Letters to My Son

Playing with Mommy

2010-04-22T11:20:00.000-04:00

Little Bear!!

We went to the Zoo yesterday. It was the first really nice day since Mommy had her surgery, and Mommy needed a break from her school stuff. The Zoo was mobbed and we only stayed a for a few hours.

We had lunch and then came home for a nap. When you got up though, we went outside so you could ride on your tractor. Mommy decided to indulge your need for carrying the keys around everywhere and boy, was THAT a mistake. Mommy spent two hours looking for the key fob. I raked the yard twice and somehow it magically turned up as Mommy was ready to give up! Funny how that works.

Mommy’s booboos are almost gone, and I doubt you’ll ever remember a difference, or realize that you’ve spent more time with Papa, Grandma, Uncle Bryan and Daddy than Mommy over the past few weeks.

I’m so excited we get to spend the summer together again this year. Mommy losing her job last year might have been one of the best things for us. I wouldn’t give up any of the extra time I’ve gotten to spend with you, Merrick. Not for anything in the world. You’re changing so fast and getting so independent. I know one day I’m going to blink and you’ll be in Kindergarten, then starting middle school, high school and then poof! You’ll be off to college.

Mommy isn’t ready for you to be grown up yet. Can you just be my little snuggle bear for a few more years?

I love you, forever and ever!

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

TWO!!!

2010-03-31T21:46:00.000-04:00

Dear Merrick James,

You are two years old already. How did this happen? Where did my little baby go? Where did the past two years go? You are really just the most amazing little kid. I thought we were well into the terrible twos around Christmas, but Mommy was SO wrong. So, so wrong.

You are so opinionated lately. You know what you want and when you want it. Your favorite sentence right now is “I’ll do it.” Of course you will. You love being outside, playing with your friends and spending time with your Papa and Uncle Bryan.

You have such a little personality, and never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how much fun I would have being your mom. You make everything a thousand times better and I don’t think you’ll ever really know how much you’ve changed me.

I love you, little bear.

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

Spring!

2010-03-17T10:05:00.001-04:00

Well, little bear, it was finally nice enough to go outside and play! And it’s not a complete muddy mess. You were so excited to drive your tractor. You rode around the yard for a good hour and a half until Mommy was frozen.

I think you’d still be outside if I’d let you.

Two more weeks until your birthday! I can’t believe you’re going to be TWO! Time flies so fast with you, Bear.

I love you more that I can tell you!

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

First Plane Ride

2010-02-27T21:11:00.000-05:00

Merrick James!!! You went on your first plane ride today! We flew to Disney World and you were such a good boy. You flirted with the girl sitting next to us, who coincidentally went to school with Mommy. You ate some candy (a whole lot of candy) and then fell asleep on Mommy for the rest of the flight.

I can’t believe how great you were, although I shouldn’t be surprised. You didn’t really cry at all, just whined a little because I wouldn’t let you get down to run.

Next stop, Disney World!!!

Love you!

Mommy
xoxox

Guess Who is Sick?

2010-01-23T11:52:00.001-05:00

That’s right, little man. You are! A double ear infection and pneumonia! Poor little guy! You’re as happy as can be throughout the day. But look out at night! You’re up from midnight until 4 or 5 am! Mommy wants you to feel better, not just so you’re better, but so she can get some sleep!

You’d never know you were so sick by looking at you! You swam like a champ on Thursday night with Uncle Bryan.

You’re such a happy little boy, Bear. Even when you’re sick!

Mommy loves you so, so much!

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

Who Loves the Snow?

2010-01-10T14:06:00.000-05:00

You do! You would be outside every time that door opened if Mommy let you! It’s too funny. You wake Mommy up telling her “Snow! Snow outside!” Yes, Merrick, there is snow outside. You’re so clever.

You aren’t afraid or even hesitant. You just jump right in, flopping face first into the snow. I can’t even believe how big you are getting!

You’re just such a handsome boy, even when you’re pulling your gloves off and digging in the snow!

Love you Little Bear!

Love,

Mommy
xoxo

Merry Christmas

2009-12-27T13:49:00.001-05:00

Dear Merrick,

You had yet another amazing Christmas morning. You were so excited to see your new tractor from Santa. You’d been telling Mommy that Santa says “Ho Ho Ho!” for the past month and that Santa was bringing you a “track-tore.” You are the cutest thing ever.

You were so excited Christmas morning. You opened presents with Mommy and Daddy and really would’ve been happy to play with your tractor all day. After you were done opening presents, you went with Daddy to Nana’s house. I think you liked the paper as much as the presents!

After you were done opening presents there, we went to Uncle Bryan’s to see what Santa brought you there. You helped push Grandma Caroline’s wheelchair.

You loved your dump truck from Aunt Kerin, Matthew, James and Jess.

You had such a wonderful Christmas and you’re still opening presents, two days later!

I love you, Little Bear!

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

My Little Christmas Monster

2009-12-25T13:29:00.000-05:00

Dear Merrick,

You are such a big boy. Last year at this time, you were tiptoe-ing around with Mommy’s help. This year you’re running full speed ahead. We went to Christmas Eve Mass and unlike last year, you were not the easiest little boy to contain. You wanted to get down and run all over.

You are such a happy little boy though. You played in the basement of church for half of the mass and were happy as a clam.

Mommy loves you so much, Little Bear. You are such a clever little boy and every day you have something new to teach me.

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

2009-07-28T11:00:00.000-04:00

Could you be any cuter, Bear? You're so funny right now. You love playing with your laptop and hearing the letter sounds. You say "Ahhhh" when you press the A and love hearing the computer say "M. Mouse. Squeak, sq-squeak!" It makes you laugh so hard.

You get such funny ideas sometimes. Like putting your fruit snacks on Mommy's knees before you eat them. Silly boy.

And boy, don't you wish Mommy would leave the top off her drink more often! It's just not right that you'll say "soda" but you won't say "Momma." I understand you hear "Mommy's Soda" frequently, but could you repeat "Momma" just once? I know you can say it, I hear "Momma-ma-ma-ma" coming from you when you don't want to go to sleep! I suppose soon enough you'll be saying it all the time, but it can't come soon enough!

I love you little Bear!

Love,
Mommy
xoxox

2009-07-22T18:18:00.000-04:00

Haircut Day Mr. Merrick! You are so cute with the shaggy hair, but it really needed a trim!

Please note the sides where you almost lost an ear! While Grisette was trying to trim over your ears, you snapped your head to the side. Luckily she just hacked off your baby sideburn and nothing else. So she trimmed off the other side to match. It leaves you with an interesting hairline but at least you have your cute little ears!

Love you Merrick!

Love,
Mommy
xoxox

2009-07-18T14:50:00.001-04:00

Dear Merrick,

You really just love being outside. No matter the weather, it's where you'd rather be. The summer hasn't been that warm yet so we went out to play in full sweatsuit IN THE MIDDLE OF JULY. Unheard of!

You are such a fun little boy and Mommy loves spending this summer with you. It's amazing watching you each day and seeing all the changes as they happen. I think we need a haircut soon though!

I Love You so much, Bear!

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

2009-07-16T21:33:00.001-04:00

Dear Merrick,

You LOVED the Fireman's Parade this year. You sat with Grandpa and watched for two whole hours! Holy cow! You really liked the marching bands, well the drum sections especially. You were not that thrilled when all of the Webster Fire trucks decided to sound their sirens at once, but you still made the "VRROOOM" sound which has come to be your favorite lately.

