Dear Emma,
Today marks your six-month milestone, and I can hardly believe how quickly time has flown by. I’ve likely expressed similar sentiments in letters to your siblings, but it feels surreal that you’re already half a year old. Yet, it’s as if you’ve always been a part of our family, completing us in a way that feels both new and familiar.
Reflecting on the last six months, I feel as though I’ve hit the jackpot with you as my baby. Your calm demeanor and joyful spirit have been a blessing. From the moment you entered this world, you’ve shown a remarkable ability to bring peace and happiness. Honestly, when I think back on these months, I struggle to recall even a handful of times when you cried. You’re content to eat, sleep, and smile. As your dad often quips, “You can’t spell smiles without Emma.”
You radiate happiness just by being around those who love you. There’s nothing quite like kissing those chubby cheeks and witnessing your eyes light up with joy.
From the moment I learned I was pregnant, I knew it would be challenging to accept that you would be our last baby. But I’m so grateful to have you. Your wonderful personality allows me to savor every moment we have together. For almost seven years, people—often strangers—have been advising me to “enjoy this; it goes by too fast.” I used to find that phrase irritating, but now I fully grasp its truth and appreciate having recognized it just in time to embrace every second of these past six months.
I recall the day your oldest sister turned six months old. I dressed her in the fanciest dress we had, even though we weren’t going anywhere, and surrounded her with carefully wrapped gifts. We celebrated her milestone with such enthusiasm! I was eager for her to reach new accomplishments like crawling, walking, and talking. It felt like such a significant moment. Then, in the blink of an eye, I found myself shopping for first-grade school supplies.
Understanding how quickly time passes, I’m dedicated to truly enjoying every moment with you. At times, it feels like I’m racing against the clock, and time is winning. I strive to slow down, to fully absorb each moment with you, my final baby. You make this easy because, even amidst the chaos of camp and swim lessons in sweltering heat, you’re always smiling.
When I find myself in tears as you wriggle out of your swaddle—knowing it’s the last time I’ll swaddle my babies—you giggle, bringing a smile to my face. Late at night, when you’re ready to drift off, you snuggle into my arms as if you know I’m reluctant to let you go.
I recognize it’s time for you to transition to your own room, yet each morning I can’t resist peeking at your big, happy face. If I could, I would gather your siblings and snuggle them back into their cribs for just one more night. For now, I’ll keep you close a little longer.
I celebrate all your firsts with joy, just like I did with your siblings, but there’s a bittersweet tinge to each milestone. Each new achievement means I’m bidding farewell to cherished stages of my life. While I’ll always cheer you on and encourage you to strive for the next big thing, know that I do so with a lump in my throat since you are my last baby.
My wish for you is that you carry this happiness with you throughout your life. Your joy is infectious. Over the past six months, I’ve noticed how everyone around you seems to smile a bit brighter. From family to strangers, you share your happiness with all. Your presence has filled our lives with an unparalleled joy, and for that, I’m eternally thankful, Emma, my youngest child.
With all my love,
Mom
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