May Letter

Dear Lady Baby,

Yesterday there was a party for you (though I'm fairly certain you couldn't be bothered to notice). Your party was attended by women who have known and supported me since I was your age and was hosted by two women who will be in your life until you are my age and beyond. To say that I am grateful for these women would be the understatement of the century. Lady Baby, there are a lot of pressures associated with being the gender that nature selected for you. I am proud and humbled that you will be born into a circle of women who I believe will teach you how to navigate those pressures. I hope you will see them as your role models, as people who love you and- most importantly- as good, genuine, compassionate and interesting people. As you move through your life you will create your own circle. Perhaps the most important lesson that I can teach you is to value the people in your circle. Cherish them, love them and always make time for them. There will be times when your world may seem to be falling apart around you- I can't protect you from that- but so long as you have your circle, you will always find a way to make it through.

Love, Mama

Dad "practicing" carrying you around

Pretties from your party. 

to my daughter

i hope you dream big and have the courage to follow those dreams
i hope you are confident and strong but kind
i hope you have a sense of humor and don't take life too seriously
i hope you recognize beauty and understand that experiences are far more valuable than things
i hope you find your voice and use that voice to stand up for the underdog
i hope you ask questions and seek to learn from the world around you
i hope that you are clever and quick and realize that your mind and personality are your biggest assets
i hope you stand on your own two feet but someday find someone who is proud to stand beside you
i hope you find something that you're passionate about and always make time to nurture that passion
i hope you find women who can be your role models and that maybe, if i play my cards right, i will be one of them

but most of all, no matter what life throws your way...
i hope you always know how much your mama loves you.

April Letter

Dear Baby,

There has been a lot of activity in our world this month. We've had visitors from chicago and san francisco and have spent parts of our weekends getting things ready for your room. Friends and family are all pitching in and their generosity can be overwhelming to me sometimes. When people look at me they see you and I'm learning to embrace the space that you occupy both in my body and in my heart. I'm learning to be thoughtful with myself, to rest when we're tired and accept help when it is offered. My most important job right now is making sure that you are healthy and safe. Thank you for twisting and kicking and stretching when I need a reminder. As for your dad, he smiles every time he talks about you. I can't wait for the moment when the two of you meet.

Love, Mama

p.s. this is your friend matilda who lives in san francisco and visited us this month. You have had two other friends born this month- i know you'll love all of them as much as your dad and i love all of their parents.