sleep the entire time or watch your "friends" that hang down from your car seat. We have discovered that you love your bouncy seat and we'll often let you sit on the table (while we have a hand on the bouncy seat too, of course) with us while we eat dinner. It makes you feel like such a big girl and we get to spend that time as a family!

You went on your first road trip this month and also had your first stomach virus. You had your first official babysitter while Mama and Daddy went to Supper Club, we missed you while we were gone, but it was nice to have some adult time too! We took you to the beach for the first time this month and you finally got to meet your Aunt Emily and Uncle Mick. You went to your first baby shower and met your Great-Grandmother Barnes for the first time. It's been so fun to experience all of these first with you, it makes everything feel like new to me too!

This month most people have decided that you look like your Daddy. I think it's your dark hair and blue eyes that make people say that, but it's fine with me if you end up looking like him!

One of my greatest joys so far has been watching your grandparents love on you. I realize how much they love you, just as they love us, and it is overwhelming. They think the simplest noise you make is as great as we do. They all crave time with you and are always sad to see you leave. What a blessing to have so many people love you so much!

This month has been one of discovery for all of us! We are figuring things out one day at a time, together. There is no one else that we would rather take this journey with. Everyday hasn't been glorious and we've all had our moments, but there is no doubt in my mind that I wouldn't trade you for a year worth of nothing but glorious days! Even a crummy day is better with you in it. You have stolen our hearts, baby girl!

All my love,

Mama