March 19, 2008

Dear Sarah Bear,

This tenth month of your little life marks the first full month that you have been physically and completely a part of ours. We came to Portland to visit with you at Grampy and Grammy's house just before you turned nine months old. And now, a mere four weeks later, here we are in Arlington, sleep-deprived, disorganized and often covered in little bits of goop, yet not yet missing any limbs and none the worse for wear. You have made us a family.

The first week we spent with you in Portland inluded moments of crazy busyness mixed with magical interludes where your Daddy and I would get to play and snuggle with you on the bed. We went for walks every day and you looked so widely out at the world around you. We met all of your relatives from every part of your family and they all loved you and smiled with you and brought you fabulous presents. You were most impressed with the plastic chili pot that Grammy so lovingly gave to you.

When we flew away from Oregon on a Monday morning and we were REALLY prepared for the chaos. Grammy bought you new toys, Grandma bought you new toys, Mama bought you new toys, Auntie Shirley bought you new toys. We had toys. And Cheerios. And formula. And anything and everything you could imagine. What we didn't have was electricity on the place from Chicago to Boston. Or a de-icing machine, or an airplane window repair kit, or snow removal equipment. Oh Sarah, there wasn't enough wine in the world. You, however, were an absolute trooper. You laughed maniacally at the stewardess with bright red lipstick who actually picked you up and walked around the plane with you. You hit every button that she would allow you to hit that wouldn't cause the airplane to fall out of the air. You played endless games of peek-a-boo over the seats. And when we got home at 4:00AM you were still smiling. Until it was 47 degrees in your new house. Now that, that was not amusing. And you yelled and fussed and told us how cross you were. Mama slept with you on the dog's bed in front of the fire until the furnace repair man came to fix the heat. I would like to say that we bonded right then and there but it was too cold to bond. We just shivered together.

These last few weeks have been filled with unpredictable greatness. You are eating like a champion. You like cottage cheese and sharp cheddar and pretty much all dairy products. You eat peas and broccoli and green beans and squash. And tofu. You like tofu! At every meal, the first bite is met with a sour face but then, as though after the initial shock your taste buds remember what FOOD is like, you get excited and tuck in. We can shake the Cheerio box at you and you dance like a crazy girl. I think that General Mills is going to pay us millions for an advertising campaign. We have enjoyed visits from your Grandma and Grandpa Zawilski and many many friends. You loved your Grandma and Grandpa Zawilski. Grandpa Z has a mustache and that was fabulous and Grandma Z just couldn't get enough of you. We will see them again next month. And, your Grandma and Granddad are coming out from Oregon tomorrow along with Auntie Lizzie. Much to look forward to!

When Daddy was away on a trip for work, you and I spent four days getting to really know each other. We went hiking with Sophie and you liked the backpack. You made many "oooooh-ing" noises and we touched a lot of tree bark. You have just started to like reading books. You seem to have realized that books are not for eating but for looking at, although after a good story there is nothing quite like really chomping down on the spine. You especially like books that have pictures in black and white. High contrast has been your thing. This month you had your first bath in the big tub. As long as your face doesn't get wet, you seem to like it just fine. There is more room to chase your duck and other toys. You started swimming lessons and you're still a little uncertain about the whole thing but you're willing to give it a go. That's one of the many many amazing things about you. You're willing to try anything.

Now Sarah, let's talk about the mobility thing. Oh the mobility. You crawl flat on your tummy and use your little arms to propel yourself across and over all surfaces. You have also just learned to pull yourself up and will use anyone who comes through the door as a pull up toy. You can pull up from sitting and from your tummy and we have big celebrations when this happens. You can walk with assistance and this fills you with glee. You want to walk everywhere.

Sophie is rather smitten with you. At first she was none too pleased about your arrival. But now she sees you as one large sniffing toy and she often licks your little face. When I came home the other day and unlocked the door before getting you out of your car seat she was completely beside herself because, "Where is the baby? The babeeeee? Where is she???" Sophie really keeps us on our toes with you. She is often the first one at your door when you wake up from your nap and she is always around if you wake up at night. And about that. The waking up at night? Once? Okay. Twice? Makes us grouchy. We take two steps forward and one step back with the whole sleeping thing.

Sarah Bear, our little bean, we love you so. Your little arms around my neck at all times of the day is just the most amazing feeling. You make us want to be better people and better parents. Your smile makes us smile and your little chips and chirps will brighten even the darkest room. Even at 3AM. We are so looking forward to the days and weeks ahead.

Love,
Mama