M // I am just so proud of the little boy you are becoming. You are kind, helpful, imaginative and funny. One night we both were in tears, laughing about something silly. I sure love your belly laughs. You have been talking a lot about the future and that makes your Mamma so happy and yet so sad. You want to be a Lego creator someday and have been asking me what colleges would have the best classes for that. You have also said that when you grow up and have your own apartment, Mamma and Daddy can visit and you’ll cook steaks for us. You are so excited for your First Communion this spring. We found and purchased your suit and I loved to see the pride in your eyes when you tried it on.
D // You are my baby whisperer. When I need help with TJ, you are the first one begging to take him. You have perfected the “sh-sh-sh” and the bounce. I am so thankful for you! This month, you have been obsessed with all things Ninja Turtles. Raphael (or, “the red guy” as you sometimes call him) is your favorite. You love to draw and I find your artwork all over the house. I am so impressed with your imagination and we always put my favorites right on the fridge, although it’s hard to choose. In school, you are trying hard and love your math book the most. Mamma is so proud of you.
J // Oh, J. You are my biggest cheerleader. Every single day, you pop over and out of the blue say, “You are so beautiful” or “Did you know that you’re my favorite Mamma?” Do you know how much that means to me? You are my cuddle bug and my helper. You are full of passion, which sometimes comes out in growls and frustration, but I’m getting better at helping you tell me what’s on your mind. You are so loved.
S // You are so wholeheartedly two, torn between wanting to do everything yourself and being frustrated when you can’t. You have a flair for the dramatic, but I’m convinced your passion for life will be beneficial when you are older. You are helpful, kind and tender to your brothers. You shoot Nerf guns and then turn right around and love on your baby doll. I think you are the coolest girl ever and I’m so glad you’re mine.
TJ // You, my sweet baby, are my joy. I can hardly believe that you are four months old already. You are so happy, with a big drooling grin on your face all the time! We are two peas in a pod and rarely apart. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Love each of you to the moon and back again, Mamma
{currently} Mamma’s Journal // January
a letter to my children, every month in 2015