tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24118956162490543912024-02-20T13:32:13.509-05:00Dear BexOne-sided conversations with my baby girl.Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-10626723717560902032015-01-12T17:55:00.000-05:002015-01-12T17:55:10.639-05:00Life has changed. A lot.Dear Bex,<br />
<br />
It has been over six months since I last wrote to you - I am so sorry at that excessively long amount of time, but in my defense - A LOT has gone on!<br />
<br />
You are a big sister. On September 12, 2014, we met Lila Jane, and immediately our family dynamic shifted. You were suddenly - bigger. Older. More responsible. As I've said a ton of times since she was born, her birth heightened every aspect of your personality - as mature and smart as you were, you are even more so now. As silly and loud as you were, you are sillier and louder now. As steadfast in your opinions, beliefs, desires and actions as you were, you even more... willfull... or stubborn... or steadfast now. It hasn't always been easy between the two of us, or between you and The Daddy. But you know what has? Your relationship with Lila. You ADORE her, and have from the moment that you first met her. You walked into the hospital room where I was, and we had her in her bassinet on the side of the room. You asked for her, and immediately commented on how cute she is. You loved her instantly. (The Princess Anna and Queen Elsa dresses she brought you helped a little, I'm sure...)<br />
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You smother Lila with kisses and constantly want to know where she is and check on her. You help me give her baths and wash her hair and feet for me. You laugh at her, you are starting to make her laugh at you, and you love when we play all together. The first time I had her lay in your bed with you you were ECSTATIC, and we laughed and stayed in there for a while - it is one of my favorite memories so far. You have tons of nicknames for her, but the one that has stuck the most is Meepers. I love it. You always ask for "that little cutie" or "Meepers" or "Beepers" or "Lila cutie" and love making her say things in the voice that you have invented for her. <br />
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Sure, there have been some times that you weren't her biggest fan - she was a NOISY newborn, and that grated on all of us a bit. You told The Daddy that they could hear her on Mars, Venus and Saturn one night. And there have been a couple of instances when you ask us to put her down so we can play with you, or you inquire about if babies can go back into bellies... but for the most part, you have wholeheartedly accepted her and known that she is ours - that she completes our family, <br />
<br />
She is four months old today - and in honor of that milestone, I am introducing <a href="http://himylila.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hi My Lila</a> - first entry coming soon :)<br />
<br />
More about the past six months of your life - your new big girl bed, your new school, your upcoming fourth birthday (!) soon...<br />
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I love you, baby girl - and now my big girl!<br />
<br />
Love always,<br />
MommyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-33588646300217553722014-07-02T14:26:00.003-04:002014-07-02T14:46:05.618-04:00Life in our HouseDear Bex,<br />
<br />
Life has been pretty hectic for the past couple of months - we are finally out of the haze of it and mostly back to normal. Dina hurt her foot at the very end of April, and ended up needing six weeks off for it to heal enough for her to come back and take care of you, my rambunctious, active, chica loca! We scrambled for coverage while she was out, with myself, The Daddy and all four grandparents pitching in, not to mention help from Dina's niece and a temporary nanny named Fely who you grew to love too. It was craziness, and while for the most part you were awesome, you are certainly a happier girl with Dina back in your life.<br />
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In the time since that happened you have had croup twice and a raging double ear infection. You have refused to take medicine, spitting it back in our faces, and had more than a few sleepless nights that I promise would have gone better if you had listened to us - but that would be too easy!<br />
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You have, though, in these couple of months, become enamored with my belly and all things about the baby. You call yourself a big sister already, ask about the baby all the time (is she or he moving? are they kicking? are they laughing? are they growing? when will the baby be here?) and kiss and rub my belly. You love to tickle it and say "Hi fuzzy fuzzy! You're so cute!" to the baby, which just makes me smile each time. We got you a big sister book that you love, and you have started pushing around your dolls in their strollers a lot more - not to mention acting like a baby a lot more too. This morning you asked for some baby food in jars from Kings - we may be taking this a bit far! :)<br />
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This past weekend we had our 2014 Climb out of the Darkness. In preparation for it, I have become super active with Postpartum Progress, the non-profit who organizes the walk, and that has been so great. I got to meet some of the other women involved, including founder Katherine Stone, because we went to a taping of The Today Show to see David Gray - his new song, Back in the World, is the<a href="http://www.postpartumprogress.com/will-ever-get-better-postpartum-depression" target="_blank"> theme of this year's walk</a>, as you can see in the video below (which the baby and I are in, just after 1:30!). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's me!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://dearbex.blogspot.com/2013/06/climbing-out-of-darkness.html" target="_blank">Last year's walk</a> was <a href="http://dearbex.blogspot.com/2013/06/our-climb-from-darkness.html" target="_blank">amazing</a>, and this year's was just as incredible - we had 25 people come - family, friends and coworkers (and a <a href="http://photos.nj.com/4505/gallery/climb_out_of_darkness_walk_jun/index.html#/0" target="_blank">photographer from NJ.com</a>!) - and raised more than $5,000 which boggles my mind. The support from people near to me and far, from people I speak to daily to people I haven't spoken to in over a decade, boggles my mind - and lets me know that this is a cause worth talking about.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Daddy taking over reading a letter from Postpartum Progress founder Katherine Stone because I was too emotional. I could blame the pregnancy, but that's not entirely true.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TEAM HOBOKEN!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You really didn't want to be in our family picture. </td></tr>
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So yes - things have been nuts. Planning for the Climb, making sure you were well taken care of, your graduation from KVU and start of Camp Kidville and so much more has been a whirlwind! Despite some extreme feistiness from you, which we've been trying to curb albeit somewhat unsuccessfully, you have been amazing through everything. You make us laugh all the time - especially with your new brand of more mature (or immature) potty humor. You are somewhat obsessed with playgrounds, and fearless when you get to go to them. You absorb facts and the world around you at an unbelievable pace, remember things from MONTHS ago that you recall with perfect clarity, and even started writing all of your letters without anyone teaching you how to do so! You addressed these Father's Day cards by yourself (OK, I made the G in Grumpa.)!<br />
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Already this summer, you have been swimming a few times, conquering your fear of putting your face and head in the water. You have been fishing, thanks to Nicole and John's pond at their new house, and we have gone to your first baseball game (that you shocked us and loved) on Father's Day, took a trip to Margate, NJ, to visit Leslie, Sydney, Hayden and baby Dean and seen Daddy in a race or two. You are a blast to hang out with, and it is so much FUN right now to be your mom.<br />
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<br />
I get the feeling these next few months will be more of the same insanity, and then... who knows once this baby gets here!! Third trimester - the countdown is ON!!<br />
<br />
I love you, baby girl.<br />
<br />
Love always,<br />
MommyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-32467231345483624902014-04-14T10:14:00.003-04:002014-04-14T10:16:21.156-04:00The News!Dear Bex,<br />
<br />
The Daddy and I have been talking about giving you a brother or sister for a little while now. We went back and forth - you are SO much fun, and SO awesome and funny and we are SOOOO lucky - what if another baby isn't that same way? And I had a <a href="http://dearbex.blogspot.com/2011/09/dark-days.html" target="_blank">pretty hard time</a> in the beginning after having you - were we ready to go through that all again?<br />
<br />
In the end, we decided that we did want to press our luck for another baby - to hopefully have another as incredible as you are, and a sibling and best friend for you to have for life. <br />
<br />
And in January, just after you turned 3, we learned that we would in fact be having a baby, in October. We were sort of speechless - yes this is what we wanted, but the minute you find out it's really going to happen? Nothing prepares you for that.<br />
<br />
We waited to make sure everything was going well, and then we got the fun of telling you.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SDYHn1MqVhg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br />
Just after this (which cuts out annoyingly early due to low phone memory), you asked why we paused the TV. It was priceless, and exactly how The Daddy said it would go.
Since then, you have really warmed up to the idea of being a big sister. You love telling people that we're "getting a baby!", and tell me all the time that it's a girl that you'd like to name either A) Rebecca, B) Dina, C) Elsa or D) Jasmine. Oh, and if it's a boy, which you adamantly tell us IT IS NOT, you will name him Poopy. Or Abu.<br />
<br />
I am just about four months pregnant now, which means we have 5-6 months left - quite a bit of time. My bump is totally showing (gotta love second pregnancies), and you have started patting it, asking to see it and just last week, talking to it. You said, "Hi there baby... hi little girl... Have a good dinner!" And this morning, you patted my belly and said "Hi in there... feel good!" which melted my heart. It is moments like these, and me imagining you taking care of whoever is coming to join our family, that turn me into a bowl full of mush (and tears). I am sure it will not all be as sweet as this, and there will be major adjustments for all four (!) of us, but I am beyond excited for every second. <br />
<br />
I love you so much, baby girl.<br />
<br />
Love always,<br />
MommyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-66463503113270865152014-03-27T11:32:00.004-04:002014-03-27T11:35:17.326-04:00Bex in SpecsDear Bex,<br />
<br />
The day before you turned 3, we went to Toys R'Us to spend some of the money you have accumulated in gift cards since you were born. It was your first spree, and I got to say,"We can pick a few things out to take home! This is a special day!" We had a blast running around the store, looking at everything and visiting all your 'friends,' which is what you call every cartoon character you can recognize. You played in the mini cars in the back, hopping in and out of various models for half an hour, and we chose some toys to bring home with us. <br />
<br />
Just as we were about to hit the registers, you looked up at me to answer a question I had asked you, and I noticed your right eye turn in just slightly, but enough to take me aback. I felt my heart drop, asked you to look at me again but couldn't make it happen again. For the rest of the afternoon, I kept staring at your eyes trying to spot the problem again, and a few times, I did. <br />
<br />
I was scared - what did the turning in mean? What was it a signal of? Was I imagining it? How long had I not noticed this for? I Googled, terrified myself, and asked The Daddy if he had noticed it - he said I was crazy, so I thought I was. I kept seeing it though, and every time it made me shudder - I just knew I wasn't crazy, and asked Dina if she'd seen anything, but she hadn't either. Still, I researched online and wondered what it could be.<br />
<br />
Then, a week later, both The Daddy and Dina saw it too. We went for your three-year check-up, and the doctor told me that if I suspected something, we should take you to the eye doctor to have it checked out - we were at the Englewood Eye Center a week later, and in that week we all kept seeing it happen more and more. Even Grandma noticed it during a sleepover you had at her house. <br />
<br />
The eye doctor did her examination, and immediately diagnosed you as farsighted. Your vision was +3.75, which is fairly severe - you would need to wear glasses, starting as soon as possible, all the time, until you were probably 10-11 years old.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at the diner after your appointment, with dilated pupils.</td></tr>
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I would be lying if I said the news didn't shock me and make me upset. In the grand scheme of things, are glasses a big deal? No. Could there be MUCH worse diagnoses and remedies? Of course. But I was still just shocked that the small thing I had noticed a few weeks earlier during a fun Toys R'Us outing had turned out to be a signal of something really wrong.<br />
<br />
