Notes

Shooshy,

I retrieved some notes from my phone. Hope you enjoy them:

6/11/16

Little life, I believe I felt you wiggle around tonight. 👣

12 wks 4 days

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1/1/17

"It's been a challenge to think of much else but you and your needs. 

You're so helpless, my little love.

I'd like to reflect on where life has brought me this year. 

It made me something I only dreamed of one day becoming: a mother. 

Time before knowing of you seems distant and yet not.

This year was mostly me, waiting for your arrival, 

making time pass by with work and taking some classes. 

It seems aimless now. Time leading up to this moment seems pointless, really.

But dad and I have also been making a home for us. 

And that journey within itself has been quite a thing of beauty. 

We've created love and because of love, you came into existence.

This year taught me to go with it and trust the divine timing of it all."

7/25/17

"Hailey

You are everything that came before

You carry looks from afar

You gesture like the past

You smile because you know

Everything and everyone who came here before you"

​

8/3/17

"I define everything for her

I am a given for her

But then she

sees something more in him

And I understand why

Because I see it too.

Everyday you seem more aware of your dad. 

You look in his direction and kick your feet vigorously, or pump your hands up and down. 

"Hey dad!! Look at me," says your expression, "I'm looking ! Look what I can do!"

It's past midnight and you're in bed with us. 

Your dad is snoring and you are also breathing loudly 

but I am so comforted by it all in this moment."

​

And let the record note, Hailey Pepper, you snore like your father.

Love you stinky face,

Mama

​

Dear Hailey,

You’re peacefully napping on our bed so I’m squeezing this in. I say ours because we’ve shared it for most of your life. You’re about three months shy of two and but act like one grown lady. Since your arrival, we have been apart only once; three nights and what must have felt like an eternity to you. I’ll elaborate later more about the night you were born. I still remember that story very well.

Lately, you’ve been pushing limits, testing boundaries, and “vocalizing” a lot more; only you know what you mean. When you're tired, you plank on our coffee table, chairs, and unfortunately, our toilets (I wish you wouldn't). You’re very sassy, coy with a look, and have the most unruly little curls that bounce when you run.  

Here are some fun facts about you-at-almost-two:

Your favorite movies, that you sit pretty much all the way through, are (in first to latest): Coco, Moana, Sing, and Frozen. You also ask to watch these movies by saying: "coco", "annan", "shing", and "fofhsgeuika" or something to that effect.

You’re very fond of TV’s Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Sesame Street, Peppa Pig ("papa"), and Mickey ("mimi") Mouse Clubhouse.

You have a love for all things carbohydrates. Where there is pasta with pesto, or mac and cheese, there is a happy baby. And let's not forget pizza!

You also really love a good bread, French toast, pancake, waffle and bagel. At around six months, I made you blueberry pancakes for the first time. I've also made banana "nana" bread which you also enjoy.

We’re still breastfeeding but you and I both know our time is running out. You’re very attached to me because we truly are together all of the time.

The latest and greatest is your interest in coffee ("Fe"), both hot and cold. You really enjoy the sips mom and dad (and your abuel@s) let you have.

You adore going outside, walking to the fountain, and blowing bubbles. We blow bubbles sometimes in the house too.

              We try to nurture your interests as much as possible. I introduced books to you once we came home and you’ve loved them since too. For some time you have brought me books of your choosing for me to read aloud. These have been some of my most treasured moments with you.

Favorite books include:

-       “My Friends” by Taro Gomi

-       “Toes, Ears & Nose”

-       “How Do You Say I Love You?”

-       “My Mommy is Magic”

-       “My Daddy is My Hero”

I'm going to wrap up for now. Let the major jump in dates be a testament to how dedicated (and forgetful) I have been as a mother. We've created countless memories and pictures to match. I'll be back with more of your stories. You're going to be waking up soon and wanting more of life!

Always love,
Mama