Dear Junior

Dear Bathands,

We've now spent several weeks together full-time since Mommy quit her job.  Mommy plans to take 6 months of maternity leave for your sibling--whenever he or she may come--and I like to think that this 2 months with you rounds out your own 6 months with Mommy at home. Works out well. :)

The last several weeks have been very full. We took a ten-day trip out to Palmtreeville to stake out the place and find a new apartment to make our home for the next while. We visited a church and got to know a family there. We took you to two public libraries and found a daycare for you.  We drove back and forth from Ama and Agong's home many times. Palmtreeville really isn't that big.  But this change is big. Really big.

We're getting used to the idea. That ten-day trip was good for all of us.  Good, but not fun.  No, it was hot.  It was humid.  It was lonely above everything else.  That's probably why we went to Costco three times during our first six days. It's going to be a tough transition.  But it was a good trip because God blessed us and gave us the opportunity to see our new home up close--then return back to our heart-home to close out shop over the next three weeks.  

It's been a rich two weeks since we've been back.  We have met up with all of our closest neighbors, many of our closest brothers and sisters at church, most of Daddy's family, and some of Mommy's coworkers.  

You and I have also spent a lot of time together.  You love crawling into Mommy's arms for every reason and no reason at all.  You are so close to walking, and you recently learned how to push the alligator clacker across the carpet (you strong girl!).  You have regressed in your ability to nap by yourself because Mommy and Daddy are available all the time. This afternoon, you and Mommy napped together, and it was very sweet.  You love stuffed animals and grin wildly and get excited when they talk to you (Mommy's girl!).  You eat peas and raspberries with enthusiasm, though "the gate is closed" with respect to cereal.  You still love nursing and open your mouth widely in anticipation, then resolutely stick your forefinger into Mommy's mouth to twiddle as if it's your birthright. 

You delight Mommy and Daddy every day with your amazing grins, which you flash with amazing frequency throughout each day. You are genuinely a happy, happy baby.  We are super-blessed by your joyful spirit.

You're still learning how to obey us with respect to not touching wires, iPhones, the kitchen floor, and the refrigerator.  Keeping you out of the kitchen is especially challenging when Mommy is cooking because you just want to be near Mommy. Luckily, Purse Mountain is right next to the kitchen, so many times you occupy yourself there as Mommy works in the kitchen. Or Daddy brings you into the kitchen to watch.

Your security "blanket" seems to be Mommy's old Otterbox. You love to clutch it and bring it from place to place as you move on with your other daily activities.  It's funny.  

We love you so much and adore these opportunities to watch you grow. Mommy in particular is so, so, SO grateful for these extra days to revel in your presence and enjoy you from day to day.  It's not always easy to stay engaged, but I try hard. These days were hard-won. It's not so long ago that Mommy was working late nights and weekends, and apologizing to you left and right for not spending enough time with you.  Let's enjoy these days together, my dear Batty. And let's give thanks to our generous God who provided these wonderful memories.

Lots of love to Bathands,

Mommy