We chose frames, and you actually had a blast during that part, trying on different glasses, calling yourself Dr. Bex and generally cracking everyone up. We picked out an adorable purple pair and came back to get them a week or so later, after having talked up how cool glasses would be that whole time. You cried when it was time to put them on, but I let you work through that and a few minutes later you slipped them on. "Whoah, things look different. The sun is moving!" were your exact words, but since then, Bex, you've really never taken them off. They help you see so much better that you love and know you need your glasses. <br />
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<br />
You have changed since having them, too - you concentrate on tasks for longer than you used to, and you are less clumsy, both of which were signs that you had been having trouble seeing things close up for a while. We bought you a cute little stuffed princess with a pouch on the back that holds your glasses at night, and you pop up each morning and run to get them. You have done better with this adjustment - which is quite a major one - than I ever could have imagined. I am so impressed, and proud of you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUDqfnzcY_NH9N9tgWQ8LabBqMKS7whgbDB32zBKg7LVXgG2D5z3IACZuKftLKHyudqszUqZsTqQ2HpujbxcvLB7VA2vj50EM09L78gHRlbiw76GSrQt1HLisf8HComXykqhOmR7E7gd1/s1600/Bex+dressed+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUDqfnzcY_NH9N9tgWQ8LabBqMKS7whgbDB32zBKg7LVXgG2D5z3IACZuKftLKHyudqszUqZsTqQ2HpujbxcvLB7VA2vj50EM09L78gHRlbiw76GSrQt1HLisf8HComXykqhOmR7E7gd1/s1600/Bex+dressed+up.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love you, Bex in Specs!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MommyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-25144063543827100272014-03-25T10:17:00.003-04:002014-03-25T10:17:41.103-04:00School?! ALREADY?Dear Bex,<br />
<br />
Somehow, you are three. Somehow, it is time to start thinking about preschool beyond the amazing Kidville University two-hour dropoff program we've done this year. Somehow, we must make a real, adult decision about where you will spend the next year or two prior to Kindergarten.<br />
<br />
In trying to decide between a private option or the free public preschool option in Hoboken, we've had the opportunity to do a lot of research, have a ton of conversations about what will work best for us, for you and (really, most importantly) for Dina and finally, to go on open houses / meetings / interviews.<br />
<br />
Oh, the interview.<br />
<br />
Our "backup option" should we not get a place in the public preschool program that Hoboken offers, which is quite possible due to overcrowding in Hoboken, was Hoboken Montessori. It's expensive, yes, but it's also RIGHT across the street. I've learned a lot about the Montessori method at work recently, and really believe in its philosophies and techniques, so went for an open house. I thought it was great and that it could be a good option for you - and then we brought you in for your interview.<br />
<br />
My baby girl, it was the proudest I've been of you in your entire life yet. You were unabashedly yourself - pretending to be characters, expressing yourself willfully and not letting anyone tell you what to do. I don't think this is the type of child they were looking for - but it is the one I am in love with and am so proud to have!!<br />
<br />
It began when the preschool director walked by prior to your interview and you said a charming hello - she asked your name, and you identified yourself as "Amanda." I laughed and let her know that wasn't your name but my niece's, and asked you to tell her your real name. "Ryan Baker." was your next response. Again, I laughed and shook my head, glancing over at The Daddy who was also already laughing. This was going to be interesting, we could tell...<br />
<br />
They invited you into the room, and we accompanied you because you didn't want to go in alone. I should mention that this was after we had to wake you from your afternoon nap, so you weren't the happiest girl - but I digress. We entered the room and you looked around at all the toys - the teacher asked if you wanted to do one activity, and you responded with a definite and defiant "NO." You wandered around a bit and declined other activities, then found the easel, where you colored for a minute or two before moving onto another activity. You walked over the the tower of block cubes, and swiftly knocked them down with one swipe. The teacher attempted to show you how to carefully pick them up and restack them, and you did so for a moment. You missed one larger block when restacking, and she asked what you thought would happen when you tried to balance it on top of the other, smaller blocks. I swear, Bex, you stared her right in the eye, put that larger block squarely on top of the smaller ones and it balanced perfectly, and then you swiped and knocked them down again. The Daddy and I were stifling laughter at this point, staring at you going through this classroom like a bull in a china shop. You made messes that you refused to clean up, did some activities and abandoned them moments later, and generally were... you.<br />
<br />
Once the teacher said, "I think I've seen enough," she asked if you had a nice time - you looked back at her, said a final, "NO." and left the room. The Daddy and I profusely thanked them, continued to giggle, and followed you - our brilliant, vivacious, imaginative girl - outside.<br />
<br />
You got rejected a month later.<br />
<br />
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<span class="gD" email="admissions@hobokenmontessori.com" name="Admissions" style="color: #222222; display: inline; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">Admissions</span> <span class="go a1H" style="color: #555555; vertical-align: top;">admissions@hobokenmontessori.com</span></h3>
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<span alt="Fri, Feb 28, 2014 at 3:42 PM" class="g3" id=":1o7" style="margin-right: 3px; vertical-align: top;" title="Fri, Feb 28, 2014 at 3:42 PM">Feb 28</span><div aria-checked="false" aria-label="Starred" class="zd" role="checkbox" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; height: 20px; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0">
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<span class="hb" style="color: #777777; vertical-align: top;">to <span class="g2" dir="ltr" email="lesley.neadel@gmail.com" name="me" style="vertical-align: top;">me</span>, <span class="g2" dir="ltr" email="evan.neadel@gmail.com" name="evan.neadel" style="vertical-align: top;">evan.neadel</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Dear Mr. & Mrs. Neadle,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /><br />After a thorough review of your child’s application and our existing enrollment, our administrative team has determined that we are unable to offer you a contract for the 2014-2015 school year at Hoboken Montessori School.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">It is never easy to make these difficult admissions decisions; I wish we could accommodate all the wonderful families we meet through the admission process. We are certain Rebecca will flourish at another of the fine schools in the area. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /><br />We thank you for your interest in Hoboken Montessori School and wish you all the best in the future.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Sincerely,<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Denise Rosenthal<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Director</span></div>
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Shortly after this interview, The Daddy and I went to the Open House for the public preschool option that Hoboken offers. The classrooms were filled with toys, colors, pictures and projects that the children had done. They exuded warmth, playfulness and excitement, and I could immediately imagine you walking the halls and seamlessly fitting in. We applied a few weeks later - fingers crossed we get a spot!!<br />
<br />
I love you and all that you are, just the way you are, baby girl!<br />
<br />
Love always,<br />
Mommy<br />
<br />Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-17732473614205698502014-01-20T20:55:00.001-05:002014-01-20T20:55:17.516-05:00The Night Before You Turn 3Dear Bex,<br />
<br />
My loveygirl, you are turning three tomorrow. I just put you to bed for the last time as a two-year-old and tried to explain what birthdays were - the day each year that your mommy had you, that you were born. I don't think you understood, though you may have since you really understand, remember and ponder just about everything these days. The Whys have started, and I never really know enough to satisfy them, though I try my best. The memories that you pull out of thin air boggle my mind, and I often have to think hard but can decipher even the most random references you make. We met someone named Jessie, and you remembered that Erica Lakind's teddy bear has the same name, something you learned months earlier when we visited their new apartment for half an hour. Seriously.<br />
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We have really become best friends recently, and that brings along the good with the bad. Your best friend is the person that makes you laugh the hardest and most often, and who brings out the best in you, but can also push your buttons like no other since they know you so well. Yep, that's us! We have the most fun together, you and I and The Daddy, and we laugh, sing, dance and play most of the time these days. Candy Land, Zoominoes, puzzles, books, TV shows, songs and movies fill our days. You remember lines, sayings, quotes and songs and repeat them constantly, and you assign all of the people in your life roles from each of these - sometimes the three of us are Nemo, Dory and Marlin, sometimes we are members of the Paw Patrol or characters from Aladdin or a random show you fell in love with called Tree Fu Tom. We willingly act these out and call you by your chosen name, since if we don't you say, "I'm not Rebecca, I'm _______." (Nemo, Ryder, Abu, Tom...). Then, on a dime and for no reason at all, you become frustrated, angry or sad and have a bit of a meltdown. Sometimes you yell at us or purposely do something that you know you're not supposed to, and while we are working through this with you it in turn makes us frustrated, angry or sad! We try not to have our own meltdowns and to stay calm, but admittedly don't always succeed - welcome to the 3s is what we've been told by friends who have been down this road before!<br />
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You have also developed a quirk where you want to be like whoever we are near, even if we aren't necessarily playing with them. This means if Amanda has her hat and gloves on, you better have a hat and gloves too! And if we are in the playroom and someone has a dress on, we may have to come back upstairs to put on a dress too and avoid the aforementioned tantrums (something Mommy is much more apt to do than The Daddy, for sure)! It really gets quite intricate, I must admit, but I'm usually willing to play along.<br />
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All in all though, you are still the most awesome kid around. A month ago we went on vacation together to Puerto Rico with Lulu, Amanda and Ryan. The daddies stayed home to work and it was a long six days without them. I was so nervous to be without The Daddy - he is such an integral part of us, and helps me SO much with you that I wasn't sure how we'd do without him, especially in a strange place with a strange crib and strange food and two (2!) four-hour plane flights. But there was no reason to be scared - as you have always done in the past, you proved to me over and over that you are a cool, fun, roll-with-the-punches girl. You were amazing on the plane, both times, including during the delay in the airport on the way home. You slept like a champ for five nights in a pretty small pack and play. You had a great time swimming in the pool and playing with your cousins, and were so sad when it was time to come home, until you realized that meant seeing The Daddy. It was all you talked about the whole last two days I think! Admittedly it was all I thought about too.<br />
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We had your birthday party yesterday, and you had so much fun - we did it at Kidville since you are so comfortable there and it was great. Tattoos, play-doh, art projects and blocks to start off, some time running and playing in the gym and then chicken fingers, pizza, fruit and cake to finish up. We didn't sing Happy Birthday at your request, and even still you cried after from what I think is a bit of anxiety towards either the attention, noise or combination of the two. You quickly got better once you got to lick the frosting off of your candles! You got so many fun little presents and it was really the perfect way to celebrate with 20 of your friends and all four grandparents.<br />
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I can not believe that three years ago today, The Daddy and I drove through the Lincoln Tunnel to check into the hospital, a trip of which I still remember every second. I was so nervous to meet you, to find out who had been kicking me and hiccuping in there for the past nine months, and to see who you would become. I could not have imagined someone that brings so much to my life. Someone who makes me laugh out loud constantly with the hilarious, amazing, grown up and wise beyond her years words she says, tear up with pride by doing the most mundane task, and full-on ugly cry when I think of the years that have some how already passed and how quickly you are growing up. I can not wait to see what else you've got in store for us, Babylove... my newest and bestest friend.<br />
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XOXOXOXOXOOXOXO to my still-two-year-old-daughter for at least tonight!<br />
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Love always,<br />
MommyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-47162596179377540662013-10-04T10:28:00.001-04:002013-10-04T10:28:19.476-04:00"Reading"Dear Bex,<br />
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You have always had a penchant for books and reading, and recognized books by their covers... you've always memorized them quite quickly, and I frequently won't read the last word on a page and wait for you to fill it in (which you usually do perfectly). You've recently taken this to another level, reading books to yourself and having a blast doing it. Sometimes the pages are paraphrased based on the pictures, but mostly, you get them 100% right...<br />
