Happy 7 Months, Samantha!

Dear Samantha,

Seven months ago today, at 1330, you were brought into this world. The most beautiful newborn, you continue to grow more beautiful with each passing day. We have been through so much as a family since even before you were born. We thought there would be problems with you because of my high-risk status, but that was not God's will and he proved us wrong. Maybe because he knew it was too much for me to handle at the time, but through the past seven months I have grown stronger. Daddy and I still don't know why we were so blessed to have a near perfect daughter. I'm guessing God wanted us to be happy, and put you in our lives to show us that all things are possible, even miracles. The day you were born, and the three days following in the hospital, I realized that you were going to be okay; God had kept you safe inside my womb, for He created you and knew you as you are before Daddy and I. You, my little blessing, brought me closer to God, and I believe that is what your life purpose will always be; to bring non-believers and lost souls closer to God.

Matthew 18:5 - And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

At seven months, you are about 16lbs and 26.5" long. You are still on Prevacid for your GERD, and it continues to work it's magic. You are no longer screaming and crying in pain, which makes you one happy baby. You have begun to talk again, saying mostly "ba aaah wee anami da waaha yeah oh ooo mmmm plllth ma mi" and when you are upset or want attention, you utter what sounds to us like "Ma Ma" and "Ma Mi" because you have learned that this brings Mommy or Daddy to you. You also pant, a lot; I don't know where you picked that up but you do it all the time. However, I'd say your number one favorite thing to do is screeching. You love to screech/scream no matter what your mood; happy, excited, irritated, bored, upset or angry. The mood dictates the pitch and volume. I do this with you sometimes, and it makes you laugh constantly. What else makes you laugh? When Daddy pants along with you; when Mommy stands you up and dances with you, making weird sounds or singing to go along with your wiggling; when Daddy does a "num num num" (eating motion) on your neck/cheek and Mommy doing the same on your tummy. Although, when I do that you grab onto my hair with a vengeance. You like to grab anything and everything. You are such a little explorer these days, and often get your hands on things you are not supposed to have. Just like any other baby, what you can get in your hands goes directly into your mouth. You cannot crawl on all fours, but that doesn't stop you from getting around. You have developed your own version of the army crawl, and can get from A to B fairly quick. You are practicing daily for crawling on all fours though! You get up on your hands and knees and rock back and forth. You usually do this in your crib after you wake up, for twenty or thirty minutes you just rock, rock and rock, all while panting. You're so silly.

You still drool like a Saint Bernard, and you have two teeth slowly coming in on the bottom which have never seemed to bother you. You like to suck on our fingers, but we've learned to stay away from your mouth because you bite with those sharp pearly whites!

Recently, I attemped to teach you to kiss and if I can get your attention, you lean in and give us an open-mouthed, wet kiss. Sure we get drool on us, but we don't mind because we love kisses!

You are such a sweet, simple loving girl. You never pass up an opportunity to make a stranger fall in love with your baby blues and adorable smile. You enjoy attention and are not even one bit shy, except when it comes to other babies. You only see them at the doctor's office, so you remain quiet and observant. I am pretty sure you don't know what to think of these tiny people. I will get us enrolled in a "Mommy & Me" class soon so that you can get exposure to other babies, and learn to make friends.

My parents, your G-Pa and Grammy, love you more than anything in this world and it pains them that they don't get to see you everyday. Grammy is having back surgery on June 1st, so we will be going towards the middle of May to visit, spend Mother's Day with her, and then aid in her recovery. I know she'll heal faster with her favorite beautiful baby around.

Daddy's parents, Grandpa and Gramma Jones, they miss you too. You have yet to meet Grandpa, and I don't know when we'll see them again. You still have to meet Daddy's siblings, Uncle Jerry and TiTi Daun, as well as Daun's sons, your cousins, Nicky, Alex and Jonathan. Your Uncle Jerry and his wife Aunt Ronni are faithful Christians; Daddy and I have been contemplating asking them to be your Godparents. We've more discussing to do, but I am pretty sure that they will be as they can guide you spiritually better than anyone we know.

You are a beautiful creation of God, Samantha, and you have changed a lot of people's lives forever, just by being born. Many people love you, and will always be there for you. We look forward to many more days, weeks, months and years with you. I wish you didn't have to get any older, but since you must, we'll cherish every day together. Before I know it you'll be one year old.

Happy Seven Months, Peanut. I love you with all that I am, and so does Daddy.

Love,

Mommy