July 2012 Newsletter

Ella and Riley,

I think everyone would agree that we've had a busy summer. But, it's been blissful.

Our first family photo 6-27-2012

Ella, you're a month old this week and you're still the sweetest thing I've ever met. You are such a good baby for me, exactly the opposite as your sister. You love me the best, but you're really warming up to your Daddy, and you love to hear your sister's voice.

I didn't know a baby could be so good. After Riley, I was under the impression that babies never slept. I've come to realize that a baby will sleep, especially you, Ella.

You had several fussy days, but after switching to a new bottle you've settled down again. You sleep reasonably well at night, only waking to eat and then going back to sleep. All I can say is, "THANK GOODNESS!" I am more experienced now, but with Riley it was nothing for me to go more than 24 hours without any sleep. Riley never has been a sleeper, and still isn't. But Ella, you're my sleeper. You really are a good baby. I am so in love.

Riley, don't feel left out or neglected. I couldn't make it through the day without you. You are my right hand and you keep me sane. You're someone for me to talk to and you are always ready for a "job." Some days you want to snuggle more than normal, but that's the extent of your jealousy. You love your little sister. When we have visitors, you are so proud to show her off. The pride beams from your face.

You are so smart and you don't forget a thing. We really are impressed with your memory. You reminded Paw-Paw about a shirt he wore on our Summer vacation to Galveston, last year.

People say you look like me. I take that as a compliment. You can be a handful somedays, especially when your imagination gets going. You have brothers, more sisters and a husband. You have a job and pay bills. You wear me out.

School will start in about three weeks and both of you will be in day care. I'm really trying to squeeze in all the kisses and hugs I can before then. I can only hope the work day goes by fast, because I will miss you both so, so much. I'm anxious to get into a routine around work and school though.

I love you girls, more than you can ever imagine. I hope I make you proud to be my daughters.

Love, Mama