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And crack me up in the process :)<br />
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I love you, baby girl.<br />
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Love always,<br />MommyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-39785638557756832042013-09-25T14:02:00.000-04:002013-09-25T16:49:23.622-04:00Fun with BexDear Bex,<br />
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I told you that you've been so much fun lately with us - but had no idea how much fun you've been with Dina too! She has recently been texting me tons of pictures during the day of the fun you have together - at classes, on playdates, walking around, at the playground - and she is as proud (if not prouder) as I am at how well you're doing at school. The teachers say you follow directions, and know your colors so well, and are just amazing, and Dina says you say good bye to her now without any reservations and sit down to start playing - I love this, and can't wait to take you on Friday and see it all for myself. I love you, baby girl!<br />
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Love always,<br />
MommyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-53520140353127791422013-09-18T20:06:00.002-04:002013-09-19T10:56:19.055-04:00Summer 2013Dear Bex,<br />
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What. A. Blur. This summer blew by in an instant, marked in the beginning by the Walk and at the end by our family trip to Georgia and the Jewish Holidays, earlier this year than anyone can ever remember.<br />
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And in those months, Baby Girl, you GREW UP. You grew in size, vocabulary, attitude (!) and love. Your legs are longer, hair blonder and thoughts more mind-boggingly complex than at the beginning of the summer. You had so much fun in the sprinkler at the playground in Hoboken, over various weekend stays with Grandma and Grumpa and in Georgia with, as you put it, "everyone." <br />
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We have been having SUCH fun with you lately. You are at such a great age, my two-and-a-half-year-old (!), and showcase all of the classic stereotypes of the Terrible Twos, but in the most un-terrible way possible. Hilarity, intelligence, creativity, regressions, curiosity, defiance, tantrums... we cycle through these on a daily, if not hourly, basis.<br />
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You loved being outside, but REALLY hated the summer heat with a vengeance. I don't think you realized that it's the heat that made you so upset, because you didn't really let us do anything to relieve the heat for you like put your hair up, take sips of water or come in the shade, and instead opted to just get very flushed and sweaty and irritable. To combat the heat we often took you to the sprinkler, or to play in pools and water tables whenever possible. And when you see any of those, my goodness, you got so giddy that you jumped right in. Literally. You would run straight into the sprinkler's sprays of water, jump tush first (yes, tush first) into pools over and over, and grab whatever receptacle you can find at a water table and proceed to dump that water over your head over and over until you've had enough.<br />
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You love going to visit friends, families and the classes in which you are enrolled, asking every morning who you'll see or where you'll go that day. You are very generous with hugs and saying "I love you" to all of your favorite people.<br />
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You love to jump now - while crossing the street, while standing on the couch and while climbing down flights of stairs, you are most often in the air. You love to sing even more than you used to, and catching you singing along to the CDs we've listened to (OVER AND OVER AND OVER) in the car is one of my favorite things right now. You love anything on TV - Dora, Diego, Umizoomi, Jake and the Neverland Pirates and Sofia the First. You love Thomas, Clifford, Blue's Clues, Hello Kitty and Minnie Mouse - but you are very particular about what you want to watch at any given time, and with OnDemand, you often get what you want. What can I say, Mommy's a huge sucker...<br />
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You love the iPad more than anything else, and I've downloaded tons of apps and games for you that are at least somewhat educational!You do puzzles on there that blow my mind, play Monkey Preschool Lunchbox and get all the puzzles right, watch Dora (obviously) and love the virtual dollhouse too - not to mention the Thomas app.<br />
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Georgia was so much fun with you this year! You woke up early the first couple of mornings, and you and I went around exploring the resort. I can't explain how it feels to show you around someplace that means so much to me, having gone there each year since I was your age. It is pretty incredible. We would walk to see the birds in the bird room, who we named Tweeters and Chirpy and I think you thought were your pets. We would get mini muffins there and Mommy would have coffee. One morning you insisted on carrying around an empty cup just like mine. We would then walk out to the dock and see the boat, The Cloister Belle, and then make our way back to our room in time for breakfast with the whole crew. You spent mealtimes laughing with Amanda and Ryan, until you'd had enough and would demand we go to the pool. You LOVED swimming in the pool, both playing on the steps with Ryan and with the lion fountains, and loved when The Daddy or I would bring you into the deeper water and spin you around quickly. The last day on vacation we put you on a boogie board in the pool and you wouldn't get off for at least an hour. You were such a cute little surfer girl! You loved the beach the first day, overcoming your fear of sand quickly to run in and out of the ocean and all around. But after that, it didn't quite do it for you and you were content to just stay in the pool all week. You came out to dinners every night like a champ (thanks to that heavy iPad addiction) and then The Daddy would bring you home after... to do it all over again the next day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The coffee cup.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A moment when we didn't hate the beach!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same swing I sat on when I was your age!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6A7R9uUK9dTiQb9og8X4rpNAYo8oJJDSGumA5OH_BM1FX0DQdVBF_epkO4D4QAWJQIP9Sr_SjbDOI2glIcSFFJe8I7xOEIXMMOs_moIkRFoZUg7at2NxPjt794YB-MpiSF8wyK_D1Td6f/s1600/Tweeters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6A7R9uUK9dTiQb9og8X4rpNAYo8oJJDSGumA5OH_BM1FX0DQdVBF_epkO4D4QAWJQIP9Sr_SjbDOI2glIcSFFJe8I7xOEIXMMOs_moIkRFoZUg7at2NxPjt794YB-MpiSF8wyK_D1Td6f/s320/Tweeters.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing yoga with Chirpy</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
You were a rockstar on the plane, too, and that helped make our vacation that much better. You've recently been asking to go on a plane again, so maybe we'll plan another trip soon...<br />
<br />
Your sass has definitely increased lately - The Daddy and I think it may be some of the television shows that you watch, where kids are demanding or mean to teach a lesson, but either way, it's not fun to deal with! At bedtime, or naptime, or mealtime, we hear, "I'm not (tired or hungry) AT ALL!". You've recently started saying, "I don't love you," and even "You're not as good at this as me!" to other kids or us. Oh, and "No way, Jose" is your favorite response to just about anything. We're working through this, and I'm sure it's a phase as everything else, but it's one of my least favorite to date.<br />
<br />
Another of my least favorite recent things was potty training. We made our first attempt in August, and took two weeks to try and get you into it - you were NOT. There were a couple of times we thought we made breakthroughs, when The Daddy finally got you to relax and you made your first big peepee in the potty, or when you made your first poop in the potty and told Dina that it looked like a hot dog... but alas, these were short-lived milestones. We had started to get to a pretty good place I think, but then went to Georgia and it all went down the tubes. Back into PullUps you went, and we'll try again soon...<br />
<br />
You recently started preschool at Kidville, their Kidville University (KVU) program. The first day you were fine going in because I was with you, and I sat and watched you tentatively play with the toys and follow the teachers' directions. You sat in the chair at the table, and on the letter R (your favorite that you made it a point to find) on the rug, and when the teacher read a story and stood so that all the kids could see her, you made yourself quite comfortable in her chair at the head of the class!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84uy0RqVnTQFHd1C3AmWNVoG9Z9Vpql1ucW30S5iVtJUHYnG0AVdJSUcbBvSuPjf1aTNfgRSyWrcf0KmPfPDdA3-DXc3fv7dtuisB0VcH6IdrieiU0Spns8x_2av6fH715ZHhG03FPfC7/s1600/1st+day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84uy0RqVnTQFHd1C3AmWNVoG9Z9Vpql1ucW30S5iVtJUHYnG0AVdJSUcbBvSuPjf1aTNfgRSyWrcf0KmPfPDdA3-DXc3fv7dtuisB0VcH6IdrieiU0Spns8x_2av6fH715ZHhG03FPfC7/s320/1st+day+1.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of school!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2my-wm91rfaSPfeU0HPCEVM9D0N5UWgnUn3JMBdaF4-1W8fBwJLNKr8r477slagYHcRcfR7qfH-z6yANBDK0B0LYACdGdg2f3gQWx_q2-O0D6erLmh1FaPmffJHNv4wb-H1k0LH07yj-V/s1600/1st+day+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2my-wm91rfaSPfeU0HPCEVM9D0N5UWgnUn3JMBdaF4-1W8fBwJLNKr8r477slagYHcRcfR7qfH-z6yANBDK0B0LYACdGdg2f3gQWx_q2-O0D6erLmh1FaPmffJHNv4wb-H1k0LH07yj-V/s320/1st+day+2.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May you always be this excited to get there! Running with Mason...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eOvwvmIIQ2owbRyU1ZTnO8IWPKcgKyAfcKSXfwBD0tiqV1j2lzdJdli5TUtO5aO58-HOrvXLmY4WrG1sbsvnFw2qNpr-qyZ1D0UsJqf_jm22S22yOMUTIPxy-CCNIoxSEVAgkYcyRVRg/s1600/1st+day+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eOvwvmIIQ2owbRyU1ZTnO8IWPKcgKyAfcKSXfwBD0tiqV1j2lzdJdli5TUtO5aO58-HOrvXLmY4WrG1sbsvnFw2qNpr-qyZ1D0UsJqf_jm22S22yOMUTIPxy-CCNIoxSEVAgkYcyRVRg/s320/1st+day+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Head of the class!</td></tr>
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<br />
All of the other mommies left quickly, and soon it was just one other nanny and I in the room with all of you and your teachers. She took the opportunity to sneak out, while I came over to you and said that I was going to go get coffee, and I'd be back soon. You wanted to come with me, and teared up, but I turned and left and know you were fine. When I came back to get you you were happy to see me and jumped into my arms, and then quickly out of them and into Dina's when you saw her! Wednesday you were much more hesitant going into the classroom. You knew what to expect, and had spent Monday afternoon and Tuesday telling me school wasn't fun. But, I left you quickly, and despite some tears, they said you had a good day. Friday was the same, with the difference being at pickup - it was the first time you ran to me to tell me you had SO MUCH FUN! I was so happy to hear that, and so proud of you, my big girl! This week has been great - they said you've been listening, and participating and you know your colors so well - hearing that feedback about your child is just incredible. I'm sure the day will come when teachers don't have 100% positive reports for me, so I'm going to bask in this for a little while longer... :)<br />
<br />
Over the Jewish holidays, we went to Mimi and PopPop's for Rosh Hashana and then Grandma and Grumpa's for Yom Kippur. On Rosh Hashana we made sure you took a break from playing and heard the shofar. While at Grandma and Grumpa's synagogue, we took you upstairs to play in the toy room during services. When the Rabbi's children, who play there all the time, showed up, they stared at you - no one is usually up there with them! It wasn't long before they were completely under your spell. You immediately went up to them and said, "Hello Little Girl, what is your name? Would you like to play with me?" It was so sweet. You then proceeded to play by yourself, as they watched in wonder - at your constant chatter, singing, jumping, dancing and playing. They, and their babysitter, absolutely fell in love with you, as it is impossible to avoid. You are charismatic, funny, gorgeous, silly and amazing - I am so lucky to be your mommy, and see that every day.<br />
<br />
I love you, Baby Girl.<br />
<br />
Love always,<br />
Mommy<br />
<br />
<br />Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-55271444385375279362013-06-30T12:33:00.003-04:002013-09-25T14:55:30.610-04:00Our Climb from the DarknessDear Bex,<br />
<br />
Last weekend, we did our Climb from the Darkness. At 6 PM on Friday, June 21, the longest day of the year, you, The Daddy and I met up with Mimi, PopPop, Drew and Gabi and walked along the Hoboken waterfront. You walked part of the way, ran part of the way, I pushed you in your stroller part of the way and you ate pretty much the whole way! We took tons of pictures, talked, looked at the amazing views of the NYC skyline and enjoyed the perfect summer evening weather. When we got back up to Maxwell Place Park we met up with Grandma and Grumpa and Aunt Judy for a picnic afterwards, during which you ate, ran, played on the playground, danced and were generally an overtired, hilarious entertainer! <br />
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<br />
It was an incredible night. We raised more than $3,500 for Postpartum Progress, the reason that we walked. I raised so much awareness even just among people I know about what I had been through. And I got to take time that night to think about how far I'd come. I got to spend time with the people who helped me when I needed it most, and to celebrate our family and the hundreds of other women that were walking for that same reason. <br />
