Dear Riglee.....

Dear Riglee,

6 months ago my life changed. 6 months ago I met the most wonderful little girl in the world. 6 months ago I went from part of a couple to a family. 6 months ago I learned the true definition of love. 6 months ago happiness took on a whole new meaning. 6 months ago I held you in my arms for the first time and knew that we were meant to be together.

Thinking back through the past 6 months you have changed so much, we have all changed so much. You started out as such a tiny, fragile little person. You didn't cry very much but had no problem letting us know if you needed something. And we were always there to help as best as we could, even though we really had no idea what we were doing. It was so amazing how you just knew when you were safe in our arms even though you hardly knew us. Although, to me, it felt like I have known you my whole life. 6 weeks later you smiled for the first time. And with that smile you stole our hearts all over again.

Mornings now meant getting up at 7am on the weekend and nights meant going to bed at 10pm. And sleep....well sleep is a precious commodity. But somehow it doesn't matter that I don't get much sleep. Because when I am forcing myself out of bed at 2am and finally get you in my arms to nurse, I look down and realize how lucky I am to have you. And those moments, in the middle of the night when everything is dark and quiet, those are the moments I will remember most. A silent bonding between you and me. A private moment that has brought me to tears realizing how full my life is because of you.

And you never cease to amaze me because you never stop learning new things. One day you find your hands, the next you find your feet, and the next you are getting your first tooth. Not long ago you started sitting up all by yourself. Then you started giggling and that was maybe the second most magical sound I've ever heard, after the sound of your heartbeat (ok, maybe the third...that first cry after you were born was pretty magical).

I am so thankful that God gave me you. Your dad and I are so blessed that we get to be your parents. I can't wait to see what the next 6 months will bring us.....

Love you with all my heart,
Mom