Dear Tiny,
This morning I was on the phone with a client whose son is doing a college search. We talked about Muhlenberg (which was one of his options and which I promptly jumped all over) and it made me really excited to help you choose the right path when you get older. Will you want a big school or a small school? Will you need a college education for what you're interested in doing? (Secretly I hope so because college was one of THE defining experiences of my life and I hope you get to have that too!)
It made me happy to realize that, even when you get big, there are still going to be fun experiences that we go through together.
Love,
Mama
8/30/12
Dear Tiny,
Are you sure you're in the fetal position? It kinda seems like you're stretched out. Like... the entire length of my torso. This does not make it super comfortable for me to:
Love,
Mama
Are you sure you're in the fetal position? It kinda seems like you're stretched out. Like... the entire length of my torso. This does not make it super comfortable for me to:
- Eat
- Sleep
- Sit
- Etc.
Love,
Mama
8/29/12
Dear Tiny,
Six weeks to go! Can you believe it? Six weeks feels so short... and yet you could even come earlier than that. (You could also come a couple weeks later than that too, but let's hope you are ready to evacuate sooner rather than later... I don't know where my organs will go if it's much longer...)
We're starting to sense the end of our old lives. Tonight we had dinner with our nice neighbors who have two kids and we talked a lot about kids and living in New York and how to raise babies. I was really proud of us for taking the time to grab dinner with them before you're born. With so much else going on, it's nice to make a little time for social opportunities before they all but disappear for a while.
This weekend, Dad and I are having a mini-vacation in which we turn off computers and phones and just hang around a hotel pool with magazines. We can't wait! While we're gone I'll be publishing a few letters to you from friends who wanted to write you something. It means so much to Dad and me that we know people who want to talk to you before you're born... and I hope it will mean a lot to you too one day.
Love,
Mama
Six weeks to go! Can you believe it? Six weeks feels so short... and yet you could even come earlier than that. (You could also come a couple weeks later than that too, but let's hope you are ready to evacuate sooner rather than later... I don't know where my organs will go if it's much longer...)
We're starting to sense the end of our old lives. Tonight we had dinner with our nice neighbors who have two kids and we talked a lot about kids and living in New York and how to raise babies. I was really proud of us for taking the time to grab dinner with them before you're born. With so much else going on, it's nice to make a little time for social opportunities before they all but disappear for a while.
This weekend, Dad and I are having a mini-vacation in which we turn off computers and phones and just hang around a hotel pool with magazines. We can't wait! While we're gone I'll be publishing a few letters to you from friends who wanted to write you something. It means so much to Dad and me that we know people who want to talk to you before you're born... and I hope it will mean a lot to you too one day.
Love,
Mama
8/28/12
Dear Tiny,
Although we haven’t met yet, I know both of your parents pretty well, especially your Mama, and I think that you and I should get along just fine. Underneath my grey hair, I’m still pretty much of a kid myself, just a few years older than you. Once you get here and get your feet under you, so to speak, we’ll figure out some good things to do together to get to know each other.
One thing I should tell you before we get started—I don’t do text messaging or even answer my cell phone, so if you want to talk to me you’ll have to do it the old fashioned way and call the home phone. If it makes you feel any better, I do know how to use email, but I don’t do Twitter, or follow people so you’re going to have to get used to communicating with those of us who were born in the last century. You could also write me a letter—your mom can show you how when you know your abc’s. I love to get mail and I’ll make sure that I write back to you soon.
I guess you’ll be calling me Pop Pop Epting, which is funny since there were two other pop pops before me who were called the same thing. They’re both gone now but I’ll tell you about them and the rest of the family when we have a chance.
I guess that’s about all for now. Enjoy your last few weeks of peace and quiet in there. It’s going to be loud when you get here, so you’d be wise to catch up on your sleep while you can. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Love,
Pop Pop Epting
Although we haven’t met yet, I know both of your parents pretty well, especially your Mama, and I think that you and I should get along just fine. Underneath my grey hair, I’m still pretty much of a kid myself, just a few years older than you. Once you get here and get your feet under you, so to speak, we’ll figure out some good things to do together to get to know each other.
One thing I should tell you before we get started—I don’t do text messaging or even answer my cell phone, so if you want to talk to me you’ll have to do it the old fashioned way and call the home phone. If it makes you feel any better, I do know how to use email, but I don’t do Twitter, or follow people so you’re going to have to get used to communicating with those of us who were born in the last century. You could also write me a letter—your mom can show you how when you know your abc’s. I love to get mail and I’ll make sure that I write back to you soon.
