Mercedes - 23 Months Old

Dear Mercedes,

Tomorrow your Daddy and I are going on vacation for a week (to Jamaica). You will be staying with Bubie and Zaidie and its the very first time you'll have been there for longer than a day or two, and the very first time we'll be SO far away from you. We are very much looking forward to our trip and we know that you will be in wonderful hands (spoiled rotten no doubt!!) but I still feel a little panicky at the thought of what lies ahead. Not least of all because we are going to miss you so very much! It's hard being away from you for one night - it's difficult to picture 7! I am already anticipating our reunion and we haven't even left yet! Here's hoping you don't punish us too much upon our return!

Love you always,

Momma

Mercedes - 23 Months Old

Dear Mercedes,

Guess what?!? You are going to have a SISTER! You may not realize now how exciting this is, but your father and I are thrilled! We not-so-secretly hoped for another girl - we love you so much that we relished the idea of another princess to spoil. Plus, my sister is so wonderful and I have such a special bond with her - I really wanted to be able to give you the same gift. I hope that you grow up to be the best of friends! You have no idea what's really about to happen to you, but you love talking about your "baby sisser" that lives in "mommy's tummy" and giving her kisses through my belly button. I can't wait to see you two in action together!

Love,

Mommy

Alexis - 19 Weeks Pregnant

Dear Bean,

I had an ultrasound this morning, and aside from telling me that you are completely healthy and absolutely perfect, they also told us that you are a GIRL!
We are so thrilled! Not that we wouldn't have been happy either way of course, but your father and I were both not-so-secretly hoping for another girl! Mercedes is just so much fun, that we both loved the idea of another beautiful princess to spoil. And of course, I have a truly wonderful sister, and a very special relationship with her, and I'd love for you and your sister to experience the same thing. Plus, we have a LOT of pink clothes already!

Love,

Momma

Mercedes - 22.5 Months

Dear Big Girl Mercedes,

Today you peed on the potty twice!! You also peed all over the floor a couple of times, but who's counting? It seems like right before my eyes you are growing and changing - when I think back to LAST New Year's Eve, the differences are outstanding. You are definitely your own unique personality now - a little shy/cautious at first, very observant, funny, sweet, charming, independent and just a teensy bit devilish! Last week you had your first two night sleepover at Bubie and Zaidie's, and you all had a blast! I love you, and I love my parents, and seeing how much they adore you, and how much fun you have with them... it warms my heart.

This past year has been full of ups and downs - losing Bruiser, getting Peanut, creating a new baby - but absolutely nothing has been as rewarding as being your Mom. Challenge me though you do, I love you more than you'll ever know. Happy New Year's Princess!

Love,

Mommy

Alexis - 18 Weeks 3 Days Pregnant

Dear Bean,

Happy New Year! We finished 2010 off with a midwife appointment today, and I got to hear your beautiful heartbeat again! And then this evening, despite the lameness of your father's and mine NYE celebrations, you seemed to be having a party all by yourself. It's amazing how clearly and strongly I can feel you already - stronger every single day.

2010 was an interesting year for you, full of ups and downs, but I think we all know what the highlight of 2011 will be!

Love,

Momma

Alexis - 16 Weeks Pregnant

Dear Bean,

I've been feeling you flutter and swim a lot lately. It's such a cool, strange feeling, and even though I've been through it all before it never stops being amazing and surreal! In fact, today I swore I felt you from the outside! It's a little early for that, but considering this is my second pregnancy and I do not have an anterior placenta blocking the way this time - it IS totally possible!

I also heard your heartbeat for the for the first time last week at the midwife. I know we've seen it a couple of times in ultrasounds, but actually hearing that beautiful sound is another thing entirely!

Love,

Momma

Mercedes - 21.5 Months Old

Dear Mercedes,

It looks like now, at nearly 22 months of age, we are done breastfeeding. I feel a little guilty about this, because I think if I wasn't pregnant we would have continued longer. But a drop in supply, painful nursing, and a recent cold for you seems to have spelled the end of this part of our relationship. I am sad - more sad than I think I could explain in words. I'm also incredibly proud and happy that I was able to give this gift to you for so long. I have wonderful memories of our journey together and I'll never, ever forget it. I love you so much my wonderful, grown-up girl.

Love,

Mommy

P.S. This morning, you peed on the potty for the first time!!