<br />
I didn't make any kind of speech that night, and if I had would have surely found myself with tears streaming down my face. But what I would have tried to say would have been:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Thank you. Thank you for coming to support me, our family, and Postpartum Progress. Thank you for being there for us just over two years ago when we didn't know which way was up, and for being there to help us up every day since. This has been a hell of a two-and-a-half years, and we have needed each and every one of you to help keep us going. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The experience that I went through has profoundly changed me - motherhood, yes, has profoundly changed me - but the PPD in particular has made me hypersensitive to every pregnant woman that I see, every friend that tells me they are expecting. I live just about all of my life as an open book and always have, and this experience is no different. I hope that by talking about what I went through, I help at least one person not feel ashamed or embarrassed or like they have to hide their struggles. Today marks the first time that women all over are shining a light on PPD together, and I hope that this is the first of many times I get to use my experience for good.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
So thank you all for everything - the meals, the baby sitting, the phone calls... thank you to Evan, for being the most amazing father, husband and partner from day 1. You have blown me away and I don't know where I'd be without you. And thank you to Bex, who made me the mother I am today. The Warrior Mother that I am today. It was you that profoundly changed me for the better, and you that keeps changing me every single day. I love you so much!</blockquote>
I was proud, happy and overwhelmed with gratitude towards everyone that contributed money, time, and kind words to me. I loved every second of planning for and executing this night - and can not wait to make next year even bigger and better. What a night - and the symbolism of it - a virtual army of Warrior Moms all spending the brightest day of the year focusing on the journey that motherhood has taken them on - just made it that much more amazing.<br />
<br />
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I love you, baby girl.<br />
<br />
Love always,<br />
MommyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-36924919667476047462013-06-06T12:22:00.001-04:002013-09-18T20:47:53.635-04:00Climbing Out of the DarknessDear Bex,<br />
<br />
Oh my goodness, Baby Girl, mama's been on a mission! We have been kicking some booty over here raising money for Postpartum Progress' <a href="http://www.postpartumprogress.com/climb-out-of-the-darkness-of-postpartum-depression" target="_blank">Climb Out of the Darkness</a> fundraiser. When I first read about it, I thought, "Wow, what a great idea. That would be cool." Then I opened my next email and went on with my day. But I couldn't stop thinking about what I could do to participate - so I researched hikes in our area, but there are none close enough to where we live to make it easy for people to join us. So I put it out of my mind. But it just kept creeping back in, and I knew I had to join up! What a great way to raise money for this amazing cause, and to DO SOMETHING after what I went through during <a href="http://dearbex.blogspot.com/2011/09/dark-days.html" target="_blank">The Dark Day</a>s that I so often reference here. So, I set up a fundraising page and decided to do less of a climb and more of a walk right in Hoboken. Easy, right down and then back up the waterfront, a walk you and I have done together countless times. We will have a picnic dinner on the pier with everyone right after, and in my mind it's a perfect Summer evening with friends, family, babies and even dogs running all around us as we celebrate how far you and I have come in the exactly two years and five months since you were born.<br />
<br />
Of course, something will go wrong - it may rain, or there won't be room for us all in the park (doubtful, but you never know), or FreshDirect's truck will break down and the picnic won't make it to us... but I can't control any of that, so I'm focused on what I can control - getting my message and Postpartum Progress' message out there, and asking friends and family to support their amazing cause.<br />
<br />
I first sent out a note and a Facebook status update on Tuesday. Daddy put it on Facebook too, because he is an awesome Daddy. I said I'd raise $500, and we surpassed that pretty quickly. Then I said $1,000, and we passed that too. I upped it to $2,000 on Wednesday, and Baby Girl, we're at $2035 as of noon on Thursday. That is unbelievable. The goal of the entire fundraiser is $25,000, and we're almost 10% of that already! So that is my new goal - $2500 - fingers crossed that we get there.<br />
<br />
So thank you thank you thank you to all of our donors (I will update this as more come in!):<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Feuerring Foundation</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Evan and Rebecca (The Stinkface) Neadel (that's you!)</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Grandma and Grumpa Neadel</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Lauren, Jason, Amanda and Ryan Baker</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Grandma Thel</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Aunt Judy</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Uncle Bob and Aunt June</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Jen and Jason Adel</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Adler Family</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Denae Bard</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Lauren and Chad Blank</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Meredith Campbell</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Rachel Cohen and Yael Ralston</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Bill & Marion Cullen</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Gail and Jerry Ellstein</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Valerie Fernandez</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Mr. and Mrs. Ed Filusch</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Joan and Barry Galkin</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Laura and Dave Goldstein</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Anne Green</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Gabi and Drew Greenspan<br />Katy and Cuyler Hendricks</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Tracy, Lilly and Jon Jacobs</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Heather, Lil and Charlie Katz</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Ellen and Ralph Katz</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Lauren, Sean and Colin Kennedy</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Dave, Ruth, Dylan and #2 Kim</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Carrie and Adam Kipnis</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Barry Kraver</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Matt and Erica Lakind</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Maria Martinez</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Leslie, Marc, Sydney and Hayden Meunier</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Erica, Dave and Avery Peltz</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Marc Penziner</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Emily Pontelandolfo</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Kathleen Reynolds</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Charlie Ricciardelli</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Salinas Family</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Rachael Lerner-Schachter and Jesse Schachter</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Aly, Jordan and Lexie Schwartz</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Bette and Alan Schwartz</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Jeff Shooman</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Silberman Family</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Dorothy Sonnenburg</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Leslie Stahl</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Meredith Topalanchik</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Abby and Elliot Trexler</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Jordyn, Dan and Brooks Vinish</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Emily Weiner</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Camille Priselac and Brendan Whelan</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Lea Woods</b></span></div>
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And thank you to you too, Bex, because without you being born, I wouldn't have gone through what I did - and wouldn't have found a cause I am so passionate about. One that I can feel so intensely down to my core, and one that I know will fuel who I am for the rest of my life. </div>
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Love always,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mommy</div>
Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-88704788064025712642013-04-30T10:16:00.001-04:002013-09-25T15:46:33.609-04:002 1/4Dear Bex,<br />
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Another lag, but this time no excuses, just... typing on! You, my lovey girl, have been sick on and off for months, almost since your birthday. After the ear infections there was a cold with a nasty cough or two, and now you have allergies that are just horrendous. A constant drippy nose, sneezes and a rattling cough that sadly wakes you up most nights. We've spent lots of time cuddling on your chair in the middle of the night (though you mostly just like to snuggle until you calm down, and then get back in your crib. You LOVE your crib - your haven - which is now filled to the brim with lovies, stuffed animals, a small blanket and three pillow-type toys. Even if you don't nap, you happily laze about in there for an hour or so, talking to all of your friends, making them dance and sing, kicking your legs around, letting yourself free fall onto your mattress and just generally having a blast!). Hopefully we're on the upswing, but only time will tell...<br />
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You're growing by leaps and bounds these days- both your long legs and your maturity! Though there are blasts of two-year-old immaturity that come blowing in like a tornado every now and then, you are very much a little kid now. You tell me stories about what you did each day with Dina, and you ask expectantly in the morning about what you'll do in the hours to come - who will we see? Where will we go? And you get so excited about plans for playdates, birthday parties and visits to see people all around us. You now understand that there are Dina Days (M-Th), Mommy Days (F) and Mommy/Daddy Days (Sat and Sun), and love each for different reasons. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67H6EevLsLhwdLgNOFGdaWAiNfWnVjyk0Y_57DwBL7bY53rQJWC_YWBNwEvXnJ21Q-R3vCrzNVpIkcQIbfuxQhnc3MX7I_GNwarJ80fUscq8DpVoiubdN1ZFPB92v5ceIQ6io5nB7wEf1/s1600/IMG_0980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67H6EevLsLhwdLgNOFGdaWAiNfWnVjyk0Y_57DwBL7bY53rQJWC_YWBNwEvXnJ21Q-R3vCrzNVpIkcQIbfuxQhnc3MX7I_GNwarJ80fUscq8DpVoiubdN1ZFPB92v5ceIQ6io5nB7wEf1/s320/IMG_0980.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical Mommy Day - lunch at City Bistro...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a trip to the playroom and the ball pit!</td></tr>
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You cheer us on when we do something well just as we do to you, and ask to see our empty plates, sparkly teeth and flushed potties and clap for us every time. You sing songs, do joga (yes, you say JOGA) and ballet and are starting a painting class next week - here's hoping you learn to stop eating the paint over the next two months).<br />
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You love all of your friends - your weekday friends around our neighborhood, your cousins, and the children of Mommy and Daddy's friend with whom we coordinate playdates all the time. <br />
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And you LOVE eating out at restaurants. You've become a pro, and order for yourself and then sit waiting patiently for your food, until you are really hungry and say, "I think it's coming!!" every time you see a waiter, waitress or busboy pass us by. You eat by yourself most of the time with a fork or a spoon, and when you are hungry, LOOK OUT! You hoover bowls full of pasta and french fries with reckless abandon! You're pickier in your day to day foods, and I think are somewhat bored with what we feed you but also wary of trying new things, leaving us in a bit of a bind. But luckily there are a few things we can rely on to ensure you're always full and (mostly healthily) nourished.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aQWRfxzW0OaVRxpp9LgSfmU1d9dgtfHZhQf82ntSzVEumNoOKA9vVYAxeFqnfnEs3S59-PFtb-w975flL333ZG9EBP2AHQBGw5EfPk2DMA6Ytd0d_T_YZVrOQuDxw7wO8kNWeJLlp5-U/s1600/IMG_0894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aQWRfxzW0OaVRxpp9LgSfmU1d9dgtfHZhQf82ntSzVEumNoOKA9vVYAxeFqnfnEs3S59-PFtb-w975flL333ZG9EBP2AHQBGw5EfPk2DMA6Ytd0d_T_YZVrOQuDxw7wO8kNWeJLlp5-U/s320/IMG_0894.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OkSqr2fazg305QWTIGGTFEpA1HfRboIffPBcjxA2Dzs_7sL3twih-7WisuLOq1t8Z5HxuaRe4Nmr2Gjrza4CLZuEpYsrgeHubu5H0Fal8TrfN76ZOVEhfMm-hlAxyurAiuoWZtF-kSuj/s1600/IMG_1714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OkSqr2fazg305QWTIGGTFEpA1HfRboIffPBcjxA2Dzs_7sL3twih-7WisuLOq1t8Z5HxuaRe4Nmr2Gjrza4CLZuEpYsrgeHubu5H0Fal8TrfN76ZOVEhfMm-hlAxyurAiuoWZtF-kSuj/s320/IMG_1714.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Liberty Science Center's Curious George Exhibit</td></tr>