I guess you’ll be calling me Pop Pop Epting, which is funny since there were two other pop pops before me who were called the same thing. They’re both gone now but I’ll tell you about them and the rest of the family when we have a chance.
I guess that’s about all for now. Enjoy your last few weeks of peace and quiet in there. It’s going to be loud when you get here, so you’d be wise to catch up on your sleep while you can. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Love,
Pop Pop Epting
8/27/12
Dear Tiny,
The cashier at Trader Joe's tonight accurately guessed your gender and then predicted that you'll be born on September 29th. What if you're a September baby?!?
Love,
Mama
The cashier at Trader Joe's tonight accurately guessed your gender and then predicted that you'll be born on September 29th. What if you're a September baby?!?
Love,
Mama
8/26/12
Dear Tiny,
I grew up Lutheran and Dad grew up with multiple religious influences, but neither of us feel completely part of one community over another. I have wonderful memories of weekly church services and teaching Sunday School and I would love to find a place where we feel like we fit in. I think it's really important for you to have some religious or spiritual background because my knowledge of Christianity has been particularly helpful in close reading novels and texts in college, deciphering art at museums and generally providing me with a solid background to draw from when contributing to social conversations.
By the time you read these letters one day we will hopefully have figured things out for our family, but I want you to know that we didn't have it all figured out when we were pregnant with you. There will likely be moments in your life when you're unclear where you sit with religion or spirituality and I think it's important for you to know that we, too, had this uncertainty.
You can always talk to us about your questions and opinions, no matter what they are.
Love,
Mama
I grew up Lutheran and Dad grew up with multiple religious influences, but neither of us feel completely part of one community over another. I have wonderful memories of weekly church services and teaching Sunday School and I would love to find a place where we feel like we fit in. I think it's really important for you to have some religious or spiritual background because my knowledge of Christianity has been particularly helpful in close reading novels and texts in college, deciphering art at museums and generally providing me with a solid background to draw from when contributing to social conversations.
By the time you read these letters one day we will hopefully have figured things out for our family, but I want you to know that we didn't have it all figured out when we were pregnant with you. There will likely be moments in your life when you're unclear where you sit with religion or spirituality and I think it's important for you to know that we, too, had this uncertainty.
You can always talk to us about your questions and opinions, no matter what they are.
Love,
Mama
8/25/12
Dear Tiny,
Today we took our weekend guests on a walk along Brooklyn Bridge Park. Dad and I have been down there before, but we hadn't paid too much attention to the kid playground at Pier 6. HOLY MOLY. What an amazing playground that is! I think Uncle Steve and Sara wanted to stay there and play on the swings themselves!
As we walked around Brooklyn we noticed playgrounds all over the place. Isn't it strange how you can see a neighborhood in a completely different way when you're looking for something new? Since we had our kid-friendly glasses on, we discovered a whole bunch of fun places to take you when you get a little bigger. This is a fantastic place to have a little guy and we'll take advantage of all of these fun things before we leave Brooklyn one day.
Love,
Mama
P.S. Dad and I might want to play in the water park too, ok?
Today we took our weekend guests on a walk along Brooklyn Bridge Park. Dad and I have been down there before, but we hadn't paid too much attention to the kid playground at Pier 6. HOLY MOLY. What an amazing playground that is! I think Uncle Steve and Sara wanted to stay there and play on the swings themselves!
As we walked around Brooklyn we noticed playgrounds all over the place. Isn't it strange how you can see a neighborhood in a completely different way when you're looking for something new? Since we had our kid-friendly glasses on, we discovered a whole bunch of fun places to take you when you get a little bigger. This is a fantastic place to have a little guy and we'll take advantage of all of these fun things before we leave Brooklyn one day.
Love,
Mama
P.S. Dad and I might want to play in the water park too, ok?
8/24/12
Dear Tiny,
Uncle Steve is hereeee! He and Sara came to visit for the weekend and we're going to spend a couple of days hanging out with them for the last time before we become parents. They are both so excited to meet you and have instructed me to tell them as soon as you kick this weekend so they can feel you and say hello.
One day you'll hopefully know what it feels like to make your siblings uncles or aunts by having a baby... it is very bizarre, but is such a fantastic gift. We can't wait for you to meet all your aunts and uncles... and one day cousins!
