To: babygirl

Dear Babygirl, it's been awhile since I've written to you. Where has time gone? Almost every time I change your diaper, it seems you've grown, your legs are stronger, longer, and your clothes are getting much bigger or smaller.

It seems so long ago that I would have to rock you back to sleep, wait I still do that from time to time, but there was definitely a time when all you did was just want/needed to be held. These days your so busy that if I'm lucky I might get a hug and kiss out of you before I'm out the door.

Each day is certainly a new day, a new day of learning some new words, understanding new mechanical concepts, or figuring out how you fit into this world. It's been a such a delight to see your vocab increase, and your ability to communicate with us increase. Other times mommy and I have no idea what you're trying to tell us, but we eventually figure out. Like for some time you use to say "appasappadah" which after many weeks we figured out that it was your word for "applesauce."

I was certainly shocked when I reading the many books we repeatedly read before you go to sleep, that you actually knew all the words to the books. Well at least the last word of every sentence. Like I would read "A hog and frog cavort in a. . ." and you would definitely say "bog." Soon you were completing every sentence for almost every book, its interesting that you have the knowledge of these words, but only use these words in the context of these books, rather than every day language like the words "kitten, top, mitten, bog, work, etc."

What has also been great to see is what Mommy says is your recognition of details, always aware of which things belong to certain people. Even this summer you were able to recognize who's shoes were who's and would be able to bring them to the rightful owner. Like great-grandma, whom you only spent a long wknd with, you knew which shoes were hers, or what slippers she wore. You're also very aware of all the shoes that your pals at daycare wear, and always talking about who so and so is, and how "funny" they are, etc.

Another thing that's been great to see is your imagination/fantasy play work. George(Curious) has always been your pal since birth, but these days he's really like a buddy. He almost has to always travel with you now. You like to be fair and share all things with him, even knowing that he doesn't eat, you do feed him, and ask about food for him. You also will put some diapers on him from time to time, or push him around in a car/stroller, or anything that moves. George has been known to play "ring around the rosey" with you, dance, give you "high five and fist bumps," and you'll even "rock him like a baby." Of course the babydolls also get this type of maternal love from you, but George, he's your #1.

Along with caring, you also show budding signs of empathy. You're always quick to be very concerned when babies in public are crying. You'll often tell me that "he/she sad, need binkie." The concerned face you make is so serious, and you become so affected by their crying. You also express when your happy, and if someone is funny. Although, it seems anyone who's positive gets the "he/she funny!"

All these signs of caring, empathy, and playing mom has both mommy and I excited for the upcoming arrival of your sibling this spring. I know when you saw the ultrasound you thought and wishfully wanted a puppy, but I'm sad to say it'll be a little baby. Of course i suspect this will be quite a transition, but at the same time, I know that you're going to be great caring big sister. Perhaps you'll be the big sister that daddy always wanted when he was growing up.

You've begun to know/learn about Jesus. You love to have mommy and daddy re-read all the Bible stories. The act of praying before every meal and before going to bed is certainly a ritual you look fwd to, so this is all very promising, and positive towards raising you in a positive Christian home.

Needless to say, it's been a very active and busy past couple of months of development and growth on all levels. Despite daddy's crazy schedule, it seems we make the most of our time together. I certainly enjoy our Mondays together, and any chance that we get to watch football together(you always like to comment on people falling, and like the clapping that occurs in the stands, as well as the kicking and throwing of the ball).

Mommy and Daddy love you dearly, and excited that you're going to be big sister soon, whom you'll share and teach all these great things you've picked up along the way.

Love,
dad