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We are having so much fun with you right now, Bex. You are hilarious, constantly making up songs and voices for your different stuffed animals and lovies, and laughing at things around you. You are sweet, feisty, gentle, tough, dependent and independent all at the same time. You have learned that The Daddy and I are your family, and love doing things all together - jumping at the same time, eating meals at the same time, hugging as a Family Hug and last night, a big group kiss that you made us repeat over and over.<br />
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You are the best part of our days, even when you're not at your best. <br />
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I love you, baby girl!<br />
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Love,<br />
MommyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-8603199584915381142013-02-04T13:09:00.001-05:002013-02-04T13:12:07.097-05:00Warrior Mom.Dear Bex,<br />
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Two years later, I still think about the PPD that I had. Not in a bad way, or a scared way, or an ashamed way, or even a guilty way (not anymore, at least.) - sometimes I marvel at how thoroughly it affected who I was, to the core. Sometimes I compare how I am now to how I was then. Sometimes I think about the future, and when it comes time to have a baby brother or sister for you, and how scared I am that it will happen again (though my therapist, who I still see consistently, is going to work very hard to ensure that it doesnt!) but excited at the prospect of 'being there' for the newborn stage this time. Sometimes I just try to remember certain things about your first few months and can't and am disappointed. And most of the time, it's because a friend or acquaintance has a baby or announces a pregnancy, and I'm hyper-sensitive to how they may be feeling. And a little bit jealous of how together they seem.<br />
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As part of therapy, my doctor asked me about six weeks or so ago if I thought my having PPD had affected you, or our relationship. And I instantly, without pause and with conviction, said not at all. She was so proud, and happy, and told me to write that down - and to write down my feelings about how saying that felt. I will use this as a feel-good thing to read if I ever doubt myself, or feel some depression creeping in on me in the future. I will use it in my next pregnancy, whenever that may be. And I know that it is true.<br />
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I am a great mother. I am the kind of mother that I always knew I would be... and the kind of mother I longed to be when Rebecca was born. It has taken almost two years to be able to say, and to believe, that what happened to me has in no way affected my relationship with my loveygirl. She is amazing, hilarious, healthy and brilliant. Those first weeks and months of her life have not impacted who she is or our bond as mother and daughter. In fact, she has no idea that they even happened. I do not feel guilty. What I went through has NOT had endless negative repercussions, which at that time would have been impossible to fathom. In fact, what has come out of it, these years later, is positive. It is an overwhelming appreciation for being ME. It is loving (almost) every second of being a great mother to the most incredible child. It is knowledge and a desire to help other people. It is (ed. note - or will be!) PregoPals.</blockquote>
Today I also read <a href="http://www.postpartumprogress.com/why-im-proud-i-had-postpartum-depression?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+postpartumprogress%2FpTEF+%28PostpartumProgress.com%29" target="_blank">this</a>, which filled me with pride and spoke to me in a way that few things have before. I am proud to be a Warrior Mom, and part of this community. And I hope to be more involved in it in the years to come. <br />
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So just know, Bex, that you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. You being born made me who I am today, and I am more in love with, and confident in, myself than ever before. So thank you.<br />
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I love you so much, baby girl.<br />
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Love,<br />
MommyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-34418004388667517922013-01-29T16:22:00.003-05:002013-01-29T16:24:13.495-05:00Singing Bex<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear Bex,</div>
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I've mentioned here before how much I love you singing... here are a few videos of your adorable, amazing, perfect little voice...</div>
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Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star</div>
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The way you cup my face here and sing to me? MUSH.</div>
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Your adlibbing here of a song that means so much to me from when you were a baby? Amazing.</div>
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Sesame Street Theme Song (and Dance)</div>
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SuperWhy Theme Song:</div>
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<br />Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-88174817959964770122013-01-29T15:38:00.001-05:002013-01-29T15:38:29.568-05:00The Balloon.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-8829815013034378702013-01-22T10:20:00.001-05:002013-01-22T10:40:56.894-05:00To My Loveygirl on Her 2nd BirthdayDear Bex,<br />
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Yesterday you turned two years old. Two years old! An official toddler and little girl, versus the baby who was just a one-year-old days ago. The time has flown, proving the cliche to be true - it just goes too quickly. Granted there are many times, like when we're sleeping on your floor, or you won't stop your tantrum, that the time crawls by - but for the most part, each day and special moment together just disappears too quickly.<br />
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Luckily your birthday fell on MLK Day, so I was able to spend the whole day home from work and with you. We played with lots of new toys from your birthday party the day before, watched your favorite shows on TV, played outside and had a playdate with some of your friends. After your nap the Daddy took you to the doctor to confirm the double ear infection we suspected. But even through that visit and afterwards, you were a happy girl. After dinner The Daddy and I sang happy birthday to you again, and lit candles in a cupcake that we let you devour, and you loved it. It was all around a great day with my cuddly girl, who sat in my lap after dinner with her milk to watch Dora the Explorer. My happy girl who cracked up laughing when I made her lamby lovey "baaaaa" at her and sneak up to give her kisses. My smart girl who chattered away all day, correctly naming the Thomas trains that you now have. The cutest girl who I swear, looked just a little bit older and acted just a little (tiny) bit more mature.<br />
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Your birthday party on Sunday was a huge success. I had been thinking about it and planning it for months- I start way too early and do way too much - but I can't help it. I just want it to be the perfect day for you and all of our family and friends - and it was!<br />
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It was (of course) Thomas themed. We had Thomas balloons, books, toys and decoration, all of which delighted you. (Even just this morning you looked around our apartment and said, "Ooooh! So many Thomas balloons!") We had a musician come and play guitar which was great, and you and all of your friends had a blast dancing and playing with the toys she brought with her. We had tons of food - and I made cupcakes and cookies for you, and so did Grandma and Aunt Judy. It all could not have gone better! <br />
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Everyone was able to make it (all said and done, there were about 70 people there) and you got amazing toys, books and clothes as gifts from them. You held yourself together the whole time, despite a bit of crankiness in the very beginning and once you were over it after opening gifts. A good nap and a good dose of Tylenol upon your demonic wake-up from said nap, and you loved having Grandma, Grumpa, Mimi, PopPop, Uncle Jay, Aunt Beth, Logi and Uncle Eric over to play. <br />
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But the best part of the day? Once everyone was gone. Just you, The Daddy and I, laughing together, giving you dinner, playing with you and hanging out. I love our little family, and most of all, love you.<br />
<br />
Love always,<br />
MommyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-42160301496644329772013-01-08T20:47:00.000-05:002013-01-08T20:47:05.476-05:00The Next Two Nights.Dear Bex,<br />
<br />
I was so proud of myself for writing those last two posts - for taking the time to write to you, which I love to do but don't do often enough. I especially love the second one, that recounts the fun and funny things that you currently love to do.<br />
<br />
Then, you did something not at all fun. You made us sleep on your floor for two nights straight.<br />
<br />
Call it being sick (you had a bit of a cough that kept waking you up, though two separate doctors told us you were fine). Call it a two-year sleep regression. Call it whatever you want - but it was no fun!<br />
<br />
Wednesday night for no reason that we can figure out, you stood up and screamed a little while after we put you in your crib. I ran in, because that is so out of character, and you immediately asked to be picked up. I told you we couldn't leave the room and you asked to rock in the glider. As we sat down on it together you promptly turned to look at me and threw up all over me. I actually encouraged you, because once I realized it was all over me I'd rather that then on the glider or carpet!<br />
<br />
I called for The Daddy who took you (and got puke on himself too) and undressed you in the bathroom. We taught you that it's just a big burpie and it's nothing to be scared of, so you just kept saying that over and over, along with, "I made a messy... I made a messy on Mommy's shirt, and on Daddy..." It was actually kind of cute (amidst my gagging as I cleaned everything up - the carpet and glider didn't go totally unscathed).<br />
<br />
Daddy rocked you for a bit to calm you back down and get you ready for sleep but you were having none of it. You wouldn't let him leave the room! Every time either of us tried you hysterically cried - and sneaking out was fine until you would realize we were no longer on the carpet next to your crib and - yup - hysterically cried. Since we know from years of experience that you crying leads to more throwing up, we simply came in each time you started, got you to calm down, laid down next to your crib on the floor, and then snuck away until the next time you would realize we weren't there. All night.<br />
<br />
The next night was more of the same, despite a last-minute doctor's appointment to ensure your ears, throat and chest looked and sounded fine. Except this time, you were just not going to go to sleep. I'm not sure what got into you, but you wanted to chat and hang out and talk and play with your stuffed animals all night! Since you were awake the whole time there was no even trying to sneak out, so The Daddy was on your floor and then it was my turn to stay in the makeshift bed we set up there. <br />
<br />
I spent Friday telling you that Mommy and Daddy sleep in their bed while Rebecca sleeps in her crib, and this seems to have worked! Despite a couple nights of whimpering when you went in your crib, you are (for now!) back to your happy-sleeping-alone-in-your-room self.<br />
<br />
Also on Friday we went to the allergist - you were a champ, and I've made a point to explain to you what the doctor is going to do so that it doesn't surprise or scare you. He gave you a quick allergy skin test to check on your dairy and egg allergy and it came back entirely negative! Perfectly clear! I almost cried in his office - I hadn't realized how much your allergy worried me until the prospect of it being gone was there. The constant monitoring of what you're eating when other kids have certain snacks, the vigilant label-reading, recipe-searching and childrens' menu hunting is a lot! The fact that soon you may be able to eat grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, ice cream, any cake or cookie- it's just too exciting! Next step is a blood test to confirm the lack of allergy, and then introducing the foods in the allergist's office. FINGERS CROSSED BABY GIRL!<br />
<br />
Other than that, we had a really low-key and fun weekend. Friends came over on Saturday to talk about where we may move after Hoboken which was fun - and Sunday we got to go to the playground because it was just warm enough and sunny. You were so happy to be there! The Daddy met us there and then we all went out to lunch. and it was just such a great day all around. I love when it's just the three of us hanging out - I wish it happened more, but you're just too cute and we have too many friends and family members who want to see you all the time!<br />
<br />
Now I'm prepping for your birthday in two short weeks - your Thomas party is coming together nicely and I can not wait to see you there! Thomas toys and books and balloons everywhere, you're going to be so excited :)<br />
<br />
I love you, baby girl!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />MommyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-27661552115731989582013-01-02T10:15:00.001-05:002013-01-02T10:15:28.075-05:00Just Before TwoDear Bex,<br />
<br />
I realized that in the last post I wrote, I didn't even take the time to describe the awesome, hilarious things that you do on a daily basis. You, my love, crack. Me. Up. You say the most amazing things, have an imagination that I can only begin to decipher, and as I did say, remember EVERYthing. Here is a snapshot of what life has been like with you, just before you turn two.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>At Uncle Joe's house on Christmas Day you asked to sit on the big chair by their breakfast bar. You got situated, saw their coffee machine, and promptly asked, "Oh, can I have some coffee?"</li>