Love,
Mama
Uncle Steve is hereeee! He and Sara came to visit for the weekend and we're going to spend a couple of days hanging out with them for the last time before we become parents. They are both so excited to meet you and have instructed me to tell them as soon as you kick this weekend so they can feel you and say hello.
One day you'll hopefully know what it feels like to make your siblings uncles or aunts by having a baby... it is very bizarre, but is such a fantastic gift. We can't wait for you to meet all your aunts and uncles... and one day cousins!
Love,
Mama
8/23/12
Dear Tiny,
Tonight we met a doula that we love, which means that she's going to be one of the first people you meet! She's helped a bunch of other couples give birth and will be an awesome coach to get us through labor and delivery. Dad and I felt really comfortable with her and I feel so excited about your birth now... it's all feeling so real!
Today at Starbucks I saw a woman with a little baby and I asked her how old he is. She told me 2 months old. He was really cute... but I bet you will be even cuter.
Love,
Mama
Tonight we met a doula that we love, which means that she's going to be one of the first people you meet! She's helped a bunch of other couples give birth and will be an awesome coach to get us through labor and delivery. Dad and I felt really comfortable with her and I feel so excited about your birth now... it's all feeling so real!
Today at Starbucks I saw a woman with a little baby and I asked her how old he is. She told me 2 months old. He was really cute... but I bet you will be even cuter.
Love,
Mama
8/22/12
Dear Tiny,
Tonight when I got out of the subway, I ran into two guys I went to high school with! It was the craziest thing. One of them has a three month old daughter and we got to talking about pediatricians and daycare in the neighborhood (it was all very boring to the other guy, since we now count as Old People Who Only Talk About Their Kids). We joked about how we should split a nanny share between his daughter and you and I realized how CRAZY it would be if we stayed in Brooklyn until you're school-age. You would be going to school with the children of people I went to school with! In a completely different town! Bizarro.
This guy was telling me about all of the things his daughter does already, like smile and babble a little and hold her head up. Yesterday she rolled over for the first time. "She's awesome!" he said and I laughed. I'm really looking forward to telling people how awesome you are too!
Love,
Mama
Tonight when I got out of the subway, I ran into two guys I went to high school with! It was the craziest thing. One of them has a three month old daughter and we got to talking about pediatricians and daycare in the neighborhood (it was all very boring to the other guy, since we now count as Old People Who Only Talk About Their Kids). We joked about how we should split a nanny share between his daughter and you and I realized how CRAZY it would be if we stayed in Brooklyn until you're school-age. You would be going to school with the children of people I went to school with! In a completely different town! Bizarro.
This guy was telling me about all of the things his daughter does already, like smile and babble a little and hold her head up. Yesterday she rolled over for the first time. "She's awesome!" he said and I laughed. I'm really looking forward to telling people how awesome you are too!
Love,
Mama
8/21/12
Dear Tiny,
Tonight Dad and I put your stroller together! It's basically just your car seat with a stroller frame on the bottom and we were so surprised how easy it was. Then we practiced pushing it around the apartment to test how it rolls. (Dad popped some wheelies, so get ready...)
Since we don't own a car, we're going to watch a few videos about how to buckle a car seat in. It's funny to me that you're going to get to ride in a taxi when you're only a few hours old! What a brave city guy you will be.
Love,
Mama
Tonight Dad and I put your stroller together! It's basically just your car seat with a stroller frame on the bottom and we were so surprised how easy it was. Then we practiced pushing it around the apartment to test how it rolls. (Dad popped some wheelies, so get ready...)
Since we don't own a car, we're going to watch a few videos about how to buckle a car seat in. It's funny to me that you're going to get to ride in a taxi when you're only a few hours old! What a brave city guy you will be.
Love,
Mama
8/20/12
Dear Tiny,
Tonight I made my way to Windsor Terrace to pick up a bag of baby boy clothes from a couple whose little boy has outgrown them. I had never been to that area of Brooklyn before and as I made my way across the overpass of a highway, I thought about how diverse Brooklyn is. The people in this neighborhood have front porches with rocking chairs on them!
As I crossed the street, I passed a famous author who used to teach a writing class I took a few years ago. How random is that? What are the odds that I take the subway to a completely random part of Brooklyn and cross paths with someone I know at a precise moment? It really blew my mind, as it does every time this happens to me.
