This Morning I Cried

Dear Rose,
Mama did one. Of. The. Hardest. Things. Ever. She took you to Montessori and handed you over to the kind people there. (It took a while to do so - Dad and I fed you, changed you, and rocked you for a while). When Dad and Mama left, we stood in the parking lot, holding each other and (Mama) bawling our eyes out. I know you are probably snoozing away and enjoying meeting the other babies and looking at this new place. Mama misses you so very very very much. And she can't wait to go pick you up shortly!

All my love,
Mama

Your New Cousin

Dear Rose,
Your cousin was born on Friday, April 9! We are so excited to welcome Jacob Richard Farber to our family. Jake is your Uncle Chris' and Aunt Lisa's baby. He was 8 lbs, 4 oz!

When I was a little girl, I always enjoyed spending time with my cousins and I hope you and Jake get to have those experiences too.

Love, Mama

Redeemed

Dear Rose,

Whew! What a weekend we had - April 2-4!

On Friday night, Dad and I took you to your first Wild game. You were entranced by the lights, the people, everything going on. You made it all the way through the second period, then got overwhelmed and tired, so we went home, gave you a bath and rocked you to sleep. I love introducing you to new things and I wonder which ones will eventually excite you and become your passions. Will you want to play hockey when you get older? Dad and I talked about teaching you how to ice skate - what fun that will be!


Grandpa Barry came to visit on Saturday and we went to storytime and you enjoyed it. The theme was about counting - 1, 2, 3. After storytime we went to Cecil's to have a bite to eat. You were not a happy camper there - so we ate quick and came home. Later that day, Grandma Jan and Grandpa Dewey arrived. They were very excited to see you again.

On Sunday morning, we had to get up early to go to our church, Unity Unitarian. It was a big day for you and for us as a family - it was your Dedication. During this service, the church community dedicated itself to us - promising to help us through good times and bad as we raise you. It was an emotional moment for Mama and Dad. Some of our family came to witness this event too - Aunt Sarah, Uncle Joe, Aunt Katie, Grandma Jan and Grandpa Dewey, and Grandma Michelle and Grandpa Barry!
One of the most uplifting moments was when you smiled at both Janne and Rob when they blessed you with the water from the different corners of the world (including some of the water Dad and I brought back from Mexico in September!) and the dirt (that was to remind you of your body and to use it in all the different ways it is intended.) You were also blessed with fire (a candle - a reminder to live passionately) and air and beauty (a yellow rose, to remind you to surround yourself with beauty.) It was a lovely, lovely service. We are so proud of you, Rose and loved introducing you to our church family. The members of our church were delighted to meet you and they look forward to being a meaningful part of your life.

Love, Mama

Dear Rose - Three Months Old

Dear Rose,
You are now 3 months old! Your schedule is a little more predictable - Mama can tell when you are sleepy and ready for a nap. Dad and I are "working on" your bedtime routine. We are trying to help you go to sleep earlier in the evening, but you just don't seem to care. And that's okay. We just love you so much. Not that I'm keeping count, but for the last 90 days Dad and Mama have woken up at least once a night to change you and feed you. And we realize we will be doing this for many, many more nights! I don't think you will understand this amount of love we have for you until you have your own babies!

What happened this month? We had a Dedication service for you at Church, which was wonderful. Your new cousin Jake was born! You went to your first Wild game with Dad and I. We also have taken trips to Como Zoo and Conservatory, to St. Paul to visit Aunt Sarah, and to Lonsdale to have a photo shoot.

You had your Red Egg and Ginger party! We held it at Jun-Bo and ordered a gorgeous cake (with an ox and a tiger on it) from Piece of Cake. Lots and lots of friends came to meet you and celebrate you! We ate pork and pineapple buns, egg tarts, beef chow fun, shrimp and pan-fried noodles, fish, tofu and vegetables, buddha's delight, beef and chinese broccoli, roast pork, walnut shrimp - it was all so good! You should always remember how much you are loved, Rose, and that there is a whole world of people who adore you and will look out for you!

People keep commenting on how peaceful and sweet your spirit it. Perhaps that is one of your gifts to this world, Rose - to just share your peacefulness and help others find calm.


Mama has to go back to work next week, Rose and my heart is broken about it. I want to be with you through these magical days as you grow and learn. But I know that going to the Montessori will be a wonderful experience for you. You will learn lots of new things, you will meet new people, and this is just a part of life. As much I want to hold you close all the time, Mama has two responsibilities to you: to give you roots and give you wings. This part is about the wings.

(This photo is you trying to figure out how to roll over! Mama and Dad are making plans on how to keep you safe so you don't roll off of things!)
The other important thing that has happened this month is that Mama finally understands and loves our "new normal." Life is very very different with you, Rose, and it is absolutely wonderful. It is a big change from how life used to be before you and these first few months have taken some time to get used to. A few weekends ago we were driving to Minneapolis to order your cake and Mama knew it just felt right - the three of us as a new family.

All my love, Mama

The Other "Kids"

Dear Rose,
There are two other beings who share our house with us - you may have seen them around before. There are the two monsters we call dogs, or gaus, or Fennel and Poppy. They are sometimes curious about you, especially Fennel who likes to lick your hands and feet. Poppy likes to sniff you and then usually deems you fit to stay.
  

It's amazing to think that you are 10 weeks old already, Rose.  March is now gone and it was the first time, in over 130 years that we did not have any snow in that month!  (Weather is an important topic in Minnesota.)  Your cheeks are even fuller now, and your eyes are brighter, if that is possible.  Each day with you is a true joy!    


Love, Mama