You waved to the firemen and women and all the kids walking in the parade and yelled at the kids who weren't paying attention to you. Because how could they not take notice of such a cute little booger?

You had such a good time with your Grandpa!

Love you Bear!

Mommy
xoxox

2009-07-12T15:32:00.001-04:00

Bear,

You really love animals. You aren't such a big fan of the zoo yet. Probably because you're always stuck in the stroller. Mommy doesn't want to end up on the news for having the little boy in the monkey cages. And yes, you of all toddlers could find a way in where even the animals can't get out!

You love the tiger and polar bears the most. I think it's because they make noises that you like!

RAWR!

Luckily Mommy bought a membership so we can go whenever we like. Although with the weather being as uncooperative as it's been, it hasn't been as frequently as you might have liked, or disliked!

Love you!

Mommy
xoxox

Summer Fun

2009-07-10T21:10:00.003-04:00

Dear Bear,

I love this summer more than you can imagine. Mommy gets to spend so much time with you and I don't know how to thank my old job enough for laying me off! It sounds silly to say, but I wouldn't get as much time as I do now if I were working. I'd miss out on swimming all afternoon with you, running around the yard yelling, dancing in the car, and going to the museum and zoo with Audrey, Emily, Erin, Cayce and Allison.

Mommy is so happy and I know you are getting the best of both worlds. You still go to Donna's part of the week to see and play with all the kids, and you stay home with Mommy too!

I love you so much, Merrick.

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

15 months

2009-07-07T12:27:00.000-04:00

Dear Merrick,

I think this almost daily, but I cannot believe you are 15 months old already. You're such a happy, healthy little boy who just goes and goes and goes. You have enough energy for five children. I just couldn't imagine you any differently.

You are starting to talk and it's so amazing to hear you. I know a lot of mom's understand what their babies are trying to say, but you really are doing so well! You know that a cow says "Moo" and pick up the sheep when Mommy sings "Baa Baa Black Sheep." You love to point at the clock and mimic the pendulum swinging. You will go and grab things when Mommy asks you to find things. Mommy asked you to bring the duck and you did and when you handed it to me, you said "Quack, Quack, Quack!" It was so cute.

I love you little Man, with all of my heart. You are the best baby a Mommy could ever, no. I don't think anyone could have dreamt you. You're beyond anything anyone could imagine. Even through all your tantrums and screaming lately, you're just the most perfect little person I've ever met. I love you so much!

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

My Clever Little Man

2009-05-24T22:26:00.001-04:00

Dear Merrick,

This is probably my new favorite picture of you. You love your lamp so much. You figured out all on your own how to pull the switch to turn it on and off. It's replaced "What's That?" now at bed time. You ask me for the "lllllll-iiiii-TA" and point to the bedstand. Mommy brings the lamp onto the bed and you slide away at first. It's so funny. But then you just want to figure out how it works. Just like everything lately.

You're so clever Little Bear.

I love you so, so much!

Love,

Mommy
xoxoxoxo

Playing Outside

2009-05-20T14:05:00.002-04:00

Dear Merrick,

You so love to be outside. You constantly run to the door and say "Owsigh." I'm sure I understand it a little more than other people. Mommy understands though, which makes it so much easier.

You run around and point at the trees and the flowers and listen for the birds. I love that you would rather be outside than anywhere else. You love playing in the dirt, finding sticks and picking up rocks.

Your favorite thing is if Grandpa Jim is outside too. You love to sit on his tractor and play with the steering wheel. I'm sure you'll be big enough soon to drive, but for now you'll have to just enjoy playing while it isn't moving. Mommy gets way too nervous.

I love you little Man!

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

Your First Trip to the Zoo

2009-05-13T14:45:00.000-04:00

Little Bear,

We took your first trip to the zoo today. It was so nice outside. Audrey, Emily, Erin & Mrs. DeMarco went with us and it was great. We saw the giant tortoises, which you loved. Mommy may have to get you a mini-turtle you liked them so much. We walked around and you got to see the lemurs and monkeys, then we saw the rhinos and elephants. The leopard made such loud noise, Mommy & Erin thought it was a chainsaw! But it was just yelling at something.

You were so excited when you got to get down and run! And there were so many kids there. You loved it. You fit right in with the kindergarten class that was walking where we were. That was kind of scary that you're that big already! You're only 13 months old!

You loved that the kids were coming up to you and giving you hugs. They were so nice!

You're getting so big little man, I love you!

Love,

Mommy
xoxoxox

13 Months

2009-04-30T23:07:00.000-04:00

Oh Little Bear,

I know it's cheesy and cliche, but I've never known love like this before. Never before in my life. You are the most amazing little person in the entire world. You spent all last week at home with Mommy and I can't tell you how much fun I had. It was such hard work but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Mommy got laid off this month. So I have just that much more time to spend with you. It's great. I love seeing how you learn new things. You have so much to say. You point at everything and just want to know what everything is. You love to be outside and running around.

You scare Mommy almost daily in how you use everything to climb with. You stand on your toys to get onto everything. You learned how to climb onto the couch. It's so cute when you do it, even though Mommy's heart is in her throat everytime. If Mommy walks into the kitchen, I can hear you struggling to climb onto the couch. Then I hear "Ahm-ma ma ma" followed by a devilish little giggle. You're a little booger, you know that?

But honestly, I wouldn't change anything about you. From your temper flare ups when Mommy doesn't understand you to the giggles and singing at bedtime, you are the most amazing little boy I've ever had the privilage to know and I am so thankful every day to be your mom. I don't know how I got to be so lucky. Everything else is tolerable just to wake up every morning with you in my life.

How could I not love you with all my heart?

Love you!

Mommy
xoxox

2009-03-30T16:25:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe you are going to be one year old tomorrow. A YEAR Bear! You had your birthday party Sunday afternoon and it was absolutely perfect. So many people came to help you celebrate. I can't believe it's done already.

Oh little man, you are getting so grown up. I just can't believe it. I really can't.

No matter how big you get, you'll always be my little Bear. I love you so, so much.

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

Your First Christmas

2008-12-27T12:44:00.002-05:00

Dear Merrick,

Merry Christmas Little Bear!! You were so excited this morning. Mommy asked if you were ready to see if Santa had come and you squealed with delight! Look how excited you were.

Santa certainly stopped at our house last night. You have so many new toys! Trucks, farms, tractors, a Hokey Pokey Elmo, and lots of Little People. When will you ever have time to play with everything?

You were so interested in Elmo. Well, knocking him over anyhow!

We went to Grandpa Tony & Grandma Caroline's house to open their new television and then went to Uncle Bryan and Grandpa Andrew & Grandma Ena's.

You had to stop and say hello to your Piggy before looking for your presents.

You had such a great time opening all your presents and spending the whole day with your family!

Love you Bear!

Mommy
xoxox

Your First Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T22:08:00.000-05:00

Dear Merrick,

Tonight was your first Christmas Eve. Mommy spent all day just playing and having fun with her little Bear. Then we got ready for church and went to six o'clock mass. As usual, you were so good! You sat and listened to Fr. Michatek and were such a good boy!

After mass we went to see the Nativity scene and you loved it!

You wanted to grab the animals so badly! Mommy distracted you by letting you walk around.

You are so clever.

After we finished saying hello to Grandma & Grandpa's friends, we went to dinner like Mommy has always done. You loved your first taste of Chinese food. YUM YUM! Rice and chicken and dumplings. You were in heaven!

