Dear Fable

Today, you are four months old. I can't believe how much you've already grown. You've gone from a sleepy little newborn to a joyful little baby. You love sitting up (with support, of course) and looking out at the world. You chew on everything - your hands, your blanket, your toy, my hair. Tonight you were sitting on my leg, trying to lean in to chew on my shirt. Your daddy and I couldn't stop laughing - again and again you'd throw yourself forward, mouth open wide. It was the cutest thing ever.

You still love sitting in your bouncer chair, and you loooove the activity mat. You kick your legs and make all sorts of noises. You shriek and squeal and coo and babble. I imagine what you're trying to say, and I talk back. We share secrets and tell stories. I narrate our daily life for you. I tell you all about what I'm doing, where we're going, and how to make the chili we're having for dinner. You look at me with those big blue eyes and smile. I tell you that I'll always love you, no matter what. And you can always tell me anything. And if you ever need a ride home from somewhere you weren't supposed to be, you call me. I'll rescue you, no questions asked. Even if you're only 15 and you told me her parents were home and you were going to the movies. You can call me.

Not that you would ever do such a thing, but Fable, I mean it.

xoxo,

Mama

Dear Fable

For your first Halloween, we dressed you as cotton candy. As if you could be any sweeter.

I painted cotton batting and glued it to a plain onesie. I also made a little hair clip to complete the look.

We dressed you up and took you to a party. You were very good, even though we had you out close to your bedtime. You only stayed in costume a short time though, because you were trying to pull the cotton batting into your mouth. You really wanted to chew on that cotton. It must have looked good enough to eat.

So perhaps it wasn't the best costume idea, but you were so dang cute. So. Dang. Cute. And I loved making your costume. I think I'll make it a tradition.

xoxo,

Mama

Dear Fable

Just over one year ago, I learned I was pregnant with you. I will never forget that moment. Standing there in the bathroom, preparing to receive a negative test result, having been through the routine before. So many times, I'd convinced myself I was pregnant only to waste another pregnancy test. But that Friday morning, the word "Pregnant" was clearly visible on the screen when I finally turned around and looked at it. I was pregnant! Pregnant! I had never felt such joy! Such excitement! And that was only the beginning. When you were born, I thought my heart would burst from the love. I love you more than I thought possible. You are my sweet girl, and I'm just crazy about you.

Love always,

Mama