Coincidences are funny things, Tiny. They always remind me that there is a healthy dose of magic in the world... you'll know what I mean one day.
Love,
Mama
Tonight I made my way to Windsor Terrace to pick up a bag of baby boy clothes from a couple whose little boy has outgrown them. I had never been to that area of Brooklyn before and as I made my way across the overpass of a highway, I thought about how diverse Brooklyn is. The people in this neighborhood have front porches with rocking chairs on them!
As I crossed the street, I passed a famous author who used to teach a writing class I took a few years ago. How random is that? What are the odds that I take the subway to a completely random part of Brooklyn and cross paths with someone I know at a precise moment? It really blew my mind, as it does every time this happens to me.
Coincidences are funny things, Tiny. They always remind me that there is a healthy dose of magic in the world... you'll know what I mean one day.
Love,
Mama
8/19/12
Dear Tiny,
I like Oprah a whole lot and this afternoon I was watching her on TV. She talked about how it is a real gift to come into the world with people wanting you. Oprah came as a surprise to her very young mother and when she was 14, she gave birth to a baby herself. She talked about what it was like to not feel a connection to the baby she birthed (he didn't live in the end) and how differently she could imagine things going for a baby who was truly wanted and anticipated.
This doesn't mean that your life will be easy, but it does mean that you will start out with a slight advantage. So, so many people are anticipating meeting and knowing you... and that, more than the baby clothes and shower gifts, is something that I am thankful that we can give you.
For a few years in my 20s I was anxious about getting married and having a baby and wanting things to happen faster. But I'm so glad that life took the turns that it did; now Dad and I are ready and excited to meet you and give you the best life we can.
Love,
Mama
I like Oprah a whole lot and this afternoon I was watching her on TV. She talked about how it is a real gift to come into the world with people wanting you. Oprah came as a surprise to her very young mother and when she was 14, she gave birth to a baby herself. She talked about what it was like to not feel a connection to the baby she birthed (he didn't live in the end) and how differently she could imagine things going for a baby who was truly wanted and anticipated.
This doesn't mean that your life will be easy, but it does mean that you will start out with a slight advantage. So, so many people are anticipating meeting and knowing you... and that, more than the baby clothes and shower gifts, is something that I am thankful that we can give you.
For a few years in my 20s I was anxious about getting married and having a baby and wanting things to happen faster. But I'm so glad that life took the turns that it did; now Dad and I are ready and excited to meet you and give you the best life we can.
Love,
Mama
8/18/12
Dear Tiny,
Today I spent the day at Nana and Pop-pop's. Nana took me to the pool and we swam around for a while (well, I swam casually; she is quite the lap swimmer!). We passed the baby pool and talked about how next summer we'll be able to bring you for a little swim.
I'm excited for you to make memories at their house, little guy.
Love,
Mama
Today I spent the day at Nana and Pop-pop's. Nana took me to the pool and we swam around for a while (well, I swam casually; she is quite the lap swimmer!). We passed the baby pool and talked about how next summer we'll be able to bring you for a little swim.
I'm excited for you to make memories at their house, little guy.
Love,
Mama
8/17/12
Dear Tiny,
I can't wait for you to have a favorite band. Music is really important to Dad and me... and there is just nothing like listening to a song that gets you.
As these 9 months pass, I realize how many wonderful and amazing things that exist in life. Sometimes I feel like I need to write a pamphlet called "Life Here on Earth" for you, something that I might give to an alien if he showed up on our doorstep.
I can't wait to be one of your tour guides to this world. There is so much to look forward to.
Love,
Mama
I can't wait for you to have a favorite band. Music is really important to Dad and me... and there is just nothing like listening to a song that gets you.
As these 9 months pass, I realize how many wonderful and amazing things that exist in life. Sometimes I feel like I need to write a pamphlet called "Life Here on Earth" for you, something that I might give to an alien if he showed up on our doorstep.
I can't wait to be one of your tour guides to this world. There is so much to look forward to.
Love,
Mama
8/16/12
Dear Tiny,
This afternoon you were kicking so violently that I got scared! If anyone else had been in my office, I would have immediately called them over to show them how crazy my belly looked. I don't know what you were doing in there, but it made me worried for a few minutes...
I'm doubtful that you have thought processes yet, but I do wonder what makes you react the way you do at times. Why do you do what you do? Is it all biological or is any of it purposeful?