Off to sleep little man, Santa will be coming soon! And I know he has so much stuff for you because you were such a perfect little angel this year.

Love you Bear,

Mommy
xoxox

Yummy, yummy, yummy

2008-12-20T21:18:00.000-05:00

Dear Merrick,

Mommy, Grandpa Jim and Grandma Pat went out to dinner tonight and oh boy, were you in Piggy Heaven! Mommy ordered Chicken, macaroni & cheese, and mashed potatoes. You were so excited to eat it ALL. Mommy is going to have to start ordering you a separate meal! You love your macaroni, that's for sure!

Grandpa Jim gave you one of his ribs and you were so excited!

Love you Little Bear!

Mommy
xoxox

First Snowstorm

2008-12-20T15:07:00.000-05:00

Dear Bear,

You are the cutest little snow bear EVER! We had a snowstorm yesterday and Mommy took you out to play in it today. You were most interested in eating the snow at first. Then Mommy put you down in the front yard and you were crawling all over. You even crawled headfirst into a snowbank!

You loved the snow! Mommy was surprised, but she shouldn't have been - you love everything! You love being outside, you love the cold, you love getting into everything and you are just so adorable when you are trying new things.

Please don't ever stop being so stinking cute!!!

Love you Bear!

Mommy
xoxox

2008-12-19T20:48:00.000-05:00

Little Man,

You finally got another tooth! Your top left tooth decided to pop through finally. I think you must feel better than you have been. You've been drooling and chewing on EVERYTHING!

I love you little Bear. Your teeth are so stinking cute - just like you!

Love you!

Mommy
xoxox

First Trip to See Santa Claus!

2008-12-13T14:16:00.000-05:00

Dear Merrick,

You were such a serious little man sitting on Santa's lap. You were definitely leery of Santa at first, you weren't really sure what to make of him. You just stared up at him for a minute or two but then you warmed up. Mommy was being really silly, trying to get your attention.

Christmas isn't too far away!

Love you Bear!

Mommy
xoxox

Really Merrick?

2008-12-12T16:41:00.000-05:00

Dear Merrick,

This is where Mommy catches you if anyone leaves a bathroom door open. You love the toilet. Hopefully when it comes to potty training you will still like the bathroom as much!

You certainly do keep Mommy busy scrubbing toilets!

If everyone was this easily entertained, the world would be a much happier place Bear!

Love you!

Mommy
xoxox

Visiting Mommy's Work

2008-12-04T21:20:00.001-05:00

Look at you working away, Little Man! You came to visit Mommy at work tonight. I think you accomplished more than I did all day in the short time you were there. You even helped Mommy lock her computer, clever boy!

I can't tell you how much I miss you each day. I know you're happy and safe with Donna, but I wish I could spend all day with you. You love Donna's so much and all the kids. I'm so happy that we found her. You love playing and Mommy loves knowing that you're happy, safe and loved.

I love you Little Bear!

Mommy
xoxox

8 months old already!

2008-11-30T11:13:00.000-05:00

Dear Merrick,

Holy smokes Bear - you weigh 24lbs 1oz! You're huge! You just started wearing 24 mo sizes and I can't believe how big you are. You're three times the size you were when you were born!!!! Mommy can't even stand it.

You're such a big boy. You've been standing up everywhere and keep thinking you know how to walk. Trust me, you don't! You're very close but everytime you let go when you're standing up Mommy about dies from the sheer terror of it.

You are such a happy boy, Mommy is so proud of you. You just keep smiling and giggling, no matter what. Dr. Bloom says you're probably getting some more teeth, but you're still just a little ball of happiness! I love you so much Bear!

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

2008-11-22T23:02:00.002-05:00

Oh Merrick. You decided you could walk tonight. Mommy is not ready for you to be walking! You were playing by your crib, stood up and then started reaching for your exersaucer. It was only a couple steps but oh my! It was all Mommy could do to not freak out watching you.

Can you stay a baby a little while longer? You're just so eager to be a big kid.

I love you so much Bear, so so much.

Love,

Mommy
xoxo

Quick Trip to the Doctor

2008-11-06T15:41:00.000-05:00

Merrick,

Mommy had to take you to see Dr. Bloom today. Poor Bear. Mommy got a call that you were throwing up and not keeping anything down. So Mommy left work to quickly pick you up and get you to the doctor.

You slept the whole way there and were so groggy when Mommy brought you into the office. But you woke right up when the nurse tried to weigh you and kept trying to stand up on the scale. Everytime the nurse tried to slide the weight over you would reach up and slide it back. When she finally got you to sit still long enough, she told Mommy you weigh 23lbs 7oz. Holy moly Bear!!

Dr. Bloom was off so we saw Dr. Dovichi. She thought you were so cute! You were climbing up the wall and laughing hysterically - not so sick! She asked Mommy to nurse you for a little while to see if you got sick and you just chowed down like you hadn't eaten in hours! Hungry baby! Dr. Dovichi came back about 15 minutes later and you were just as happy as can be.

Grandpa Jim took you home and you were fine. Don't scare Mommy like that, little man! Mommy doesn't like to worry about you like that.

Love you Bear!

Mommy
xoxox

Naptime!

2008-11-02T20:47:00.000-05:00

Dear Merrick,

I don't know if you'll ever know how much I love you. I don't think I even fully grasp it. I could just watch you for hours. Your little fingers, your tiny little nose, your little movements, all of the little things you do are just amazing to me. You're so perfect.

You were taking your nap today and I just stood watching how content and peaceful you were. I hope I never forget any of these moments, Bear. You're just so wonderful.

I love you!

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

Hooray!!!

2008-10-18T20:42:00.000-04:00

Bear!!!!

We found your costume today! You're going to be a penguin! You actually grabbed it as Mommy pushed you in the stroller. You reached out and grabbed it and voila! You're a penguin. I tried the hat on you and you just laughed and laughed.

You really are the cutest little bear ever!

I can't wait until Halloween!

Love you!
Mommy
xoxox

Back to the Park!

2008-10-12T16:45:00.001-04:00

Merrick,

You loved the park so much (and Mommy loved watching you having so much fun), that we went back to the park again today. There were lots of kids there so you were SUPER excited.

You loved the slide, even though you were a big ball of static electricity!

Back in the bubble! This time it was the one without the graffiti.

When we got back home, you ate and relaxed with Mommy before you took your nap. You love football Bear!

After your nap we went back outside and you decided the leaves looked delicious! And Mommy thought you were so silly, she just kept taking pictures.

You yelled at the leaves and were throwing them around.

Good lord you just get cuter and cuter!!!

Love you Bear!

Mommy
xoxox

This Weekend

2008-10-11T21:30:00.000-04:00

Dear Merrick,

You're slowing meeting all of your relatives! Aunt Mary and Andrew came to visit this weekend. Andrew is looking at colleges and they just couldn't wait to finally meet you.

You had such a good time with them. Aunt Mary, Uncle Tom & Andrew gave you that outfit you have on in the pictures. It's so cute. They also gave you another outfit and a pair of Uggs! Lucky boy.

Love you Bear!

Mommy
xoxox

Playground Fun

2008-10-11T14:11:00.000-04:00

Dear Merrick,

We went to the park at the end of the street and you had so much fun! We used the new stroller and took a nice walk since it was so nice outside. You loved it. You were climbing in the tunnels and crawling all over on the playground. You thought you were such a big boy!

