Letter to Remi on her 1st Birthday

Dear Remington,

Oh how this Momma loves you.  As I've got to know you over this last year I've noticed some recurring themes that I think I can firmly call, character traits.  You've been a little fighter from day one.  You even fought your way to be born first, even though you were baby B!  You're a chatty little thing and you love the sound of your voice.  You are loud girl.  I mean, LOUD.  But it's usually happy loud, so I'll take it.  You love people and like to chat with them, or smile at them, but you prefer to be wrapped in my arms, cheek to cheek, holding both my ears or hair and kissing me or letting me kiss you.  The closer we are the better.  You remind me of Isaac as a baby, and I believe when he picked you to be "his baby" he picked a kindred spirit.  I used to say, "Isaac loves me so good.  I've never been loved like that" and that was true, until you came along.  You and Isaac show me love in the best, all encompassing kind of way.  I walk in a room and your face lights up, your feet start kicking, your ecstatic giggle verges on mania and you follow me around with the fastest of army crawls until I pick you up. When I'm holding you I assume you're thinking something along the lines of, "how can we get any closer?!".  You just can't get enough.  And neither can I.

I love hearing your deep belly laugh, watching you speed army crawl, and have immensely enjoyed watching you fatten right up from that tiny 4 1/2 lbs you once were.  Everything about you is fierce.  Your loves.  Your smile.  Your tantrums.  I'm constantly reminded of how I was described as a baby.  You and I sister are cut from the same cloth.  Grandpa Scott wrote me a letter once as a baby, and in it, he said,

"Dear Jill, my fat little baby.  I miss you and your fierce loves.  Don't hurt the big girls".

I get it.  I would write this exact thing to you. You're a fun, silly little girl that has 2 grown teeth (making you and Isaac tied for youngest teeth growers in this family) and a head full of hair that you love to stroke when falling asleep.  Daddy adores you and is extra gentle with you since you have been his most tenderhearted child yet.  You say hi and nigh night accompanied by a darling wave.  I predict you and I having great conversations some day that have us rolling on the floor and laughing through tears.  You're a beautiful, vibrant little soul and I love every. little. thing about you.

We love you Remi!

Love, Momma

Letter to Rowan on her 1st Birthday

Dear Rowan,

You turned 1 yesterday!  Well, technically you turned one, two days ago, as I'm writing this at 12:40 am on the 7th.  (I write when I can!)  You and sister have been the highlight of my year.  This year has flown by.  There's been some hard parts.  Sleepless nights.  Long days.  Nursing struggles. Struggling to get anywhere on time.  But there's been so much more good.  Late night chats where you babble away.  Watching your hair grow long enough to poof up on top and tuck behind your ears.
I love all your sweet smiles, husky voice, and adventurous spirit.  You're a mover and remind me a lot of Boston as a baby.  Which  I just now realize is fitting, because you are and have always been, "his baby".  You like to face outward and be picked up for quick loves, then set back down to play and army crawl.  You easily draw in friends and adoring fans with your inviting nature.

  You've recently started pulling yourself up to standing and it's so fun to see you stomp those tiny legs while standing at the baby gate.  You feel proud of yourself and shout and giggle in your husky little voice at your big accomplishments.  You're silly and like to play games and repeat noises with Daddy especially back and forth.  You say hi and wave and give out sweet beijos when asked.

I realize you and sister are identical (I think?) but I feel like you look just a bit more like me, although your personality seems different than mine. I predict you grow up to be like some of my favorite friends that possess a quiet but definite presence in a room and a grace that I never could emulate but so admire.  Just as I felt when I carried you, you're a sweet, patient little soul.  You let me know you need me, but are willing to wait when needed.  I try to make sure you get to go first half the time, just as a thank you for all your patience.

I love you so much and I see so much grace, tenderness and kindness in your bright little soul.
I love you dearly.  Your Dad is utterly smitten with you.  And your brothers are your biggest fans.

We love you dear Row!  I'm so so forever grateful you're mine.