Not sure we'll ever have the answer to those questions, but we sure could have an interesting conversation when you're a little older...
Love,
Mama
This afternoon you were kicking so violently that I got scared! If anyone else had been in my office, I would have immediately called them over to show them how crazy my belly looked. I don't know what you were doing in there, but it made me worried for a few minutes...
I'm doubtful that you have thought processes yet, but I do wonder what makes you react the way you do at times. Why do you do what you do? Is it all biological or is any of it purposeful?
Not sure we'll ever have the answer to those questions, but we sure could have an interesting conversation when you're a little older...
Love,
Mama
8/15/12
Dear Tiny,
Giraffes are to 2012 what owls were in 2010 when it comes to baby gear. Just thought you'd like to know about animal trends in Brooklyn.
Love,
Mama
Giraffes are to 2012 what owls were in 2010 when it comes to baby gear. Just thought you'd like to know about animal trends in Brooklyn.
Love,
Mama
8/14/12
Dear Tiny,
Tonight Dad and I went to a newborn class to learn what the heck to do with you when we bring you home from the hospital. We learned how to swaddle you (... we will need more practice), when to call the doctor and how to clip your tiny baby fingernails. Also we looked at lots of photos of poop. (Yikes.)
Here are some of the things I'm most looking forward to:
Tonight Dad and I went to a newborn class to learn what the heck to do with you when we bring you home from the hospital. We learned how to swaddle you (... we will need more practice), when to call the doctor and how to clip your tiny baby fingernails. Also we looked at lots of photos of poop. (Yikes.)
Here are some of the things I'm most looking forward to:
- Bringing you home and introducing you to Ollie and Oscar
- Your first sponge bath
- Seeing you in a sleep sack (so cute!)
- Wearing you in a baby carrier
- Seeing Dad wear you in a baby carrier
- Your first smile
Love,
Mama
8/13/12
Dear Tiny,
A year ago today, your Dad and I had a wedding! It was a beautiful day and we had a great time seeing our friends and family. When you're a little bigger, we'll take you to visit the park where we got married. It's pretty close to Nana and Pop-pop's and I think you'll have a good time running around the grass and the gardens. I'm so happy we got married there; we can go visit anytime we like and it will remind us of that day.
We heard your heartbeat again this morning at our midwife appointment. The midwife said your head seems to be down, but she warned us that you could flip around a bunch over the next 8 weeks. This afternoon I ate some pineapple and you practically kicked a hole in my belly above my bellybutton... so I guess you're still feet-up. (Feel free to stay that way... the only thing more intimidating than labor is labor in which you come out butt-first.)
Dad and I are going to celebrate our 1st anniversary tonight. It's amazing how much has changed in a year... it's totally surreal to think that you'll be almost a year old at our next anniversary! I wonder what kind of trouble you'll be getting into...
Love,
Mama
A year ago today, your Dad and I had a wedding! It was a beautiful day and we had a great time seeing our friends and family. When you're a little bigger, we'll take you to visit the park where we got married. It's pretty close to Nana and Pop-pop's and I think you'll have a good time running around the grass and the gardens. I'm so happy we got married there; we can go visit anytime we like and it will remind us of that day.
We heard your heartbeat again this morning at our midwife appointment. The midwife said your head seems to be down, but she warned us that you could flip around a bunch over the next 8 weeks. This afternoon I ate some pineapple and you practically kicked a hole in my belly above my bellybutton... so I guess you're still feet-up. (Feel free to stay that way... the only thing more intimidating than labor is labor in which you come out butt-first.)
Dad and I are going to celebrate our 1st anniversary tonight. It's amazing how much has changed in a year... it's totally surreal to think that you'll be almost a year old at our next anniversary! I wonder what kind of trouble you'll be getting into...
Love,
Mama
8/12/12
Dear Tiny,
Wow! What a day. Since your grandma was in town, Nana and Aunt Kate planned a little shower for me... it was a nice little group of family and friends and I had a great time.
Tbear, you got so many nice gifts! You got so many books (in French and in English!) and some clothes, toys and other baby stuff. You're a lucky guy.
Aunt Kate led some games and asked people to guess when your birthday will be. I think I guessed October 8th, but only because that would be pretty convenient. My last official day of work will be October 5th and then I'm off for a few months. So... see what you can do to come right after I go on maternity leave... that way we'll have even more time to hang out!