Mommy can't believe how big you're getting and how stinking cute you are. You are just the happiest little man.

You really loved the stroller, which Mommy is so excited to have. It's a nice jogging stroller so we can get out a little more. The wheels actually turn when you're in the grass and there's a nice hand AND foot brake.

You are such a lovey dovey little booger. You love giving kisses and Mommy loves every single one!

Could you be any cuter?

I love you Bear!

Love,

Mommy
xoxoxox

6 months!

2008-10-01T23:43:00.000-04:00

Bear,

Look how big you've grown in 6 months! I can't believe it. I really can't. Every day you grow more and more and I know soon enough you're going to be talking and walking. How is the time going by so fast? You are the most amazing little boy, you really are. You have a great personality and are just so happy all of the time. Even right now while you're celebrating your half birthday with a cold, you're as happy as can be.

Your two teeth are so adorable. You are so proud of them and like to use them on any and everything!

You are such a little champ with eating. You love your fruits and veggies! You will eat an entire serving of veggies and then tear into the fruit like it's the most amazing thing you've ever tasted!

You really are so adorable, Merrick James. You will laugh at almost anything and your favorite game right now is "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes." You reach up yourself!

You had your first swimming lesson tonight. Mommy had so much fun swimming with you, as usual. You really aren't sure about sharing the toys with the other kids, but you'll learn!

I love you so much Merrick. You are the most amazing baby a mother could have!

Love you!

Mommy
xoxox

Your First Tooth

2008-09-27T13:26:00.001-04:00

Bear,

This is not the face of someone who just got his first tooth! Mommy was expecting a lot more symptoms, but I suppose looking back you've been a little crabbier than usual and you haven't liked sleeping as much as you normally do.

Mommy was so excited. You tried to take a bite out of my knee this morning and Mommy felt something sharp. You are such a big boy! Your first tooth! You are certainly a little more snuggley than usual but Mommy doesn't mind that at all.

I Love you Merrick!

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

Holy Large Baby

2008-09-25T22:13:00.000-04:00

Bear,

What is going on here? The pajamas on the right are the first non-hospital clothes you ever wore. On the left, yeah those what you are wearing in your bed right now. Did you swallow my tiny baby? Did you eat him? How are you so big? You are the size of a TODDLER. 18 MONTH FOOTIE PAJAMAS! Slow down Bear! If you keep this up you'll be 6" by your 4th birthday!

I love you Merrick!

Mommy
xoxox

Happy Boy!

2008-09-24T11:31:00.005-04:00

Dear Merrick,

Do you know when you reach out towards me my heart literally melts? Mommy becomes a puddle. You could be breaking everything in sight, but if you turned and reached your arms up towards me, I'd immediately smile. Eventually, I hope to become immune to your cuteness. Even now when Mommy pretends to be serious with you, you simply laugh. Mommy says "MERRICK. IT IS TIME FOR BED. RIGHT NOW!" in her sternest voice, and you think it is the most hysterical thing you have ever heard!

You really do have to be one of the best babies in the world. I don't think I can express this enough. You rarely if ever cry and when you do, you stop as soon as what ever is bothering you is taken care of. Like Mommy sneezing. You HATE when people sneeze. Someone could light off a firework near you and you wouldn't flinch but god forbid Mommy sneezes. You'd think that someone attacked you!

Look at you, my happy boy! You're so healthy and happy. I'm sure that you're way over 20lbs by now. You're wearing 12 and 18mo sizes. Well, quite honestly, most of the 12mo stuff barely fits! Mommy thinks you're getting too skinny though. You're so long and solid, but all that chub is starting to melt away. Make it come back, I miss my chubby baby!

You are getting around so well now. You get up on your hands and knees and rock back and forth. Then you'll literally throw yourself forward and start again. Silly boy, those appendages attached to your fingers do move! They will help you, I know it's hard to believe, but they really will!

But we're going to hold out on trying any more new food. After Sunday's debacle, whoa boy. That was the worst smelling disaster ever. You may like to steal Mommy's chicken out of her mouth, but no more Gerber Chicken & Rice dinners! Whew! You're going to stick with fruits and vegetables for the time being. Then we'll try the lunches again.

Mommy has NO idea what you're going to be for Halloween. But we'll figure it out soon I hope.

I love you so much Merrick James.

Love you Bear!!!

Mommy
xoxox

Visiting Grandpa Steve

2008-09-16T22:14:00.000-04:00

Dear Merrick,

Your Grandpa Steve loves you so much. You had so much fun playing with Grandpa tonight. You and Mommy went to Grandpa Steve and Grandma Janice's for dinner tonight. Mommy got to eat yummy Chinese food and you had some delicious peaches. Uncle Anthony and Aunt Lauren were there too and no one can believe how big you've gotten!

You had so much fun but boy were you exhausted when we got home!

Night Bear!

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

My Little Party Animal

2008-09-12T23:25:00.000-04:00

Dear Merrick,

Mommy left work a little early tonight to get you from Donna's. You came to Mommy's co-worker's going away party. Annie wanted to see you before she moved away. You were sound asleep when we got to the restaurant. But as soon as Mommy walked inside with you, you woke right up. You wanted to flirt with everyone!

Mommy's friend Vickie thought you should try a lemon since you loved oranges so much and you LOVED it. No sour puss here!

We only stayed a little while but everyone wanted to have time with Merrick. You loved all the attention. I wonder where you get that!

We came home and had dinner with Grandma Pat while we waited for Grandpa Jim and Uncle Bryan to come home from their fishing trip. You were SO super excited when Grandpa came home. You wanted him to give you hugs right away, no unpacking allowed!

It took a while to get you calmed down and ready for bed after that. You were just so happy to see Grandpa!

You're such a little social butterfly, I love it!

I love you Bear!!

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

Getting so big

2008-09-11T09:42:00.003-04:00

Dear Merrick,

I really think you might be the cutest baby in the world. You are so funny. You are trying your voice out more and more each day. You haven't quite mastered the art of volume control so everything is either a growl-y whisper or a ear-piercing yell. It's actually pretty cute either way! Mommy yells back at you and you just keep going until you start laughing.

And speaking of laughing, you are just a little barrel of giggles lately. Especially when you're tired. You just start laughing at any little thing. Mommy loves asking you to tell her a story, because you just start babbling away like she should understand everything you are saying. Your little mouth works out the words but you just don't quite know how to make your vocal cords work the way you want them to yet.

You're so cute in that exersaucer. Mommy thinks that you're practicing for going Vegas. And you go nuts trying to make the saucer rock back and forth. You are so stinking cute.

You think you're funny in the tub, you try rolling over so you can swim. Either that or you're just really thirsty! You were kind of shocked when Mommy drained the water though!

I can't believe you're 5.5 months old already. I guess Mommy shouldn't be surprised. Your 12mo sized clothes are already getting snug. When are you going to stop growing like a little weed? I am so happy you're as healthy and happy as you are. I don't think I can even say how happy I am. You make every day better and I can't wait to get home and hear you laugh each day.

I love you Bear!

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

5 months old!!!!

2008-09-01T17:15:00.002-04:00

Well hello there Cute Stuff!

You are officially 5 months old! Holy Smokes! Has it really been that long? You are so big and so happy. Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined you'd be this perfect.

This weekend was Labor Day weekend so Mommy had off work today. You were playing outside and having a great time. We went to dinner on Saturday night and Grandma gave you an orange! Mommy wasn't amused but you LOVED it!

