20 October 2016; Thursday

Dear Squish,

You are walking!!!  Last night you took 15 steps in a row.  By the time you read this, you will probably think that I'm crazy for counting your steps.  But yes, I am that mom that count my kids first steps.  When your Kuya started walking he took 7 steps in a row.  When your Ate started walking, she took 10 steps in a row.  And now you at 15 steps.  I will enjoy this very short moment, because I know that once you really get the hang of it, you will be running!!

I love you squish ma-quish!!!

Love, Momma

aka

Dear Raymond Douglas,

Yesterday you have turned 8 years old.  I'm writing this letter to you today because yesterday you were able to spend time with your dad.  I had plans today to take photos of you and I was going to add them along with this letter.  But.....today was the first rain of the season.  So that was out.  However, I will always remember your smile as we sang 'Happy Birthday' to you.  I will always remember your quiet look of awe and excitement as you opened up your gifts.

I don't know why, but this birthday was slightly hard for me.  On one hand I am so excited for you and your growth and all the new adventures you will have.  But on the other hand, I feel like this is your last real birthday as a little kid.  You are maturing so fast and as you do, I realize you are not my baby anymore.  You are probably thinking, "I can't stay a baby forever!!"  And nor would I want you too.  But you are my first baby and there are moments that I will miss.

With all of that being said, I am so proud of the young man you are growing into.  You are so thoughtful.  You are so bright and innovative.  You are very playful, generous and loving.  I am so proud to be your mom.  I am so happy that you are in my life.  I promise I will always be here for you as your mom first and friend second.  And I won't say it in front of your friends or act like it in public, but you will always be my baby.  However, I will respect you at whatever stage of life you are in.  Happy Birthday Big Boy!!!

You're just too good to be true.........

Love, Momma

A letter to my daughters:

You two are the best duo ever!!  Today we got to have a little momma and daughters afternoon date.  We went exploring in downtown Auburn.  Now Auburn is a small little town.  There were two streets we walked up and down and window shopped and looked at art.  I love how curious the both of you are.  Zara you were so feisty, but you also loved laughing and playing with your sister.  And Rylie girl you are so helpful and caring.  I love how when we go through little towns, you like looking at all the "dollhouses" and picking out your favorite one.  Rylie you were so cute when you got to have frozen yogurt and said, "This is a little sweet treat the boys (your brother and papa bear) are going to be jealous about."  And Zara you were so happy being able to have pumpkin yogurt for the first time.  As I drove down the hill, lipsyncing to the radio, I felt extremely proud to be you girls' momma.

I will always sniff your ears,

Momma 

09 October 2016

Dear Love Bugs,

So this past weekend (10/6-10/9) I was completely alone for the first time in I don't know how long.  Ray and Ry it was your dad's weekend to spend time with you two.  And I'm sure you had a great time and I know you both got new hair cuts.  And Zara, my darling, you went on your first plane ride to Venus, Texas to visit Uncle David with your daddy.  

So whats bizarre about this weekend is, I didn't know what to do with myself.  The house was so quiet and still, I couldn't hear myself think.  I had so many thoughts running through my mind of how I would like to spend time with you.  And what I'd like to try to teach you and encourage you on your critical thinking and growing emotionally, physically and mentally.  I have so many plans for you, but always feel like there is not enough time.  But as I am forever trying to improve myself, I hope that that act will spill into continually improving our relationships with each other.

Zara you are home and I can now sleep soundly.  And Raymond and Rylie girl you will be home tomorrow and then I will be able to hear myself think again.

I will love you for your entire lives.  

Love,

Momma