Aunt Kate and Grandma helped me do laundry tonight after everyone left and we were laughing about how TINY your socks are! I don't know how we will avoid losing them, but luckily you're going to be a baby and probably not care too much if you wear mismatched socks every once in a while. (Truthfully, sometimes I do this and I'm a grown-up!)
At one point Aunt Kate said "Tiny, come out now!" We were getting excited to meet you, especially as we looked through all of your little outfits.
Can't wait to see you, buddy.
Love,
Mama
Wow! What a day. Since your grandma was in town, Nana and Aunt Kate planned a little shower for me... it was a nice little group of family and friends and I had a great time.
Tbear, you got so many nice gifts! You got so many books (in French and in English!) and some clothes, toys and other baby stuff. You're a lucky guy.
Aunt Kate led some games and asked people to guess when your birthday will be. I think I guessed October 8th, but only because that would be pretty convenient. My last official day of work will be October 5th and then I'm off for a few months. So... see what you can do to come right after I go on maternity leave... that way we'll have even more time to hang out!
Aunt Kate and Grandma helped me do laundry tonight after everyone left and we were laughing about how TINY your socks are! I don't know how we will avoid losing them, but luckily you're going to be a baby and probably not care too much if you wear mismatched socks every once in a while. (Truthfully, sometimes I do this and I'm a grown-up!)
At one point Aunt Kate said "Tiny, come out now!" We were getting excited to meet you, especially as we looked through all of your little outfits.
Can't wait to see you, buddy.
Love,
Mama
8/11/12
Dear Tiny,
Today is Dad's birthday. Your grandma is here visiting from Wisconsin and we're all going to the movies. (Dad loves going to the movies).
I'm really excited to have birthday celebrations with our little family as we grow. Dad's birthday is right before our anniversary, so we'll always have a lot of celebrating to do in mid-August! When I was growing up, Nana and Pop-pop used to let us choose what we wanted for dinner on our birthday. Then Nana would always make a birthday cake and we'd sing and blow out candles and unwrap presents.
Since Dad doesn't love cake AND his birthday is in the summer, maybe we'll skip the cake and get popsicles instead. New traditions!
Love,
Mama
Today is Dad's birthday. Your grandma is here visiting from Wisconsin and we're all going to the movies. (Dad loves going to the movies).
I'm really excited to have birthday celebrations with our little family as we grow. Dad's birthday is right before our anniversary, so we'll always have a lot of celebrating to do in mid-August! When I was growing up, Nana and Pop-pop used to let us choose what we wanted for dinner on our birthday. Then Nana would always make a birthday cake and we'd sing and blow out candles and unwrap presents.
Since Dad doesn't love cake AND his birthday is in the summer, maybe we'll skip the cake and get popsicles instead. New traditions!
Love,
Mama
8/10/12
Dear Tiny,
Tonight I bought a travel crib from one of our neighbors. It's in great shape and we're going to keep it at Nana and Pop-pop's house... that way we can jump on the train and not bring our ENTIRE apartment with us. We also got a used stroller and travel bathtub to leave there too.
Do you know how many things you're going to need? It's pretty amazing. For such a small guy, you're going to require more baggage than me and Dad combined!
Love,
Mama
Tonight I bought a travel crib from one of our neighbors. It's in great shape and we're going to keep it at Nana and Pop-pop's house... that way we can jump on the train and not bring our ENTIRE apartment with us. We also got a used stroller and travel bathtub to leave there too.
Do you know how many things you're going to need? It's pretty amazing. For such a small guy, you're going to require more baggage than me and Dad combined!
Love,
Mama
8/9/12
Dear Tiny,
It's Dad's birthday soon and I got him an early present this year... a cool painting! It's kind of abstract, but he liked it a lot when we saw it at a gallery in Kenosha earlier this summer. It reminds him of ideas, so we hung it right over his desk.
One of the things that strikes me as awesome is that you're going to grow up knowing this painting. I want you to know and appreciate art (and maybe even make us some one of these days!). There are so many museums here in New York and we'll be sure to take you when you're a little older. I went to the Brooklyn Museum a few years ago and they had little cards for kids to walk around with. It was kind of like a treasure hunt; kids looked for the details on the cards in the paintings in the room.
What a cool way to engage kids at a museum, huh?