We went to get dessert afterward and you were so cute playing with Uncle Bryan.

On Sunday you thought Grandpa Jim needed help learning to drive Grandma's truck!

Mommy decided to be a nerd and have us wear matching hats!

You really are just the happiest, most content baby ever. I love you so much Bear.

Love,

Mommy
xoxoxox

Mommy's Work

2008-08-29T21:40:00.000-04:00

Hey BooBear!

Grandpa brought you to see Mommy at work today! You were sound asleep at first but then you woke right up. Everyone was so happy to see you. The last time you were here you were only 2 months old! You wanted everyone to hold you, so we spent a little longer than Mommy thought.

We left Mommy's work and went to see your Great Grandma Beverley. Unfortunately she wasn't home so we just dropped off a photo album to her with all your pictures in it and went home. You are such a happy bear.

How did Mommy get so lucky?

Love you Bear!

Mommy
xoxox

Wake up call at 11pm!

2008-08-29T13:44:00.002-04:00

You are seriously the happiest baby alive.

You woke up last night and decided to crawl around! AND you felt the need to tell Mommy exactly what was on your mind!

You are such a handsome, happy boy!

I love you Bear!
Love,

Mommy
xoxox

Vacation Day #2

2008-08-15T00:26:00.002-04:00

Hello Bear!

You woke up and had a bagel to gnaw on. Om nom nom!!! You didn't really eat it, so much as chewed on it like a toy. You didn't sleep so well last night. There was a thunderstorm and you kept waking up. But you were so happy once we got up and ate some breakfast.

You stayed at the house with Grandma Ena, Grandpa Andrew and Grandpa Henry until you took your morning nap. Then Mommy and Aunt Lindsay came back from the beach to get you. Mommy got you dressed in one of your cute swim suits and we went back to the beach. You loved seeing the water and wiggling your toes in the sand!

You only stay a little while at a time at the beach because it is so sunny. Mommy gets nervous that you're going to get a sunburn, because I knew how easily it can happen! It got cloudy and we didn't need to worry as much about the sun as we did the rain!

There was another thunderstorm so we packed up all the beach stuff and went back to the house. You took a bath and everyone laughed at how you like to swim and kick in the tub. You think it's funny now to try and roll over in the tub.

You were wiped out and fell asleep waiting for Uncle James and Jess to get there. They were stuck in traffic forever! You seem to be having a great time though. You love playing and rolling around, and really love it when Grandpa Andrew sings you silly songs!

Love you Bear,

Mommy
xoxox

Your First Vacation - Harvey Cedars, NJ Day #1

2008-08-14T21:57:00.002-04:00

Dear Merrick,

Today was the first day of your very first vacation. We went to Uncle John & Aunt Linda's house at the Jersey shore. A lot of your family that you've never met before was there. Grandpa Jim drove all night so we could be there when everyone woke up. You were so excited to see Aunt Lindsay again. We got ready and went to the beach. You went in the ocean and you loved it. Although this picture doesn't really show that!

You stayed in your little tent that Mommy brought and then Mommy walked you back up to the beach house and Great Grandma Ena and Great Grandpa Andrew were so happy to watch you.

Mommy kept coming back to check on you, but you were sound asleep! Grandma Ena was so happy to sing to you and rock you to sleep.

Your Uncle Eric loved you so much. He was great with you. He has a funny story about how he thinks Mommy and Daddy came up with your name. He thinks that Merrick is a combination of all of Mommy's favorite cousins' names: Matthew, Eric, James and Jaime. Clever, but not quite it. Especially since Mommy has a lot of favorite cousins!

You woke up from your nap nice and happy. Mommy and Aunt Lindsay decided to take some pictures!

You took one too - "Myspace picture!!!":

You had such a great time playing! Grandma Pat and Grandpa Jim decided not to leave so we all had dinner and watched the Olympics.

You had such a long day and Mommy was exhausted too, so we we're going to bed early. Whew! The beach tired us out!

Love you Bear!

Mommy
xoxox

Well hello my giant baby!!!

2008-08-12T16:11:00.001-04:00

Dear Merrick James,

You are such a big boy!! We went to the doctor's and you weigh 19lb 8oz! Holy Mackerel!!! You are so big! You aren't even on the chart anymore for your height OR weight! Whoa! Mommy isn't surprised. I thought you were a big boy but I never expected that when the nurse weighed you. I need more exclamation points on here. I'm just that surprised.

I love you so much Merrick!

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

19 weeks old!

2008-08-11T22:51:00.000-04:00

Dear Merrick,

You are such a big boy. You had your 4 month appointment with Dr. Bloom today and you weigh 19lbs 9oz and are 28" long. You were so happy Dr. Bloom did your check up. You giggled and tried to roll around. All the nurses ooh-ed and ahhh-ed over you as usual. They all thought you were so clever. The one nurse was asking Mommy lots of questions about what you like to do and everything she asked you did! You love to stand up, you love to pull yourself up, you pick things up and like to roll over. When she asked if you liked to pick things up with your fingers, Mommy and the nurse looked at you and you were trying to pick the tiny froggies off the sheet one at a time!

You were so happy until the other nurse came in with your shots. Actually you did great through all of it. You grabbed the oral vaccine right out of her hand and fed it to yourself. She said she'd never had a baby do that! Even though you cried during the shots, you were such a big boy. We went home and took a nap and Mommy took the day off to stay with you.

You took a bath and were all over the place. You wore your new pajamas tonight. They're so cute! Little blue and white stripes with a bulldog on the front. You're wearing 12 month sizes in most clothes now. Mommy can't believe it. What am I going to do with all these little baby clothes??

You are such a big boy. You want to do everything yourself! It's so cute. I love you so much Merrick. You're so big and everyday you're doing something new.

I love you Bear!

Love,

Mommy

xoxox

Already thinking about Halloween

2008-08-07T16:21:00.001-04:00

Dear Merrick,

You're too big for the Halloween costumes Mommy and Grandma Pat bought you!!! Mommy realized you were starting to wear 12 month sizes and decided to pull out the costumes to check and see how they fit. They didn't. Well not very well. The dragon didn't even come down over your diaper.

The chick costume was so cute and you seemed to like it. But it fits you PERFECTLY right now.

You were only interested in it when you could eat it. You are NOT a chicken nugget, Merrick!

The skunk costume was Mommy's favorite. But it fits just right and Halloween isn't for another 3 months. Darn. I guess we're going to have to look into something else for you to wear.

We need some ideas!

Love you!

Mommy

xoxox

18 weeks

2008-08-05T15:42:00.000-04:00

Dear Merrick,

You're such a big boy. You love trying to crawl. Which usually involves your nose in the blanket on the floor and your feet digging in but the only place you're going is in circles! It usually gets you really frustrated but you're so darn cute. Even in your crib, you get yourself twisted around so you can get your feet on the bars... or between the bars! Sorry BooBoo, there's no escaping the crib - yet!

You always have a big smile on your face and even when you want something or aren't happy, you'll still laugh just for good measure. Grandma Pat and Mommy had to go shopping for you again. You're really not fitting the 9 month sized clothes and you're just too long for them now. I can't believe it!

Mommy got you some stuff for the beach. We're going to meet the rest of your family on the 13th of August. But Mommy's nervous about the sun so she has lots of silly hats and a beach tent to make sure you won't get a sunburn.

