and where was i before the day that i first saw your lovely face?

Dear Claire,
We listened to Ben Folds the morning before you were born. It made me cry then and makes me cry still thinking of the sunshine that Sunday and the hard work and hope. Four weeks ago today my big huge body started getting ready for you to make your escape. I was starting to think you'd never come.

I just fed you and wrapped you up next to your daddy in our bed. This has become our morning tradition and you love to cuddle. I hope this doesn't change. I've watched you make little changes already from the tiny, jawsnapping baby that they cut out of my belly to this little, chubby person who smiles at her own little secret thoughts and gets wide-eyed on walks.

Here you are in your hospital photo. Everyone thinks that their baby really is the most beautiful baby that they've ever seen...but you are a stunner. You, with those racecar driver noises in your sleep and epic toots. I even love you when you're screaming and can't be comforted and I love that the place your one-month old self loves best is with your head curled up on my heart. I know that I am the luckiest.

Love,
Mama