Cara Mama - Visiting Grandparents

Cara Mama,

As I tried to tell you and Daddy all night, I DON'T FEEL RIGHT! This whole teething thing sucks! My mouth and ears hurt, and it seems to be worse when I'm lying down. This is making it hard for me to take naps and sleep at night. Can't you do something about it? Like maybe hold me all night long and for every nap? You and Daddy have had over 30 years to sleep (minus 6 or 7 of the last 8 months)--certianly you can go a few nights without any sleep in order to hold me.

Also, I'm not sure if you realize it, but the place you are putting me to sleep? It's NOT MY BED! I'm having enough trouble sleeping as it is, and you guys are putting me in some strange crib. The chair you are nursing me in and Daddy is trying to rock me in? It's NOT MY GLIDER! It doesn't even rock. And you expect me to sleep with all this going on?

I will say that I do like all these people who are holding me, playing with me, and giving me all sorts of attention. I like them a lot. I am having fun here. I'd like to see these people more, but without that long car ride, please.

I love you, Mama. That's why I give you my best smile in the middle of the night when you do hold me or when I want to play. I know you love me, cause you can't resist smiling back, even when you are crying from sleep deprivation, whatever that is!

Tua figlia,
Pumpkin

Cara Figlia - Pumpkin's First Thanksgiving

Cara Figlia (Dear Daughter),

I'm so sorry about the long car trip down to your grandma and grandpa's house. I know that even in the convertible carseat, you get antsy and hate being confined, especially for long periods of time. I know this about you at 8 months, as you have made it abundantly clear to everyone in the car. Thank you for the very pleasant 2.5 hour nap you took in the morning (incredible!!!) and the 45 minute one you took in the afternoon. But there was an hour of pure misery for you, me, your dad and your dog. If I could have taken you out of the car and walked the rest of the way, I would have. But it was too far and the stops we made only prolonged the trip. Your daddy and I are trying to come up with another plan for the trip back.

But I'm so glad we made the trip for your first Thanksgiving. You've been a delight to your grandparents, aunts, uncles and the rest of the family. You seem to be having a great time and interested in everyone. You loved the green beans and enjoyed the potato and turkey you tried. And you were good natured, even though your naps were only 15 minutes. Until the late afternoon, when we both took a nice, long nap together (1 hour for Mama, 1.5 hours for Pumpkin)! I just wish you were sleeping longer at night down here. We had a good thing going for a while, and I hope this trip isn't going to mess it all up.

Today is Black Friday. And we are going shopping. Normally, you love to be out at the shops looking at all the people and things, but it is going to be crowded even in the small mall where we will be. I hope this goes well...

Ti amo con tutti cuore,
caramama

Happy Thanksgiving

It seems fitting to start my blog on Thanksgiving. I am thankful for so many things, one of which is having a great online community of mommybloggers to read.

Of course the thing I am most thankful for this year is my beautiful 8-month old baby girl, the Pumpkin. Words cannot express how much joy she has brought into my life. The constant holding and rocking, the months of sleepless nights, the struggle with naps and everything else has been worth it. She is amazing.

I'm incredibly thankful for my husband, and for having met him 10 years ago. He is truly my perfect match. I'm also thankful for my family and his family, who are loving and supportive. I am thankful for all my friends in real life and online. I am very blessed.

I am thankful especially this year for fertility treatments and those who work in the field who are compassionate and helpful.

Well, this first post is especially sappy, but I guess that's what Thanksgiving brings out in me. Just wait until Christmas!