You really love your Grandpa Jim. Anytime he comes in the room you are all smiles. You got upset the other day when he didn't take you outside with him! You're so cute though, Merrick. You're just such a happy baby. I really don't know how I got so lucky.

Love,

Mommy
xoxox

17 weeks - Almost 4 months!

2008-07-29T09:46:00.000-04:00

Dear Merrick,

You are the most amazing little boy in the world! You are just so happy and content. And by content I mean that you're into everything. You want to see everything, touch and grab everything and you are just so curious. More and more so every day. You love being outside and playing in the grass.

You roll over all the time now, but you still get stuck on your little chubby arm every once in a while. The kids at Donna's just love you and you love them. You get so excited to see them. Mommy was worried but you seem to love it there. And Donna loves having you.

You are such a big boy. You're wearing 12mo sizes now and you're just so grown up. We ran into some of Mommy's friends and their son is 3 months old and you were SO much bigger! You hold yourself up and interact with people and smile at everyone.

And you love giving kisses! When Mommy asks for a kiss you open your mouth and just attack! It's so funny.

You really are the best baby in the world. I love you BooBoo.

Love,

Mommy

xoxox

16 weeks

2008-07-22T11:04:00.002-04:00

Dear Merrick,

Do you realize that Mommy loves you more than anything in the world?? You're such an amazing little boy. You are so happy and so smiley. You love playing peek-a-boo right now and are finally figuring out how to grab things. You still think you can use your Jedi mind tricks to get things to come to you but you're starting to realize that your arms actually work. And you aren't really a Tyrannosaurus and your arms do have a purpose other than getting in the way!

You have so much fun in your bath. You start at one end of the tub and kick and splash all the way to the other!

Is it possible you just get cuter by the day? You are babbling up a storm and love when Mommy talks to you in "Merrick's voice."

I love you Merrick!

Love,

Mommy

xoxox

15 weeks

2008-07-14T20:50:00.004-04:00

Dear Merrick,

You're 16 weeks old, BooBoo! I can't believe it. You're so funny lately. You are one of the happiest babies I've ever seen. I can't believe it. You're already wearing 9 mo sizes! No baby stuff for you!

You are sleeping so well. You slept ALL NIGHT Saturday and Sunday. Mommy put you down for a nap at 7:30-8:00 and you decided to stay sleep for the whole night. You even slept through Mommy changing your diaper!

You are not liking your carseat lately. You get nervous even when it's just sitting on the couch! But you really do love going to the baby sitter's. Donna takes great care of you and you love the other kids. You play in your exersaucer there and talk to the other kids. Mommy's so lucky she found such a great place for you to go!

I love you Merrick James.

Love,

Mommy

xoxoxo

Your First Carnival

2008-07-12T18:31:00.001-04:00

Dear Merrick,

We went to your first Fireman's Carnival. And probably your last! You weren't too impressed. They were setting off fireworks and they didn't even bother you a bit! Mommy and Grandma Pat walked around with you and then walked back home. Nothing too exciting. You were definitely interested in the pony ride and the water bumper cars. Sorry BooBoo, not for a couple more years!

Love you!

Mommy

xoxox

14 weeks old already

2008-07-09T15:05:00.004-04:00

Dear Merrick,

Look at you my handsome boy - 14 weeks already! You are such an amazing little guy. You are so clever and so happy. You're always laughing and giggling. Unless Mommy tries to put a hat on you!

Mommy loves how big you're getting but I still wish you'd stay a baby for a while longer. Everyday it's something new. You love to chew on your hands right now. You're starting to realize that you can hold onto things and put them in your mouth. But you haven't quite figured out how to grab onto things yet.

You still love to be outside. Mommy took you outside for a little bit last night, even though it was SO hot out. You loved rolling around. You looked like you were trying to swim in the grass.

I love you so much BooBoo. I hope you always know that.

No matter what!

Love,

Mommy

xoxoxox

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T22:20:00.007-04:00

Today was your first Fourth of July! Mommy had the day off work and I was so happy to be home with you. There's nothing else that makes me as happy as when I'm with you.

You had a rough day napping today. You change so much from day to day. Everyone told me you'd grow so fast, but I cannot believe how fast it's all going by. It's crazy to think that just three months ago, I was bringing you home. Now look at you - such a big boy!!

Mommy gave you your first haircut today! You were born with so much hair and it's started to fall out now. You were left with a little patch in the back and Mommy couldn't take her baby having a mini mullet. You didn't even know it'd happened because Mommy did it while you slept.

You've been talking up a storm, BooBoo. You laugh and giggle and make everyone around you smile. You love to hear people repeat back to you what you say, especially "Ah-goo" and "ohhh-ohhhh." You're starting to hold yourself up when you sit with Mommy. Grandma Pat and Grandpa Jim have been playing "1-2-3 Up!" with you all week. You can't wait to pull yourself up to standing.

I love you BooBoo Bear!

xoxoxo

Love,

Mommy

Toys

2008-07-03T16:00:00.003-04:00

Dear Merrick,

You've started to play with toys!! It's so cute. You're so interested in everything. You've had so much fun the past two weeks with Grandma Pat and Grandpa Jim.

We went to see Grandpa Steve and Grandma Janice the other night. You had so much fun taking a walk. You were talking to EVERYTHING you saw. Unfortunately the neighbors dog did not understand "ah-goo."

You love your tiger that Brendan and Megan gave you.

3 Months Tomorrow!!

2008-06-30T00:05:00.003-04:00

To the most amazing baby in the world,

I cannot believe you are three months old. Where has the time gone? You are such a big boy. Everyone thinks you're just as amazing as I do. You really are as perfect as can be. I could never imagine perfection like this.

I love you with all my heart and I hope you will always remember that I will always do what is in your best interest. I only want you to grow up happy, secure and safe. I know I'm not always going to be the perfect mom, but I hope you know you are the number one priority in my life. Did you know you've ruined me forever? I am hopelessly in love with you! You are such a perfect little boy.

Mommy loves you!

xoxox

Love,

Mommy

12 week Videos

2008-06-24T11:02:00.004-04:00

I really don't know how 12 weeks has gone by so fast.

Well here you are in your tub, Little Bear, which I think you will be out of before too long.

Mommy decided you needed a birthday song, and I happened to sing it at 9:46pm. Totally not intentional when I started singing, but so very appropriate.

12 weeks

2008-06-23T20:26:00.004-04:00

I can't believe my squishy little boy is getting so big! You're 12 weeks old today, my BooBoo Bear. No cake yet though! Imagine how big you'd be if you were eating solids! You're 14lbs and 6 oz and 27in long. Holy cannoli, my little man is not very little anymore. It seems like yesterday I brought you home weighing 7lbs 8oz, look how much you've grown.

Mommy had to leave you today and go back to work. You will never know how sad your Mommy was. You stayed home with Grandma Pat and she brought you to see Mommy at lunchtime.

You are so active and happy! You love your jumperoo and everything oohs and ahhs about how clever you are. You jump like crazy when the music goes off and everyone thinks it won't be long until you're running around! You love staring at Grandma Pat and Grandpa Jim's pictures in their living room, especially the picture of the caribou.

You love to laugh and giggle and Mommy cannot get enough of your smile. You've been talking up a storm this past week or two. Non-stop coos and ahhhs in response to me and others. I'd love to know what you're thinking about in that little head of yours. You finally figured out you have hands! You love to squeeze them together and try to shove them in your mouth!

