Since this is your first birthday letter from mom, I feel like I should give a recap of your first five years with us. You were born on what would have been mommy's college graduation day at BYU. Natalie-with your joyous birth, you made me a mom-something I had dreamed of and looked forward to for so long. Though the birth and recovery were quite the rocky road for me, I remember mostly the sweet first taste of motherhood that you gave me. I couldn't stop looking at you and touching your soft baby skin. You were truly a gift from heaven. I remember how hard it was to go back to the hospital and leave my two week old baby while I had surgery, and how scared I was through that whole ordeal. But I was given a blessing and Heavenly Father healed me so I could return to you sooner than I had planned.
You didn't want to miss a moment of what was going on in your new world. You mostly slept just four hours a night, so the feeling of exhaustion became a new norm for mommy and daddy. I remember taking shifts with daddy at nights so we could each squeeze in a few hours of sleep. During my shift, I got to spend a lot of time looking into your beautiful blue eyes and singing to you and just rocking and cuddling you. Though I missed my precious sleep, I treasured that time with you.
We moved to Los Angeles shortly after you were born, so most of the first year memories with you were made there. We lived in a tiny one bedroom, 550 square foot apartment in a student housing complex. We would visit Grandpa and Grandma Bell at least once a month since they were only about 3 hours away. Every time we came back from the weekend and got to our door, a big grin would cross your face and you would wave your arms and legs in excitement to be home. And then I'd lay you in your portacrib in your corner of the "hallway" one foot from the bathroom door and you were at peace. It was the cutest thing.
With the beautiful California weather, we played outside in the common area for a long time most days. You made lots of new friends, but Marty, Aaron and Evangeline were your very best friends. You got so excited to see them each day. Your friends all celebrated with us when you took your first steps at 13 months. From that point, you learned quickly to keep up with your already walking buddies.
Soon our time there was done, and we moved to Albuquerque where we bought our first home. It felt like a mansion to mom and dad, but especially to you. We didn't get our things from the moving van for two weeks, so we didn't have a lot of toys or books to keep us entertained for that time. You spent most of your first days here just walking all over the big, empty house almost in awe and I could tell that you knew it was home.
Your brother was born a few years later. You had a bit of a rough time adjusting to not being the center of mommy and daddy's world, but given time, you got used to the idea of being a big sister. You love your brother so much. Now you can't wait to become a big sister again to the new little one that will enter our family in September. You are a sweet big sister.
You have always had a love for books. A few weeks ago, mommy heard sounds coming from your room in the middle of the night. When I opened your door, you had the light on and were sitting by your bookshelf with a book in hand reading. This was not the first time it had happened, either. It was cute. I had to convince you to put your book down and go back to bed. Everyday, you "read" to yourself after mommy reads to you at lunchtime. You really love your Fancy Nancy books, because she's a lot like you. Mommy's teaching you to read right now too and you are really enjoying it. You are a very smart girl.
Your spunky personality showed early in your years. What they say about red heads is true. You are very head-strong, yet very tender-hearted at the same time. You got a goldfish a few weeks ago at preschool and it only lasted a day. You were un-consolable. You cried and cried for your fish and wondered why it had to die. Then you said your prayers that night and asked Heavenly Father to take good care of your fish, and you were at peace.
You are our little princess girl. You don't do this as much anymore, but you used to dress up in at least one princess gown every day. You still love to wear play dresses every day. I love my girly girl. But you're also not afraid of "boy-ish" things. It's cute to see you outside in your sweet dress, holding a lizard or catching a bug.
You're still probably the pickiest eater I know. I've never seen another child your age turn down cupcakes, cookies, candy, and icecream. But you are eating things that you wouldn't eat at this time last year. For breakfast you eat cereal with no milk. For lunch, yogurt or lately I can get you to eat half of a peanut butter sandwich with no jam. And for dinner you like rice with your "special sauce"-teriyaki. You do eat some pasta and pizza if we force you.
You have a fun little imagination. I love to listen to you play with your stuffed animals and small toys. The stories and situations you come up with are just cute.
Hopefully this summer you will learn to ride your bike without training wheels. You are excited for summer time too since we get to go to Hawaii and visit your grandparents in Utah. And you can't wait to go to the "caves" (Carlsbad Caverns) this weekend with your family.
I can't believe how fast the past five years have gone. My baby girl is a little lady now. After the summer, you will be a big kindergartener. I'm sad to think of having you gone all day, and I know your brother will greatly miss you too. We love having you in our home. I'm so grateful that you made me a mother five years ago, Natalie. I thank Heavenly Father every day for you and your brother. You are a true blessing in mine and your father's lives.
I love you my darling Natalie Girl.
Love Mom
1 comment:
So sweet. Love that baby girl! Even if she doesn't think she's a baby anymore:)
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