Letters for My Girls: Happy Half Birthday!

Mary and Esther,
Happy Half Birthday! I know everyone says it, but you are growing up too fast. Just a few months ago you were tiny newborns that needed mommy for everything. Now you are rolling all over the place, sleeping through the night, eating solid foods, playing with toys, discovering new things, hiding under the couch, and enjoying each other's company.

You don't need me as much as you used to. You're starting to hold your own bottles, which is nice but it also makes mommy kind of sad. You fall asleep on your own now too. Mommy learned how to teach you that from an episode of the Rachael Ray show. It was an answer to prayer for sure. Now mommy gets more sleep and everyone is happier. I even made dinner five times last week.

We started solids awhile ago. Bananas are your favorite, but Mommy tries to sneak in some vegetables too. Mary doesn't like them at all, but Esther will eat sweet potatoes or carrots if I'm really lucky.

Your favorite things to do are roll around, drink milkies, talk to each other, hold hands, play with your stuffies (pink teddy bears and neon turtles are preferred), and hide under the couch (Esther particularly likes to play with the couch flaps). You both love bath time. Esther loves it so much she has decided pooping in the tub is a great idea. That way you get two baths instead of just one (Mommy doesn't enjoy that part very much). You also love to read stories. Mr. Brown Can Moo is your favorite. You love you sing songs, especially "If all the rain drops were lemon drops and gum drops". Mary loves the mouth open wide part; you open your mouth really big sometimes to join in. Mary laughs when your tummy gets tickled, and Esther babbles whenever you get a chance.

You went to church for all three hours for the first time on Sunday. It was so fun to have you with us. You wore darling yellow dresses with daisies and turtles. Everyone said you were adorable and loved meeting you. You were perfect angels in Sacrament meeting. You hardly made a peep. Sunday school was a little noisier, but you were pretty good. By Relief Society you were pretty antsy. Esther was done with the whole being quiet business. You weren't upset; you just wanted to talk. Mommy took you out in the hall and you told stories to all of the pictures. Mary was so exhausted by bath time that you almost fainted. You went completely pale and kept falling asleep through the whole process. We could hardly get you to stay awake long enough to get you to eat. You slept most of Monday to make up for it.

This morning we are up to our usual routine. You just finished your bottles, and you are rolling around going on adventures. It's almost nap time now, so mommy better finish up. Esther is falling asleep as we speak.

I love you my sweet angels. Thank you for all the love and joy you bring into my life, for all the loves and slobbery kisses, and most of all for all of the miracles you show me everyday. I love you forever! Happy Half Birthday!

Mommy