Love,
Mama
It's Dad's birthday soon and I got him an early present this year... a cool painting! It's kind of abstract, but he liked it a lot when we saw it at a gallery in Kenosha earlier this summer. It reminds him of ideas, so we hung it right over his desk.
One of the things that strikes me as awesome is that you're going to grow up knowing this painting. I want you to know and appreciate art (and maybe even make us some one of these days!). There are so many museums here in New York and we'll be sure to take you when you're a little older. I went to the Brooklyn Museum a few years ago and they had little cards for kids to walk around with. It was kind of like a treasure hunt; kids looked for the details on the cards in the paintings in the room.
What a cool way to engage kids at a museum, huh?
Love,
Mama
8/8/12
Dear Tiny,
Your room is getting ready for you, bud! It's funny to me that you're going to be crawling around these floors one day, that we'll hold you up to the window to look out, that we'll point out the Statue of Liberty to you. I don't think Dad and I have realized yet how non-baby-proof our apartment is, but I'm sure we'll get there by the time you're in motion.
I'd like to order some animal prints for your walls but we're keeping things pretty simple. Basic colors and animals have been the only themes so far. More than anything, I'd like your room to feel lived in. It's not a baby museum... I want you to relax there, to find cozy corners to rock you in and to make the space usable.
This will be your first room! Maybe one day we'll put stars on the ceiling.
Love,
Mama
Your room is getting ready for you, bud! It's funny to me that you're going to be crawling around these floors one day, that we'll hold you up to the window to look out, that we'll point out the Statue of Liberty to you. I don't think Dad and I have realized yet how non-baby-proof our apartment is, but I'm sure we'll get there by the time you're in motion.
I'd like to order some animal prints for your walls but we're keeping things pretty simple. Basic colors and animals have been the only themes so far. More than anything, I'd like your room to feel lived in. It's not a baby museum... I want you to relax there, to find cozy corners to rock you in and to make the space usable.
This will be your first room! Maybe one day we'll put stars on the ceiling.
Love,
Mama
8/7/12
Dear Tiny,
When I was about 10 years old, I developed a little pink birthmark on one of my thumbs. It looked like a little dot and I only had it for a year or two. But when I first noticed it, my mom suddenly remembered that she had had the same thing when she was young.
Sometimes I wonder if you will end up with a little dot on your thumb. Be on the lookout, okay?
Love,
Mama
When I was about 10 years old, I developed a little pink birthmark on one of my thumbs. It looked like a little dot and I only had it for a year or two. But when I first noticed it, my mom suddenly remembered that she had had the same thing when she was young.
Sometimes I wonder if you will end up with a little dot on your thumb. Be on the lookout, okay?
Love,
Mama
8/6/12
Dear Tiny,
Tonight we heard Uncle Steve's band play in Brooklyn! Nana and Pop-pop came and you seemed to like the music; you kicked a bunch during the songs.
I'm excited to watch you grow up with music in your life. I bet Uncle Steve will teach you some guitar if you ask him nicely!
Love,
Mama
Tonight we heard Uncle Steve's band play in Brooklyn! Nana and Pop-pop came and you seemed to like the music; you kicked a bunch during the songs.
I'm excited to watch you grow up with music in your life. I bet Uncle Steve will teach you some guitar if you ask him nicely!
Love,
Mama
8/5/12
Dear Tiny,
Hey how's it going punching my hip, huh? You enjoying yourself down there? Think you're pretty funny, don't ya? I couldn't tell if you were LOVING the plane rides or HATING the plane rides, but as soon as our flights took off you were doing some kind of Olympic training in there. Now we're back in Brooklyn and I am very glad to be on solid ground again.
I talked to Uncle Steve tonight for a while on the phone. We talked about when he might come and visit you for the first time. He is very excited to meet you! It was so bizarre imagining you meeting him... you are REAL! You're a real boy! I wonder what you look like!
Love,
Mama
Hey how's it going punching my hip, huh? You enjoying yourself down there? Think you're pretty funny, don't ya? I couldn't tell if you were LOVING the plane rides or HATING the plane rides, but as soon as our flights took off you were doing some kind of Olympic training in there. Now we're back in Brooklyn and I am very glad to be on solid ground again.
I talked to Uncle Steve tonight for a while on the phone. We talked about when he might come and visit you for the first time. He is very excited to meet you! It was so bizarre imagining you meeting him... you are REAL! You're a real boy! I wonder what you look like!