<li>You were quiet one day last week, though making a soft noise every so often. I came over to investigate and found you with cat ears on, meowing to yourself.</li>
<li>You wake up and immediately talk to all of your animals and toys - you ask for Thomas first and foremost, then make one of your five (!) loveys jump up and down while making their animal noise (usually it's Monkey).</li>
<li>Once you have Thomas in your hands, anything goes - you talk to him, laugh at him, comfort him and often tell him, "No no no, Thomas, don't do daaaaat!"</li>
<li>You get to Mimi and PopPop's house and immediately make a beeline upstairs for their huge Diego and Dora dolls - and proceed to carry them around the entire time we're there, asking if they need a new diaper, or telling them that it's okay and they don't have to cry.</li>
<li>You are in love with a small statue of a yorkie at Grandma and Grumpa's that you have named "Dave the Dog." He even has tea parties with you at the little table and chairs that Grandma got you.</li>
<li>You are currently obsessed with one episode of Dora entitled, "The South Pole" about a penguin. In Spanish, it's pinguino. You do not let an hour go by without asking in a sneaky little voice (which becomes increasingly more demanding) "can we watch pinguiiiiiiino?" and jump up and down repeatedly if we decide to say yes.</li>
<li>If you see any character you recognize anywhere, it's like you've sighted a longlost best friend - this includes, but is not limited to, Thomas, Dora, Diego, Boots, Mickey, Minnie, anyone from Sesame Street, SpongeBob, Barney, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina and many more. They can frequently be found at the grocery store on foods, at RiteAid on greeting cards, in the aisles at CVS on various products and on balloons that are at the florist section of a grocery store and / or checkout counters at many stores.</li>
<li>Right now, you like if we do the same things as you - eating a meal together brings you great joy, as does when we all clap at the same time, or play hide and seek as a family, or even are all in the car together. You love being with us, and The Daddy and I just eat it up. You hug him often out of the blue, tell him he's so cute, and go through a list of people who are the nicest, smartest, funniest, cutest and best when we ask you to, varying your answers between yourself, The Daddy, Dina and me. Oh, and Thomas, of course.</li>
<li>You love to feed yourself, though aren't 100% at it yet - it's a messy procedure sometimes, and we're trying to teach you that you shouldn't make a mess on purpose. It's not going so well, as you love to swirl your hands around quite energetically in your food once you're done eating, then throw your plate/bowl upside down onto either the table or the floor and toss your spoon/fork on the floor with your bib that you've ripped off. We're working on it.</li>
<li>Along with dumping your leftover food out, you also like to dump... well, anything that is in any type of a container. We had lots of plastic food in a bin in your toy kitchen, but i've since taken the bin away becuase your favorite thing to do was not play with the food or pretend to cook it or give it out to people - it was just to dump that bin out. Loudly. Over and over. All over the place.</li>
<li>You sing a LOT - theme songs to shows, songs from your music classes and CDs that we have, happy birthday - your little voice singing is one of my favorite noises in the world. It seems, though, that our voices are not YOUR favorite things - as you usually ask us not to sing (if by ask I mean you say NO NO NO NO NO when we start). You are picky about what song can be sung at any given time, and also about what you want to listen to, often asking for a new song in the car. Current favorites include Tingalayo, Down by the Station, I've Been Working on the Railroad, My Bonnie, The Goodbye Song, ABCs, Twinkle Twinkle, Alice the Camel and Five Little Monkeys. I'm like a DJ up there, switching CDs to accommodate your frequent requests.</li>
<li>You heart bathies. You love playing with all of your toys, pretending to swim in the tub and dumping water from the little pitcher that we have in there all over yourself or us / the floor. You LOVE bubble baths, and doing splish splash (which again involves making a bit of a mess. I'm noticing a theme...)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Every day is an adventure with you, my loveygirl, and I love it more than anything in the world. I love YOU more than anything in the world.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love, </div>
<div>
Mommy</div>
Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-71724758856403347862013-01-01T11:27:00.002-05:002013-01-01T12:12:16.757-05:00Happy New Year, My Bex...Dear Bex,<br />
<br />
HAPPY NEW YEAR, ERRYBODY!<br />
<br />
This is what you yelled at both parties we went to last night - the first with our baby and parent friends and the second with the Lakinds, Kims and other assorted guests. You were the hit of the room there, hugging strangers randomly, eating pasta, being a jumping bean all around the apartment and pretending to read a book to yourself. You heard me say "My daughter, Rebecca," once and repeated it for the rest of the night - which went until 9PM for you! When we got back to our apartment and I took off your dress and tights you ran jumped around for a solid five minutes more, chanting "I'm a naked baby!" over and over until I caught you and wrangled you into your PJs - then you promptly passed out despite the party in the apartment that shares a wall with yours.<br />
<br />
What you don't know is that, like last year, Daddy and I quietly crept into your room at midnight to kiss each other and pat your toosh to say Happy New Year. <br />
<br />
This year is going to be intense, I can already tell - I've been home with you on vacation from work for two weeks and can say with conviction that you've hit your twos early. There are frequent tantrums and meltdowns when things don't go your way. You are addicted to screen time and don't care how you get it - TV, iPad, iPhone, computer, iPod Touch - anything that can play a video for you will suffice. You have even figured out how to be manipulative - if you ask to go to the kitchen for a snack, let's say, hearing no for an answer will result in an adorable request of, "Mommy can you hold my hand?" "Of course," I answer and grab your tiny, outstretched fingers with mine.... with which you promptly lead me right into the kitchen.<br />
<br />
You are SMART. Your memory shocks me every day, when out of your mouth come things that happen days, weeks and sometimes even months before. You know full song lyrics of CDs we've been playing since you were born (which The Daddy and I are quite sick of, I must say).You love all of the little trips we take in the car to see Grandma and Grumpa, Mimi and PopPop and Lulu, Amanda and Ryan, and have a great time at all of their houses or out to eat with them all at restaurants. <br />
<br />
You are a big girl. We've gone to museums, the Liberty Science Center (twice!) and the Children's Museum of Manhattan and you had a blast at both, showing me just how much you've grown up. You have conquered the playroom downstairs, climbing up to the top of the structure with ease, though not always loving figuring out how to get back down. You say hello to everyone we see still, waving to people and dogs alike, and often show them whichever train you are holding at the time, given that we don't go ANYwhere without Thomas, Percy or James.<br />
<br />
I can tell that this year has a ton in store for us, my loveygirl, and I am terrified and excited and nervous and thrilled for it all at once. Your birthday party is so soon. Mommy will turn 33 (!) shortly thereafter. Another trip to Georgia over the summer, and then you will start a 2s program in the Fall, which astounds me.<br />
<br />
People make lots of New Year's Resolutions every year - last year I think I told The Daddy that I just wanted to be better, all around - more attentive to you and at work, and to family and friends - the kind of person that I want to be, but often procrastinate too long or simply forget to be! I still think I could do a better job at that and want to try. But I've learned a lot about me this year, by being your Mommy, and you know what? I am pretty awesome. YOU are pretty awesome. The Daddy is pretty awesome. So my resolution is to take the time to <i>enjoy</i> everything more - to stop wanting it to be more neat. or more picture-perfect, or wishing that I had more time, or more of anything, and recognize that I have a perfect, amazing, fun, full life just as it is - mess, clutter, dust, tantrums and all. I have the cutest daughter in the world. I have the best husband a woman could ask for. We have tons of friends and family nearby and are lucky to see all of them so often. I have big plans for the year, and can't wait to see where we are a year from now. So, 2013, the Hoboken Neadels are ready for whatever you've got in store!<br />
<br />
I love you, Baby Girl!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MommyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-34218937321971081312012-11-08T14:33:00.001-05:002012-11-08T14:33:50.873-05:00M I ADear Bex,<br />
<br />
Mommy's been insanely busy, baby girl! There is a lot going on right now, and for the past two months or so I've been doing some pretty exciting stuff in my free time, time that used to go towards writing on this blog for you! <br />
<br />
Because of that, I've missed recaps of pretty awesome things- like Georgia. (A HUGE awesome thing! It was an amazing week of family time, for both the three of us and the twenty-three of us!) Like the Jewish holidays. (In temple, while adorably sitting on a chair listening to the shofar and the rabbi and the Hebrew and the songs, you asked "maybe a new song?") And, most recently, the less-awesome Hurricane Sandy. I will recap these all soon - with pictures! - but in the meantime wanted to write to say how much I love you.<br />
<br />
You are the best part of my days - the time we spend together in the morning, as we chat and you drink your milkies and watch Sesame and I get ready for work is the best way to start a day ever. You are always quick to tell me what you dreamt about (Thomas! Percy! James!) and what you want to do that day (get a haircut? Go to the dentist? Go to Mimi's house?) and how cute Daddy is. (Daddy is sooooo cah-yute!)<br />
<br />
The time we spend together at night is also amazing - I walk in the door and you shout, "Mommy mommy mommy!" and come running, say "Night night D" and ask to read books, or (with a devilish grin) play "Wif da iPayyyyyad?" and we hang out for the next hour or so, until it's time for more milkies and bedtime. By that point The Daddy is usually home, and he takes over for the best part of HIS day - putting you to bed. You two have games, rituals and the most amazing bond because of him putting you to bed, and I love listening from outside your door to your laughter and conversations during that time.<br />
<br />
You've started a few funny things all on your own - first, you talk with a funny, deeper voice, saying, "Hoy Mawmaw..." which just happened one day! It was hilarious! You do it to The Daddy and Dina too - I love it. You also started repeating names - "Hi Mamamama!" "Hi DaddyDaddy!" and we respond, "Hi BeccaBecca" and you smile - like a little game you made up all on your own. You have started memorizing books, and can recite most of Go Train, Go!, the little Thomas board book that I got you. <br />
<br />
The best of your new tricks, though, is answering - much like you do for animal noises - what people say. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>What does Grandpa/Grumpa/Herbie say? "Hi Rivka!"</li>
<li>What does Grandma say? "Hi Princess!"</li>
<li>What does Mimi say? "Oof" or "Whoop de doo!"</li>
<li>What does PopPop say? "Bow bow."</li>
<li>What does Amanda say? "Hi Rebecky"</li>
<li>What does Ryan say? "Aaaah!" (read: very high pitch screech)</li>
<li>What does Mommy say? "Hi Loveygirl"</li>
<li>What does The Daddy say? "You're such a stinker!!!"</li>
</ul>
<div>
I love this age - you are a complete sponge, remembering everything we do or say, or that happens to you, and spitting it back out at us hours, days or weeks later. We went pumpkin picking with Max and Lilly Silberman (and their parents) in October, and at lunch afterwards Maxie took his shirt off in the restaurant. You laughed about it then, and we told you he was soooo silly! And since then, you randomly look at us, laugh and say, "Maxie took he shirt off in da restaurant! He soooooo silly!" </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love how much you are learning - toys that I thought would be too advanced for you for a long time you now conquer with ease - you love reading books still, though you definitely have a few favorites that we cycle through, and STRONG opinions on what you DON'T want to read, and have a favorite magazine (Everyday with Rachael Ray) that you ask us to read all time time, finding pictures of your favorite things inside, like the Scrubbing Bubbles ad (Scrubby Bubbles!), the picture of Duff the chef from Ace of Cakes (Naked baby! - no idea why), and the boy eating from a pouch in the Lunchables ad. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I wrote in<a href="http://dearbex.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-light-at-end-of-tunnel.html" target="_blank"> August</a> I talked about you finishing song lyrics for me, and how that blew my mind. Now, you sing songs on your own - and the first time you sang Moon, Moon, Moon on the street while walking with The Daddy and I, I cried remembering you as a tiny, eight-week-old blob in yoga class as they ended the session with that song. You have grown up SO much, and I can not believe that in just a couple of months you'll be 2 - it's going too fast, just like everyone said it would, and I wish I could hit the pause button right here for a while, because it is just too much fun.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you, Baby Girl!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
