Happy 1 Month Birthday!

Dear Addison,

Wow, you're really 1 month old today!  The past four weeks have been the best of my entire life, and the fastest!  It feels like we just got home from the hospital yesterday.  Some days have been hard (like today! Why aren't you enjoying your 1 month birthday?), but every minute is worth it.  Here's what I'd like us to remember about your first month.

- You were 22 inches long and 9 pounds 2 ounces last time we had you checked.  (We'll go again Friday so I'll update this then!).  You grew an inch and gained 21 ounces in just 3 weeks!

- So far, I can't really tell who you look like.  I can see a few of dad's features in you, and others usually say you favor him.  

- You're eating really well, and have from day one.  A few times I've worried about if you're eating enough, but your weight gain and diaper count is great and I'm learning that some days you just eat more than others.

- You sleep great... at night.  You wake up to eat every 3-4 hours but go straight back down without a peep.  We are so proud of you for that!

- We're still trying to crack the code of napping.  You really fight it, especially in the mornings, but we both know you really need the sleep.  I'm learning the balance of letting you cry and when to intervene.  It's not easy, and I hope I've learned a lot more by the time you're 2 months!  (That being said, you just fell asleep on your own in your bassinet with no crying and you're really adorable.)

- You're very expressive.  From your funny facial expressions to your strong kicks to your loud cries when something's wrong, I don't think we'll have to teach you how to express yourself down the road.

- You love bath time!  Which makes your water-loving dad very happy.  It also is a relief to me, since our first bath was a serious fail on my part.  Thanks for forgiving me for that one!

- You hate dirty diapers.  But don't we all?

- You have some intense baby acne.  Don't be embarrassed, it's totally normal and you're still beautiful!

- Our favorite time of day with you is right before bed.  You get all swaddled up, and dad and I sing to you and pray with you.  We could just eat you up you're so cute!

Thank you so much for this first month.  We can't believe God has blessed us with you, or that we get to spend the next 18+ years with you as you grow up.  Dad and I often talk about how fleeting this time feels, and we don't want to wish away or take for granted even a moment.  I know it'll feel like just a few days from now that we're dropping you off to Kindergarten, then a couple more blinks and you'll be off to college or wherever life takes you.  We love you, we're proud of you, and we think you're just the most amazing daughter!