I love you Baby Bear!

xoxox

Mommy

Your Baptism

2008-05-27T15:19:00.000-04:00

Dear Merrick,

This weekend you were baptized. Your Aunt Lindsay came from Philadelphia to be your Godmother and your dad's friend Brendan is your Godfather. You were so stinking cute!

Everything went very well. You laughed through the ceremony and barely even noticed Fr. Michatek blessing you. You wore the same baptismal gown that everyone in Mommy's family has worn to be baptized in.

I know it's a dress, but hey. It's a tradition. We had a party afterwards and everyone loved seeing how happy you are!

You really loved your Aunt Lindsay. She was here the whole weekend and she loved played with you. You both nap about the same amount of time during the day! She really enjoyed the lessons you gave her on the correct way to salsa.

You really are a handsome boy Merrick James. I love you!

Love,
Mommy
xoxox

7 weeks old!

2008-05-20T16:41:00.004-04:00

Dear Merrick,

We house sat for Nana Sherrie this past weekend. You're 7 weeks old already! I can't believe it. You're getting so big.

Nana has an exersaucer that was your cousin Austin's. You absolutely LOVE it. You had so much fun! Mommy can't believe you were holding yourself up all on your own. I guess we'll be going to buy one of these soon!

Look how much fun you had!

I love you BooBoo Bear!

Love,

Mommy

xoxox

Tasty Treats

2008-05-15T22:54:00.006-04:00

Dear Merrick,

Mommy let you suck some Italian ice off her finger tonight. Raspberry even. I fail at delaying solids! You were in pig heaven.

Mommy is so glad she got to see the look on your face when you tried something new for the first time.

When we got home, Mommy had to wipe the pink sticky juice off your cheeks. So stinking cute!

Love you BooBoo!

xoxox

Mommy

The Cutest Boy in the World

2008-05-15T16:47:00.003-04:00

Dear Merrick James,

How do manage to get cuter every day? Mommy loves you so much and she can't believe what a little personality you have! Mommy takes so many pictures of you, it's not even funny. I think you might grow up thinking that everyone has a camera attachment on their hand!

I love you BooBoo Bear!

xoxox

Love,
Mommy

Happy 6 Week Birthday!

2008-05-12T16:31:00.001-04:00

Merrick, you skipped right over 0-3 mo sizes! You little chubby Monkey. I know you're over 12 lbs. Yeah. Chubbers.

So Grandma Pat and Mommy went to the Outlet Mall and got you a ton of clothes. You're going to be the best dressed kid ever! I think you have more clothes than Mommy does at this point! Well, your clothes are cuter anyhow!

We had pictures taken today and they came out so amazing.

Your newest trick is clinking while you're nursing. Mommy doesn't know what to do to adjust your latch. It's nothing that anyone else but Mommy even notices!

I love you my handsome boy!

xoxox

Love,

Mommy

One Month Checkup

2008-05-02T12:34:00.000-04:00

Well hello my little porker! You weigh 10lb 9oz and are 23.5in long. You are so healthy and happy. My little Piggy is gaining almost 6oz a week!

The only bad news is that you have thrush. Everyone kept asking why your mouth and tongue were always white. Which explains the stabbing pains in Mommy's boobs. You got your first medication today. You have to take Nystatin for the next 4-6 weeks. Yikes! Mommy has to have a medicated cream so we stop giving it back and forth to each other!

I love you BooBoo Bear and it's unbelievable how you seem to get cuter with each day!

xoxox

Love,
Mommy

More than Words

2008-05-01T04:23:00.000-04:00

Merrick,

I get so overwhelmed sometimes. You just went back to sleep and I can't do anything except stare at you and think about how perfect you are and how it's so strange that you're my son. Why me? How did I get so lucky to be your mother? And how is it that I love you so much already?

I want to make it so you never have a reason to cry, so that you never need anything. I know you'll have to do things for yourself in order to be self-sufficient, but I just don't want you to ever hurt.

I want you to be happy and loved, like you are now. I know I will always love you unconditionally but I wish I could protect you from everything: mean kids in school, people who won't appreciate you, people who try to take advantage of you.

I love you Merrick and I will always take care of you and love you with every last piece of my heart.

xoxox
Love,
Mommy

Happy 4 Week Birthday!

2008-04-28T12:33:00.003-04:00

Happy One Month Birthday Baby Boy!

Mommy loves you so much. I cannot believe you're already this old. I'm already scared about how fast the time is going. You are my everything. You make everything perfect.

I'm sorry things aren't going to be the way I pictured them or how I'd like them to be. But I will always give you everything you need. And I hope you don't hold anything against me. If you do, I will understand. I am truly sorry.

Grandpa Jim and Grandma Pat love you to pieces and I think would like to keep you forever. Grandpa Steve and Grandma Janice can't get enough of you. Everyone who sees you falls in love with you, BooBoo. You are such a good baby. You sleep almost all night and eat like a little piggy. We'll see how much more weight you've gained when we go to the doctor Monday.

I really don't know if you'll ever know how much I love you. You are the most perfect thing I've ever seen and I can't believe how lucky I am that you're my son.

I love you Merrick James. Please don't grow up too fast.

XOXOXOXO

Love,
Mommy

Your First Pet

2008-04-17T11:36:00.000-04:00

Merrick,

You are so enthralled by Daddy's dog, Magnum. You aren't sure if you love him or hate him. But you sure love to stare at him.

And he is so interested in you. He just wants to lick you up! He comes in and sits right in front of Mommy to protect you and keep everyone else away. I'm pretty sure he thinks you're his!

I'm sure you guys will be friends for a long, long time.

Love you BooBoo!

xoxox

Mommy

Your First Real Bath

2008-04-14T11:27:00.001-04:00

Merrick,

You had your first REAL bath today, in your little tub! Technically, you had two baths today. The first tub full of water was way too cold for you. But Mommy was scared of burning you so she didn't get it warm enough for your liking. I think you thought you were being dunked in a bucket of ice because you screamed and jerked your little legs right out of the tub! Oops!

While Mommy refilled the tub with WARMER water, you felt the need to soak down all the towels and blankets. Nothing wrong with your little bladder!

Your belly button is healing up so well. Now you're all clean and smell like Johnson's Baby Shampoo. DE-licious.

Love you BooBoo!

xoxox
Love,
Mommy

Yay!

2008-04-08T20:16:00.000-04:00

Well my little man, you've gained back all the weight you lost in the hospital. You weigh exactly what you weighed when you were born: 7lbs 15oz. Which means you've gained 8oz in 7 days! Holy moly!

You peed all over the doctor's office. Once when we were getting you weighed, once when you were getting dressed and AGAIN once you were dressed again. You have gone through FOUR outfits today.

You had to have blood drawn today to check to see if you're jaundiced. When the technician pricked your heel you cried so hard. But not as hard as Mommy did. It hurts Mommy when you're sad. But you're home now and taking another nap. We went in to Mommy's work today to say hi to everyone. They loved you so much. Everyone thinks you're the cutest baby in the world.

Dr. Bloom called Mommy to tell her that you ARE jaundiced so my little man has to lay naked in the sunlight a few times a day. You and Grandpa Steve played around on your activity mat and I think you actually got a little tan. Although it could be the jaundice. Grandpa Steve fed you with a bottle and you ate it like a little pro.

Happy 1 Week Birthday!

2008-04-07T14:15:00.004-04:00

Oh my Little Piggy. You've been asleep for a few minutes so I figured I would write you a little 1 week birthday message.

