A co-worker prepares to become a parent.“Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children and no theories.” Lord Rochester April 14, 2012 Dear E-, Today is your last day of work before you go out on maternity leave, and I would say a few words to you about parenting as you prepare to embark on a new era in your life. We have parking spots right next to each other and each morning I look at the infant seat already installed in your car, awaiting a baby that will arrive soon enough. So each morning I walk by your car on…
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“Happy Fifth Birthday, Daughter Julia!”
April 14, 2012 Dear Julia, Happy birthday, my love! Today you turn five years of age. How well I remember the fear and excitement I felt around dawn of the day of your birth as your mother prepared for the final stage of delivery – the “calm before the storm.” That morning of April 14, 2007, as well as the weeks and months that followed, were so full of adrenaline, anxiety, fear, love, wonder, and exhaustion. We were all very new at this, you and I and your mother. We were just beginning to get to know each other. It is now five years later. We know each other much…
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Second Birthday Letter to EA
February 25, 2012 Dear Elizabeth Anne, Hello, my love! Today I sit down a week late to write you a letter on your birthday. You just turned two years of age, and I want you to know how much you are already such an integral part of our family. We are the following: Mommy, Daddy, Julia, and yourself, our Elizabeth Anne. We don’t call you Liz, Lizzy, Elizabeth, Betsy, or any such thing – we call you fully “Elizabeth Anne.” All of us (your big sister not the least of which) can hardly imagine life without you, and it gives me so much happiness to see you greet your sister…