Mommy </div>
Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-64841407435194709462012-08-16T20:35:00.000-04:002012-08-16T20:35:53.653-04:00Tiger MotherDear Bex,<br />
<br />
There has been a lot of talk recently about a book called, "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother." In it, the author details the strict way in which she was brought up. Well, I am no Tiger Mother, baby girl - I'm Mush Mama. One whimper from you, or big fat alligator tear that you can summon at a moment's notice or request, and I am a puddle. I frequently am using all of my willpower not to give in to your every whim! <br />
<br />
However, as soon as you are in any type of discomfort or harm, I am the fiercest Tiger Mother there is. Right now you have coxsackie virus (GREAT timing, by the way, as we leave for our annual trip to Georgia in two days!) and are extremely fussy and particular. Eating and drinking don't appeal to you much because you have sores in your throat, and the pain is also making it somewhat hard to sleep, I think, since you fully had dark circles under your eyes just now before I put you down. I want to shield and protect you with a ferociousness that I have never known - from germs that make you sick and uncomfortable, from physical and emotional pain, and from people like the woman I just spoke to on the phone.<br />
<br />
Apparently, her grandchild had the same <a href="http://www.yoyo.com/p/radio-flyer-4-in-1-trike-145438?vid=blSU%2f7Mre4I2vYs8uQk%2fUJRkkoy4vy%2bwI3RHcGyF6g0%3d" target="_blank">RadioFlyer Tricycle</a> that Nicole bought you for your first birthday, and it was stolen from the playground near us. She decided to confront Dina about having stolen it. I am horrified to think about how Dina must have felt, and upset that you were there to even hear any of this, baby love. I called the woman, Tiger Mother claws out, and explained exactly where and when we got the tricycle and that she was completely mistaken. She was standoffish but apologized for the confusion, and now, twenty minutes after speaking to her, I'm still fuming. I wish I had told her how much she scared Dina, how much she seems ridiculous in the first place for thinking that whoever did steal her tricycle would bring it back to that same playground, and offered to email her the receipt from Nicole to prove that it's ours. <br />
<br />
Like I said - I want to protect you, and anything or anyone having to do with you, with a wicked ferocity. And that's the kind of Tiger Mother I am proud to be. The strict one? I'll have to work on my willpower against your insanely adorable charms... someday...<br />
<br />
I love you, baby girl!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MommyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-54571916643004227382012-08-11T13:36:00.001-04:002012-08-13T10:57:06.305-04:00Happy Birthday To You, Bex (Six months late)<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Dear Bex,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I never did get around to your birthday post. As I've mentioned, it's been a bit crazy around here! So I'll just say a few things, and then let the party pictures by Glen and PopPop speak for themselves:</div><br />
<ul><li style="text-align: left;">I planned your party for months - anxiety-fueled months about venues, entertainment, food, favors and guest lists - and it could not have turned out any more perfect. Except...</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">The only thing I never had anxiety about, or even really considered, was the weather. It only snowed - literally - twice this entire winter. Once for a huge blizzard in October that confused everyone, and once on YOUR first birthday. This meant many people who we wanted to be there were unable to travel in to celebrate with us - meaning tons of leftover room in the venue, food and favors from our now smaller guest list!</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDq41I27EwxwCC-k-ECfcX3RsuF2bRnpUhN_OVlrdr47fUpRniZ1EurIzIzPsJCMBWkLnIXiwyJz1A6QkwsrUTvn8CqV9Mt8-wUjE29mZIm3ztLMqkjzb6QQlQkmL1fDrL3i0kEX0HVlm/s400/DSCN2193.JPG" style="text-align: center;" width="400" /></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;">You napped 364 days in a row at the exact same time - except this day. You stayed up through your morning nap, and we had no choice but to let you power through to your 11 AM birthday party (planned for 11-2 because - YOU ALWAYS SLEEP BEFORE AND AFTER THAT!)</li>
</ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbGbXb32t7LdfwGIRCUusLGOzTxezKoBE1evbUFycpC2RJYH7P8dpF4oift2U9saV0xZlbUTHI0ljnrPQsceMabLh41wihd4iFJ3aFSLiVc8hil7f7YoDoz_IMZQq4l29WxixRG_ZB4yl/s1600/IMG_1747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbGbXb32t7LdfwGIRCUusLGOzTxezKoBE1evbUFycpC2RJYH7P8dpF4oift2U9saV0xZlbUTHI0ljnrPQsceMabLh41wihd4iFJ3aFSLiVc8hil7f7YoDoz_IMZQq4l29WxixRG_ZB4yl/s400/IMG_1747.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<ul><li style="text-align: left;">All around though, we had an awesome day - you were adorable, loved your puppet show with the folks from Puppetonia, had tons of friends and family there including Dina, and had a blast. And then afterwards, all of our family members came back to our house for your baby naming, done by the rabbi from the United Synagogue of Hoboken. He did a great job, and The Daddy and I spoke about why we named you Rebecca Ellie, AKA Rivka Esther, and it was touching and lovely. Then you devoured cake for the first time, and loved that too. </li>
</ul><div><a name='more'></a><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjQQTyQkkpD9dJu-7XPZPwleqn26fVe0odJy2L3qHrgwGXDK-AMKUT35Fz_SVScd5Z1-XWNcZqhy8xKMZrrmUhK4mlIGFP-gx_gZM87OMJR-dmsTHwa3b0Yyp8JZPAi1xyB_KSJ6fMGIl/s1600/bday7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjQQTyQkkpD9dJu-7XPZPwleqn26fVe0odJy2L3qHrgwGXDK-AMKUT35Fz_SVScd5Z1-XWNcZqhy8xKMZrrmUhK4mlIGFP-gx_gZM87OMJR-dmsTHwa3b0Yyp8JZPAi1xyB_KSJ6fMGIl/s400/bday7.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__JXx04IJyJfnr2qfm3FJNUCAwRoPjQw1KFMlfl2SlYIk2nLJZJScc8ZeW4hRKl8VoZ2HAu59nHthQXThYcRCwkcaaW73tIhyphenhyphenAHnEli5j0dujpLS9lYKt6XtifS5ajlCFhV-jHtjT80ey/s1600/bday17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__JXx04IJyJfnr2qfm3FJNUCAwRoPjQw1KFMlfl2SlYIk2nLJZJScc8ZeW4hRKl8VoZ2HAu59nHthQXThYcRCwkcaaW73tIhyphenhyphenAHnEli5j0dujpLS9lYKt6XtifS5ajlCFhV-jHtjT80ey/s320/bday17.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Yael!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdihLIyYAjORK4fPqEi8EG41Ma8V77BIEyTU-FXYdERpEY0Ce1Ctm3RtrH-TBkM3CJXKqS9Hc-za69Bac42RixM1dy9KMvd2Wth1a4nH8vxQHndIgILRwwR3MRZ9r7WSAO-PisgH65_TZL/s1600/bday16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdihLIyYAjORK4fPqEi8EG41Ma8V77BIEyTU-FXYdERpEY0Ce1Ctm3RtrH-TBkM3CJXKqS9Hc-za69Bac42RixM1dy9KMvd2Wth1a4nH8vxQHndIgILRwwR3MRZ9r7WSAO-PisgH65_TZL/s320/bday16.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Lilly!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /> <br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nBS8ZnXz2JLIw9QwrTgRl9E1lg3vADSaem-w_tzgn8-p-pFThE7WVszZazI5Ul99Xt0qP6rbgSvFaHjZTSisj1NqybU7XOM6nwUgHEs2pa01dAx0H1UEwEm7Z3U-IdRuE5E4DRhpwdFa/s1600/bday20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nBS8ZnXz2JLIw9QwrTgRl9E1lg3vADSaem-w_tzgn8-p-pFThE7WVszZazI5Ul99Xt0qP6rbgSvFaHjZTSisj1NqybU7XOM6nwUgHEs2pa01dAx0H1UEwEm7Z3U-IdRuE5E4DRhpwdFa/s320/bday20.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rylan!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQQqtpocYlPZSX3wEoO7446mW0DqRSFsAZ6TWJDWVDtnzV8utrBe_PgjRfexvHpmz-Yno_2J0pR2N9pnjMBYcQ3CdUJJSQ6EskQfvZg4ixA17wiclTfnC1yhlclCZYHLs4G4up3OLMy80/s1600/bday23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQQqtpocYlPZSX3wEoO7446mW0DqRSFsAZ6TWJDWVDtnzV8utrBe_PgjRfexvHpmz-Yno_2J0pR2N9pnjMBYcQ3CdUJJSQ6EskQfvZg4ixA17wiclTfnC1yhlclCZYHLs4G4up3OLMy80/s320/bday23.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brendan!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6jx-UJLiM9Cl25LxEQt_DYuO5mdWeL_JmXfIcuxSvH6ofEE7_sjXpeRUXai4caOeOpWRoonFPgegj8EL46t7vuC7AmewmHqqWFVyUJBeNnyNpAQpv6lhLJhzoM-Lzo29xjkLIKnFGzHs/s1600/bday19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6jx-UJLiM9Cl25LxEQt_DYuO5mdWeL_JmXfIcuxSvH6ofEE7_sjXpeRUXai4caOeOpWRoonFPgegj8EL46t7vuC7AmewmHqqWFVyUJBeNnyNpAQpv6lhLJhzoM-Lzo29xjkLIKnFGzHs/s320/bday19.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtdpL5jmKKXBvEWyxN1BbT6CsoDu51kxfWnuMy1X4XemCNCz48YlwUAf2ZAD5K5rte2h6rIB1sLUU4V5LWurZpwehCIAZy2a5D9uI7BLx7iv3wPXiwaMkXSJ9gEM9U5DZ-9SOGE3wdAOr/s1600/bday24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtdpL5jmKKXBvEWyxN1BbT6CsoDu51kxfWnuMy1X4XemCNCz48YlwUAf2ZAD5K5rte2h6rIB1sLUU4V5LWurZpwehCIAZy2a5D9uI7BLx7iv3wPXiwaMkXSJ9gEM9U5DZ-9SOGE3wdAOr/s320/bday24.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nevey!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1e4zkuIPul_wb4FZXqrHuMt9TDPYseGL-jMUxdi3NsgLP4gqN5GVW-nfW1yrmZ97gwMe_7wijfPiQle8wkdzgfwKgiKm6_uQG08B4LwfApKYJPMokETvFLX68ts7v6rfcePD5Gm5088xx/s1600/412850_3134214279537_363739163_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1e4zkuIPul_wb4FZXqrHuMt9TDPYseGL-jMUxdi3NsgLP4gqN5GVW-nfW1yrmZ97gwMe_7wijfPiQle8wkdzgfwKgiKm6_uQG08B4LwfApKYJPMokETvFLX68ts7v6rfcePD5Gm5088xx/s320/412850_3134214279537_363739163_o.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvzS9JApokTiUEA1bZPYCMXtHU0sD9aEVsoq2m_RWWzD500d6c_dyTOcJI_-lQxTEZM2puMh6oqYw5k_9Sjq7OqI5m_W_Ts_EsGvgZGi03kXb2C7G0K-dNhQRdTgVjkQu4Aa_P974_m-X/s1600/bday21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvzS9JApokTiUEA1bZPYCMXtHU0sD9aEVsoq2m_RWWzD500d6c_dyTOcJI_-lQxTEZM2puMh6oqYw5k_9Sjq7OqI5m_W_Ts_EsGvgZGi03kXb2C7G0K-dNhQRdTgVjkQu4Aa_P974_m-X/s320/bday21.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dina!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByq1vIkMJZTmPzoNuApT-cNTMTbut6xvu_U2VUvW5AbXjL4ProD9BwSG-J77o47ZTOFSbscAPOjL1zONLX_NrAfJyj8FBZnFC-KNzuaP8zLgyF8bbvQ39G4Fqn4LifUXmcDo11GlNGsyt/s1600/bday22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByq1vIkMJZTmPzoNuApT-cNTMTbut6xvu_U2VUvW5AbXjL4ProD9BwSG-J77o47ZTOFSbscAPOjL1zONLX_NrAfJyj8FBZnFC-KNzuaP8zLgyF8bbvQ39G4Fqn4LifUXmcDo11GlNGsyt/s320/bday22.jpg" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvzS9JApokTiUEA1bZPYCMXtHU0sD9aEVsoq2m_RWWzD500d6c_dyTOcJI_-lQxTEZM2puMh6oqYw5k_9Sjq7OqI5m_W_Ts_EsGvgZGi03kXb2C7G0K-dNhQRdTgVjkQu4Aa_P974_m-X/s1600/bday21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidD6qOiT-Q8kJgXR4B__34esz2iID3BnzUIqoe9IZ874krczGoRJZSDKuaGTIB0VEsY4q7yoKgdkKBa7_RH-w_E9oFhY_gH1wc6RV4xE_T95VTljIznZ0OCC8uITvJIk-rI0t-OkXctHoE/s1600/bday10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidD6qOiT-Q8kJgXR4B__34esz2iID3BnzUIqoe9IZ874krczGoRJZSDKuaGTIB0VEsY4q7yoKgdkKBa7_RH-w_E9oFhY_gH1wc6RV4xE_T95VTljIznZ0OCC8uITvJIk-rI0t-OkXctHoE/s1600/bday10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKncQz-qlhyphenhyphenDjtvBBdvpVE18AONRMogYutupTFdmoNHe-4SeQpt5XIS63Wsh4SYvGouG7thItu5kctY9EbMjv94p9IpRBu6ORyyR4DaasxTMl9zvenab9vDEnU-MNBoneJbebjP5Fzxu7/s1600/IMG_6752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKncQz-qlhyphenhyphenDjtvBBdvpVE18AONRMogYutupTFdmoNHe-4SeQpt5XIS63Wsh4SYvGouG7thItu5kctY9EbMjv94p9IpRBu6ORyyR4DaasxTMl9zvenab9vDEnU-MNBoneJbebjP5Fzxu7/s320/IMG_6752.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VrzxXP7ovptW-NtDhe_cJfqyc49ATlfWgOE9GvSifW_8Fjsxx0Rl0ZOhSsFaA4xNdgQK3DYODa5wt9Lwa-t8xeGTIDseHVVJC-06Mfuk9pUFbViaZTRBg_EW20CPT4kpPmgIJM9NvSEJ/s1600/IMG_6765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VrzxXP7ovptW-NtDhe_cJfqyc49ATlfWgOE9GvSifW_8Fjsxx0Rl0ZOhSsFaA4xNdgQK3DYODa5wt9Lwa-t8xeGTIDseHVVJC-06Mfuk9pUFbViaZTRBg_EW20CPT4kpPmgIJM9NvSEJ/s320/IMG_6765.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eVsCrxuO49iF5Kd4HXqOn9Sx2pFciz_VT6_3sqzR6gf8RZrD9ADhYMWHscIlVZ_bwIpIiwkIhT36neBPnOef69ShxwgXXJU43RCx9vsQxhW3vcNVy-yLeu-FvIBaQUVfc3UaL1nnHuaY/s1600/IMG_6777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eVsCrxuO49iF5Kd4HXqOn9Sx2pFciz_VT6_3sqzR6gf8RZrD9ADhYMWHscIlVZ_bwIpIiwkIhT36neBPnOef69ShxwgXXJU43RCx9vsQxhW3vcNVy-yLeu-FvIBaQUVfc3UaL1nnHuaY/s320/IMG_6777.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBK-VRCcBdRSi6VNe2wt_M-R7yHaGfoz_NKWw0xVz8DPpn2Aw-9TzuXIW7D06oyD2P2zkdhz6vaMp7l5bfg4zro0Oo6YCKLU595gWOj2hkUtrJWQ0tC0xNOlGObW7Kz833YeVjkKWiFck/s1600/IMG_6781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBK-VRCcBdRSi6VNe2wt_M-R7yHaGfoz_NKWw0xVz8DPpn2Aw-9TzuXIW7D06oyD2P2zkdhz6vaMp7l5bfg4zro0Oo6YCKLU595gWOj2hkUtrJWQ0tC0xNOlGObW7Kz833YeVjkKWiFck/s320/IMG_6781.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQxShzxydcxGyU-6yfBKMoH97I_7aJBY24Da0SWOrC7LTvzroItNxtM7A7dS3WKfTG1nFpGtSAJfnmVQuOlLENsvo532m_Q3ZPlhAL5-YzVt4B1rspq5jM5pedgPwZTfginR-b1cHCAxW/s1600/IMG_6782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQxShzxydcxGyU-6yfBKMoH97I_7aJBY24Da0SWOrC7LTvzroItNxtM7A7dS3WKfTG1nFpGtSAJfnmVQuOlLENsvo532m_Q3ZPlhAL5-YzVt4B1rspq5jM5pedgPwZTfginR-b1cHCAxW/s640/IMG_6782.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I love you, baby girl!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Love, Mommy</div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-44207764437267501492012-08-09T20:05:00.001-04:002012-08-10T08:14:44.593-04:00The Light at the End of the TunnelDear Bex,<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>My amazing, inquisitive, bright, hilarious, impatient, defiant, gorgeous and sweet 1 1/2 year old girl - today is a landmark occasion in your (also amazing, inquisitive, bright, hilarious, impatient, defiant, gorgeous and sweet) mama's life. Yesterday morning I took my last dose of medication to treat the postpartum depression that clouded the first weeks of your life.</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://dearbex.blogspot.com/2011/09/dark-days.html">The dark days </a> are still unbelievably sharp in my mind, and I unconsciously recall them often as I shake my head and wonder how those feelings are possible. During those days, and even on some after I felt better, I was content to let others do the "work" of tending to you. To change your diapers, feed you, even play with you - it was impossible to summon the strength, smiles and energy necessary to do it myself. </div><div><br />
