~You are the loves of my life~

Justice,

This picture speaks to your personality...fun-loving, curious, and sneaky all wrapped up in one beautifully made little human!

I hope you feel how much love surrounds you. I have something I want to share with you. It's been in your "book" for awhile now, but I didn't date it. I wish I would have. Here goes:

Justice,

Well, you spent the night out for the first time at Grandma and Grandpa's house on July 3rd. Grandma called to ask me when you got your first tooth...guess what? That was news to me!!! The joke is on me, huh? You would wait until I F I N A L L Y broke down and let you spend the night out to get your first tooth, wouldn't you? It's o.k. though ~ you're my baby girl and I love you. As I type this, you're taking your morning nap that usually lasts from 9-11a. You look so peaceful when you're sleeping, and you wake up laughing and talking every single time. You scoot everywhere now, so you're taking your naps in your crib also. Otherwise you'd find a way to scoot right off the bed upon waking up!

You are so sweet to everyone that you meet, trying to wave and ALWAYS smiling. I know that I'm blessed beyond measure by your presence in my life. I'm honored to be your mother, and I just pray that I do a good job teaching you about God, life and love. I've never done this before, so just be patient with me...we'll teach each other as we go! ;o)

I love you baby girl,

Mommy

Justice,

I feel like I was created for the sole purpose of becoming your mother. I've never loved anyone as much as I love you. You are such a big girl already ~ trying to sit up by yourself. You're eating big girl food too...your favorites right now are green beans and bananas. Your favorite past-time? Blowing spit bubbles to make us all laugh. You're a mess girlie, and I love you with all of me. You've been rolling over regularly now, and I think you're actually trying to start crawling because you've been scooting around everywhere. I can't believe it's been 5 months already.

Your smell is heavenly, especially right after your bath. I could just look at you all day and night. Everywhere that we go people stop us and just talk about how beautiful you are. I've made it my business to ensure that you are beautiful on the inside as your outward beauty is only that...but I can't blame them, you ARE gorgeous!! ;o)

I do love you girlie,

Mommy

Babygirl,

It is late — I don’t bother to check the time, I know it’s around 3:00a.m. ~ also known as "o'dark-thirty" ;o) The sound of a wailing baby has awakened me, and before I know it I am picking you up, tucking your small self against me, pulling the covers up over us both, tummy to tummy beneath them.

Unbelievable sublime silkiness — my naked baby aganist my own naked flesh. The feel of you, this person who is her own but made of me, skin made in me, warm blood made in me, soft breathing torso manufactured by my own body. Every inch of your flesh and bone has come from my body. You breathe, and coo, and fold yourself into the warmth of breast and abdomen and I stroke your back. I nuzzle your downy head. I smell myself and you — sweat, milk, sweet baby musk. There is Daddy, and soon there will be a whole wide world. But in the early morning dark it is just us — I am only your mother and you are only my child, and as I gently brush my lips across your downy head I offer blessing and sanctification. May my kisses be with you always, may the peace of this moment sustain you for a lifetime, may any danger in your path come down mine instead.


May this moment exist in your soul and your flesh for all eternity so that you will always know I am your mother and I am with you no matter where you are.


Some day someone else will share your bed; will know how you sleep, will claim the familiarity of your body as a sacred Home. But for now it is just me and you, you and me, entwined in the darkness of sweet breath and silky skin. May you carry this with you forever. May I.

I do love you,

Mommy

Babygirl,

You are changing every single day. I've never experienced this love that I have for you before. Your innocence is awesome. I look at you sleeping, and my heart is filled with peace. We finally got the go-ahead to start rippin' and runnin'...so with you as my tiny sidekick, we've been on the go. There are so many people that have been begging us to come and visit. Ganny and Papa can't get enough of you. Ganny calls you her little "bunny" - I'll go ahead and tell you - she also mistakenly calls you Justine sometimes. She's silly mama...but she loves you to pieces. Your eyes are amazing...captivating, really. That's always the first thing people notice about you. They hold all the knowledge in the world baby - you and I both know that! We're going to Indiana to visit Grandpa Marshall's family in a few weeks. They are all so excited to meet you! Gee-Gee is counting down the days...

I need you to know that I love you with all of me...more than I've ever loved anyone before.

Love,
Mommy

I have waited my entire life for you. I don't know what I did in my lifetime to deserve the honor of being your mother, but I embrace my new role with no hesitation. All of the anticipation over the last 9 1/2 (yes..it was 9 1/2) months disappears the very moment the doctor places you on my chest. You aren't even crying. Your big, brown eyes connect with mine, and we both just stare for a minute. You were probably wondering what on Earth you had just experienced, but I was wondering how on Earth you were so beautiful. Looking into your eyes feels like what I imagine Heaven will feel like when we reach our destination. You take to breastfeeding like a champion...my genius baby! I've never felt so connected to anybody...I am your source for nourishment. I can't explain your scent, but I will never forget it. I have no desire to sleep, eat, or look at anybody else but you. I'm overwhelmed with emotion knowing that I'll always have you. You are mine. My heart has never felt so much joy. Pure elation. I am in love and know that this love will last a lifetime.