Love,
Mama
8/4/12
Dear Tiny,
This afternoon we went to a wedding. We got to the church two minutes late and so we had to wait in the back for a few minutes while the bridesmaids walked in. Dana, the bride, saw us standing nearby and gestured to me. She wanted me to fluff the back of her dress before her dad walked her down the aisle... so you and I did a little dress fluffing! I got down on the floor and arranged her train and then ducked out of the way to stand next to Dad again.
I remember thinking that it was pretty cool that you and I were so involved in Dana's wedding... you will love meeting her when you're out here in the world, bud! And that will always be a special memory that attaches you to her on her special day.
Love,
Mama
This afternoon we went to a wedding. We got to the church two minutes late and so we had to wait in the back for a few minutes while the bridesmaids walked in. Dana, the bride, saw us standing nearby and gestured to me. She wanted me to fluff the back of her dress before her dad walked her down the aisle... so you and I did a little dress fluffing! I got down on the floor and arranged her train and then ducked out of the way to stand next to Dad again.
I remember thinking that it was pretty cool that you and I were so involved in Dana's wedding... you will love meeting her when you're out here in the world, bud! And that will always be a special memory that attaches you to her on her special day.
Love,
Mama
8/3/12
Dear Tiny,
Dad and I agreed that you were doing the mambo tonight during our flight from Cleveland to Milwaukee. You were kicking for most of the flight! I can't really tell, but I think you're head-down, which is how we want you to be later on (so... stay comfy in that position).
We're going to a wedding this weekend, which is reminding us of our own wedding almost a year ago. You were but a figment of an idea back then, but trust me - it was a great day. Lots of people who love us were there and you'll grow up getting to know them. In fact, I can't wait for a day a while from now when you look at our wedding photos and laugh at the hair styles and clothing that everyone was wearing. That's a universal truth... whatever is in style today will one day feel faded.
Love,
Mama
Dad and I agreed that you were doing the mambo tonight during our flight from Cleveland to Milwaukee. You were kicking for most of the flight! I can't really tell, but I think you're head-down, which is how we want you to be later on (so... stay comfy in that position).
We're going to a wedding this weekend, which is reminding us of our own wedding almost a year ago. You were but a figment of an idea back then, but trust me - it was a great day. Lots of people who love us were there and you'll grow up getting to know them. In fact, I can't wait for a day a while from now when you look at our wedding photos and laugh at the hair styles and clothing that everyone was wearing. That's a universal truth... whatever is in style today will one day feel faded.
Love,
Mama
8/2/12
Dear Tiny,
Today was the annual summer outing for my company and it was super-weird to think that you'll be attending next year's in a stroller and NOT in my belly! Maybe Dad will come to the picnic too and we'll all go swimming in the pool together.
I held another little baby named Alex, who we joked will be your freshman roommate at Muhlenberg in 18 years. Tiny do you know what your high school class year will be? 2030. TWENTY THIRTY. Clearly we will all be living in pods in space by then. Holy moly.
Study hard so that you can get into a good college on the moon, k?
Love,
Mama
Today was the annual summer outing for my company and it was super-weird to think that you'll be attending next year's in a stroller and NOT in my belly! Maybe Dad will come to the picnic too and we'll all go swimming in the pool together.
I held another little baby named Alex, who we joked will be your freshman roommate at Muhlenberg in 18 years. Tiny do you know what your high school class year will be? 2030. TWENTY THIRTY. Clearly we will all be living in pods in space by then. Holy moly.
Study hard so that you can get into a good college on the moon, k?
Love,
Mama
8/1/12
Dear Tiny,
I had lunch with a couple friends from grad school today. We talked about different tactics I might use to speak French with you. I think there are going to be a lot of songs, books and play groups in your future... it doesn't feel entirely natural to me to speak 100% French with you, so I think it will be a mix. But I will make a real effort to speak it as much as I can.
We're also going to try to find a nanny who speaks French with you while I'm at work. That could be the best of both worlds!
Love,
Mama
I had lunch with a couple friends from grad school today. We talked about different tactics I might use to speak French with you. I think there are going to be a lot of songs, books and play groups in your future... it doesn't feel entirely natural to me to speak 100% French with you, so I think it will be a mix. But I will make a real effort to speak it as much as I can.
We're also going to try to find a nanny who speaks French with you while I'm at work. That could be the best of both worlds!
Love,
Mama
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)