Mommy is so sore still and it's hard for her to move. And you are making things hard when Mommy tries to feed you. You like to play around now before latching on. Which is greattttttttt because it generally leads to not just one jolt of pain but 6 or 7 before you finally get down to business.

You are such a good baby. Well, besides the peeing on and through everything. You are just so freaking adorable. You are staying awake a little more each day. I love it. And you have such a little personality already.

There has been a steady parade of visitors every day. Your Grandpa Steve comes to see you every single day. He loves you so much. Grandpa Jim and Grandma Pat stop in too. I think Grandpa Jim is a little afraid of how small you are. You have your doctor's appointment tomorrow morning so we'll see how much you've grown!

You're just laying there shivering - oh and now filling your diaper. Even when you stink you're still the most adorable baby in the universe.

XOXOX
I Love you my baby boy,

Mommy

Your Birth Story

2008-04-02T13:29:00.004-04:00

Dear Merrick,

We just got home from the hospital and you're asleep in your bassinet. I'm in absolute awe of how perfect you are. You slept with Mommy last night at the hospital. Mommy had a VERY nice nurse. You seem to love to curl up on everyone's chest, including Mommy's! And for some reason I can't seem to find any reason to argue with you :)

So do you want to know how you came into this world? Well...

Mommy went to the doctor on Monday morning (3/31) and she sent me in to the hospital. I was 4cm dilated and Dr. Duguid said we should go right to Labor & Delivery. Mommy thought she should get some errands done and finally went in around 2 pm and was admitted. Mommy was so scared but just really wanted to meet you. The doctors broke my water at 4pm and all of a sudden you were in such a hurry to arrive! Mommy had wanted to try to go without drugs as long as possible. And apparently that was under 10 minutes and about 8 contractions.

The doctors came in an hour later to check, and Mommy was at almost 7 cm, and screaming in pain. The breathing the birthing class taught did NOT help, because you were in such a hurry Mommy couldn't even catch her breath to try. Your Nana Sherrie was helping Mommy by rubbing her back and finally I could not take any more. The doctor made sure it was what I really wanted and not just a contraction talking, although I didn't really have the opportunity to NOT have contractions because mine were "piggybacking" on each other. I was already having a second before the first was totally done. Mommy asked the doctor for an epidural and in about an hour Mommy wasn't feeling anything!

Grandma Pat finally got there. She thought, like Mommy did, that it was going to take you a LONG time to arrive, but you were sure in a hurry to get out of there. The doctors came and did another exam and said that Mommy was 10 cm dilated and in about 20 minutes they wanted Mommy to start pushing. And it was only 7:30pm. The time had gone SO fast (probably because Mommy was screaming the hospital down and oblivious through most of it). The nurse came in and told me to start pushing and Mommy wondered, oh I have legs? In about an hour, a whole circus of doctors and nurses paraded in. I think there were at least 9 people besides the labor nurse and your daddy.

Everyone told me you had a full head of hair and it would just be a few more minutes.

Anyhow, Mommy pushed for another 15 minutes and all of a sudden everyone got frantic. Apparently the cord was around your little neck and everytime Mommy pushed your heart rate went crashing down. The doctors figured something out because I think they had me push for another half hour and then Mommy remembers the last couple pushes and then she heard this little cry which turned into a huge scream. They put you on my chest and oh Merrick, you were just so stinking cute. And that hair. So much hair!!

I am still amazed that you actually came OUT of me and were living INSIDE me for 9 months. You are just so perfect.

Mommy has a 2nd degree tear and some scrapes from having you but overall she is fine. The epidural made sure that I didn't feel much of anything.

I think they thought Mommy was a looney though because while they cleaned you up and gave you your his exam, I was getting stitched up and texting people to let them know you'd finally arrived. =)

Welcome to the World

2008-03-31T23:00:00.002-04:00

Merrick James

Came into the world tonight at 9:46pm
Weighing 7lb 15oz and is 21.5in long!

Overwhelmed

2007-11-20T12:08:00.000-05:00

Dear Merrick,

I can't even begin to describe to you the feeling of how content I am that you are you.

I wish I could say that I would've been okay with a girl, but I really wanted you to be what I was imagining in my head. I had a dream about you a week ago. You were this chubby little boy with light brown hair. You were sitting in a high chair with a sippy cup. I can't believe that next year at this time you'll be big enough to do that!

I love you Merrick James. I love you with all my heart!

xoxox
Mommy

Merrick James

2007-11-19T14:31:00.003-05:00

YOU'RE A BOY!!!!

Oh Buddy, you were not amused that someone was snappin' pics of you. You were wiggling all over the place on the way to Mommy's appointment. But then, as soon as the tech tried to see you, you just stopped moving. You are so stubborn. It was like you were staring at us trying to figure out why she was poking you.

She measured your arms, legs, head, everything! Your daddy swore he knew you were a boy all along. Mommy didn't want to say one way or the other. I'm just glad you're healthy.

I'm so excited to be your Mom, Merrick James. I only want you to be happy and I hope I never disappoint you.

I love you Merrick!

Love,
Your Mommy

Going to see you!

2007-11-19T12:27:00.000-05:00

Okay BB,

I'm leaving in THREE minutes to go to my appointment. I am so excited to see you again. SO excited. You're so wriggly lately. I don't know what I think you're going to be - a boy or a girl - but I just can't wait to see you. And then, I know I'm just going to be so anxious to hold you in my arms. How am I going to wait TWENTY MORE WEEKS to see you??

I am so excited to see you BB, you have no idea!!!! Grandma Pat is going to meet Daddy and me there because she wants to see you too!

I love you SO very much!

xoxox
Mommy

P.S. I'm so stupid excited and I have to pee SO badly. I feel like a cocker spaniel. I could explode at any moment. AND I STILL HAVE TO DRIVE TO THE APPOINTMENT.

Scared

2007-11-15T09:04:00.002-05:00

Dear Baby,

I'm so scared. I'm afraid I'm going to lose you and I haven't even met you yet. I don't want to be the type of mom that goes to the doctor about everything, but everything about you makes me worry. I want you to be perfect and safe. I need someone to tell me that everything is alright and you're going to be fine. Mostly I just want you to be healthy and stay in there for another few months. You can come a little early, that's fine, just not too early. Do me a favor and wait a little while longer. Anytime after March 21, okay?

I can feel you wriggling around so much. I know you can't sit still for more than 10 seconds like your mommy, but you're a little out of control today and your mommy is totally a nervous wreck. I'm working on making a little more room for you but I can only eat so much because you're crushing my stomach and intestines. And the dancing on my bladder, that's special.

How about mommy gets you dance lessons once you're a little bigger. No need to practice now. So the nurse practitioner said you're probably a girl. But Mommy thinks she is wrong. If you are a boy, your name will be Merrick. Merrick James. We haven't thought of a name yet if you're a girl though. I'm so excited either way. I just get so scared. SO scared about everything that could happen before and after you're born.

I love you so much already, I don't know what to do. I feel so helpless right now. I hate that I worry so much. But I really don't know what I would do if I lost you. You were such a surprise - Mommy didn't think she'd ever actually have a baby of her own and then you showed up! I am so happy that I'm going to be your mom and I will do everything I can to make you happy. I'll probably drive you completely insane the way Grandma did to Mommy but I know, someday - thirty years from now - that you'll realize that it's just because I love you like I've never loved anyone in my entire life. I love you so much.

xoxox
Mommy