</div><div>For the past two nights, I had to stay in the city after work and didn't get to snuggle with you. And I ached to be here tonight, and looked forward to the all too quick hour after I get home from work when we play, dance, read and sing together. That feeling - to want to be the one to do the "work" - is one that I could not have fathomed feeling 18 months ago.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So this morning I woke up, and didn't take any medication for the first time in a year and a half. I feel amazing. I feel like me - and like the mother I always knew I would be. I raced home to be with you tonight, and you raced to meet me at the door when I got here, yelling "hiiiiiiiii Mama!" I sat talking with Dina about how hyper you were all day, and then you and I sat and read about twelve books before The Dada got home, at which point you told him to put on a shirt (you say this to him every night when he gets home, we think because he always changes first thing, but it is amazing nonetheless) and he sat and read with us too. Then he had to go out, and I got to put you to bed all by myself (this is one of The Dada's favorite tasks and times with you, along with being able to be the one to get you in the morning, so I treasure the times I get to do this!)</div><div><br />
</div><div>We put on your pajamas, and brushed your teeth, and said good night to all the animals, and you asked if we could sing. This is a newer thing with you, the desire to sing songs with us and have us sing for you. I love letting you finish the lines of songs, and love even more when you belt out and sing entire songs to us, like Twinkle Twinkle, ABCs or My Bonnie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyyRJEDyw4sQkstzxDNZUTM8gdyk3S2uQAll4t-jQRVN6_5wkPvhbeHMEyZoMQuOuereqaV_jYXBUUe2sripg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>As we sat in your glider, you snuggled into my chest sucking your thumb and waiting for me to begin, I was filled with ease, and awe at the love that I felt for you. The feeling overwhelms me often, and can bring me to (happy!) tears in an instant. But I stayed strong, and sang "<a href="http://dearbex.blogspot.com/2011/08/hospital-stay.html">The Love of My Life</a>," the song that most reminds me of my happy pregnancy, and the relative calm of the hospital before the storm that followed, for me. I sang about half of the song and stopped for some reason, when you looked up at me and said, "My yife?" I was floored - I asked if you wanted me to keep singing Love of My Life, and you said yes, and when I got to the line "You're the love of my..." I stopped, and you took your thumb out and finished, "yife." and I bawled, while still somehow getting through the rest of the verse (with a little help from you). </div><div><br />
</div><div>Moments like that take my breath away, and are ones I will always cherish - and this one, on this day - to know that I am back to ME, and you are the amazing you that you are - I can't even explain to you how much that meant to me.</div><div><br />
</div><div>You continue to surprise me with your wit, charm and intelligence, and are slowly but surely becoming a more feisty, opinionated and strong girl. It is amazing to watch, even more amazing to experience, and the most amazing to feel. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I am so grateful for the help I was able to get when I needed it - for the therapist I found to talk to, for the family that helped us all, for The Dada who blew away any expectations I had of him as a father, and even for the medication that brought me out of the darkness and back towards the light. But while I have been coming through that tunnel of darkness, I still haven't felt 100% like myself. I have been close, but not totally me, until today.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I am beyond ecstatic to finally be basking in the light at the end of the tunnel.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I love you, more than you can ever know, baby girl!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Love, </div><div>Mommy</div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-12676990265672141572012-07-16T20:14:00.003-04:002012-08-10T08:34:41.198-04:00Summertime!<span style="background-color: white;">Dear Bex,</span><br />
<br />
Ah, yes, another two month lag. I have to get back to shorter posts more often so that I don't get too backed up with memories!!<br />
<br />
The past two months have been - in one word - incredible. You are a child - not a baby - in every sense. You talk to us constantly, way more than any of your friends. You say hi to everything you see, ask about things around you, and you know exactly what it is you want at any given time, down to the exact book you would like to read (usually Mimi's Day or What I Like, which you call, "I Yike?"), or where you would like to drink your milk (cousssh?).<br />
<br />
You are a daredevil, and love being swung higher on the swings than I would prefer, and being thrown in the air more than I'd prefer! You had an amazing time on Father's Day at Lulu's house, when they set up their mini rollercoaster in the driveway. You asked to go on it again and again, speeding over the bump and down the rest of their driveway while giggling the entire way! It was so much fun to watch - and I look forward to watching you and The Daddy on real rollercoasters together one day (from the ground!!). <br />
<br />
You have been amazing about learning to swim this summer, something that The Daddy and I are so relieved about. We wanted you to be comfortable in the water, and signed you up for swim lessons to make sure that you would have the chance to get in a pool a few times this summer, not knowing when else we'd get you in before Georgia. Well, little did we know, we've been in TONS of pools this summer - and luckily you took those lessons, because you love it! We've been to the pool with Grandma and Grumpa (oh, excuse me, you're calling him Herbie these days, just like Grandma does!), and in Florida at Uncle Jay and Aunt Beth's, and at Lulu and Jason's pool club with Amanda and RyRy, and even went out to NayNay's parents' pool during a brutal heat wave after July 4th! Every time you see a "simming cool" you get so excited. You ask for your swimmy diaper (Dora diaps???) and your bathing suit (baby soooot?) and even your suntan lotion (yotiony baby?)! Once you're set, you're all about walking right in - no adjustment time on the steps needed. You're not in love with us dunking you, but you deal pretty well, and you love climbing the ladders and playing on the steps. I love watching you in the pool, and seeing how much fun you have splashing around.<br />
<br />
This summer has meant lots of little trips to places like Philadelphia and Sesame Place, and Mimi and PopPop's and Grandma and Herbie's, and each time we (well, I guess it's really I) pack tons of toys and books and food and changes of clothes in case you are bored or upset or spit up like you used to. But each time I come back with toys, books and changes of clothes that never made it out of the bag, because you are so happy and content wherever we go. You go with the flow, eat when it's time to eat, sleep in cribs with your lovies surrounding you, and you just ARE. It is so much fun, Baby Girl, and I love this time of your life. <br />
<br />
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I love when you repeat any and everything we say like a little parrot (yes, even the bad words. The "oh $hit" when I splashed water in your eye while in the tub is my favorite to date). I love when you laugh at something that happens, whether on TV, or that The Daddy or I did or said, or even yesterday when we were looking out our living room window (a favorite pastime of yours, as you stand on the ledge and look out at the driveway, street and front yard below us) and two small dogs were play fighting with each other. I love when you say a word, we repeat it as a question to confirm we indeed understand what you want, and you say, "OK!" like we just came up with the best idea ever. I love when you carry around a spoon and say that you just made soup and offer us bites, and your babies bites, and all of your stuffed animals bites. I love when you sing the ABC's, or count to ten (in English or Spanish!), or sing Twinkle Twinkle with me, filling in the letters and words that you know. <br />
<br />
I know this phase is probably short-lived, and you'll keep growing and changing and surprising us with new, fun and exciting phases in the years to come, but I can't imagine loving you more than I do right now. My eyes well up constantly as I think about things that you say and do, and each night after one of us puts you to bed, we come out of your room, look at the other and frown. It took me a while to realize what that was - if it was that we were sad you were not able to hang out with us longer that day, or that you're growing up, or that you were sad about going to sleep - but I realized that it's sadness that another day with you is over, and that we'll never get that time back.<br />
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We both love you so much, Baby Girl.<br />
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Love always,<br />
MommyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411895616249054391.post-46871115792533884212012-05-17T11:46:00.002-04:002012-05-17T11:49:28.617-04:00The New RealityMy baby girl... it's been too long since I've written here. I have spent much of the last week or two reflecting on the past few months, realizing that this is our new life. I have been waiting for things to calm down, for us to have some quiet time and lazy days so that I can write here, but the reality is - those don't exist anymore! <br />
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There are always things to do, errands to run, people who want to see us (well mostly you) and special occasions to celebrate. There is always laundry to be done, meals to cook (though I've been bad about that too!), tidying up to accomplish and shopping lists to be made (and then handled!). <br />
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Those are the must do's - then there are the want to do's - the pictures to print out and upload to Facebook, the DVRd shows to watch (which do tend to take priority over the laundry, but oh well...), the catch-ups with friends, the drinks after work (admittedly, I make time there too!) and the blog posts to write. <br />
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On top of this, there is work, which has been overwhelming for Mommy for a little while now. I have recently realized just how much all of these lists have taken over my life, and how much I'm simply not able to tackle it all. And realizing that I can't do it all has made me better at each part of it, and slowly I've come to embrace my new reality at home, and at work. But, that the most important thing on my to-do list - to be the best mama I can be, and the best wife I can be to The Daddy - will always take precedence over it all. <br />
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I take time every day to read books with you, teach you new words, try and get you to drink your milkies (which was NOT an easy feat when it came to giving up your bottles!) and learn to brush your teeth. I make sure you eat fruits, vegetables, meat and drink lots of water on top of the puffs and Cheerios you love so much. I walk around with you outside, showing you birds, ducks, the sky and the grass, and teaching you that it's okay to walk on the grass even though it feels different than the pavement (that took a little while too, my little urban girl!). And I take you to check-ups where the doctor tells us how great you are growing, that you're tall for your age and verbally advanced and to the dentist who tells us she is always happy when first-time parents know to bring their child in around 1-year old. And I tell you I love you 1,342,678,902 times a day, hug you even more times than that and kiss you even more than THAT. <br />
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You are the best little girl, Rebecca. Happy, smiling, waving and saying hi to just about everyone you see. You are a great eater (as made evident by your remarkable belly) and love to try new things, even if you do spit it out half a second later. You love waffles for breakfast (most often saying "Mama! Dada! Waff!" when you first wake up) and bananas for snacks, along with the baby food pouches that you suck down all in one long sip. You love turkey and avocados and will eat every berry in the western hemisphere if we don't stop you. And Dina's food is still your favorite - and your love for her trumps just about everything else. Every day you ask for D, and can't stop smiling, pointing at her and saying hi when she arrives each morning!<br />
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On Monday you will be sixteen months old - it still boggles my mind that my love for you grows with each new day, and especially with each new month, that brings with it new milestones and new adorable things that you say and do. We went to the mall recently for pretty mcuh the first time, since you can now walk and aren't frustrated by needing to stay in the stroller. You loved it, saying "ooooOOOOooooh" when we first arrived, and running on the patterns in the carpet with your cousin RyRy. You loved shopping, and could identify so many things you know on shirts and products all around. Then we went to Whole Foods, and you sat in the shopping cart loving the errands, and making them so. much. more. fun for me!<br />
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We are gearing up for an extra busy few weeks ahead, with trips to Philadelphia, Florida and Sesame Place (sidebar: OMG I can not wait to see you at Sesame Place. You are obsessed with any and all things Sesame, yelling "Caca NOM NOM NOM" when you see cookie monster, a high pitched "hahaha" when you see Elmo, and know Zoe (ZO-ZO), Big Bird, Murray, Oscar and Grover too. It is going to be an amazing day!!). And I can't wait to have these experiences with you, because you make everything we do better (see: mall and supermarket, above). <br />
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I love you, baby girl.<br />
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Love,<br />
MommyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049453482471590966noreply@blogger.com0