Dear Lucy -
In case you aren't aware, I talk to Grandma Sherry a couple times a day. I tell her almost everything. Now that I'm a mom, I respect mine a lot more. Did you know that being a mom is perhaps one of the most difficult and rewarding things you can do?
Grandma Sherry encouraged her children to see the world beyond Cleveland, Ohio. While her heart was and always will be in NY, she supported my move to Chicago in 2006. Perhaps she was dissappointed that I was going west instead of east with her other kids. Perhaps she thought it was temporary until I started a family of my own. Maybe, however, she just wanted me to be happy. Yeah, that's defenitely it. Not once has she insisted that I look back. She knows I'm in the right place.
Grandma Sherry loves us so much, Luce. Did you know that Grandma Sher taught me that indepedence is imperative, the world is bigger than our own and that education and judism is worth the committment. You'll notice that I share those values and will work to pass them along to you, too.
I miss her every day. You will too...once you know how much you love her. I guess the point of this letter is to let you know that I miss her so much right now...usually I think about her but once in a while it hurts. Today is one of those days. I had to tell someone. In just a couple of weeks, though, we will head to Cleveland to celebrate Passover and three generations of beautiful women will reunit again.
Until then, we have the phone.
Love You,
Mommy
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Fake it 'Til You Make It
Dear Lucy –
I’m going to the gym
tonight, but will be home right after. Defenitely in time to kiss you and put
you to sleep. If not, don’t mind that breathtaking woman peaking over the rails of
your crib…she’s just gushing over the best work she’s ever done.
I knew it would
happen at some point, I just didn’t expect it to be the same day I banged your
head against the wall. I’m sorry.
I woke up
on the wrong side of the bed and just did not feel like leaving you today (not
that I really ever do!). Perhaps it was because, as I explained to you,
yesterday was a weird day at work – could it have rolled over a whole day? I
told you about my day when I got home. As usual you didn’t say much – I cannot
wait until I know what you’re thinking. I explained my whole “fake it until you
make it” theory. Sometimes you just have to smile and put one foot infront of
the other. That’s what I did today. Eventually someone or something will “make
it.” Today it was your dad. He emailed me twice to remind me how much the three
of you love me.
I hope your day is
going well. I just got this pic from Joanna, so it looks like you guys are
welcoming Springtime with open arms…no surprise given that you always have your
arms stretched open to the world. Keep it that way, Luce.
I love you,
Mommy 
Friday, March 2, 2012
Meet Joanna!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Lucy,
Your father and I truly believe that yesterday marked the beginning of an era. The Joanna Era. On HER birthday, she started caring for both you and Uncle Adam. Promptly at 7:30, Joanna walked in with a gift for YOU (adorable socks with a big shiney bow) and a smile. On your first day together, you spent almost two hours walking, you played fetch (well, one of you did), ate, did tummy time, played, read books and napped. We returned home at 5:32 (two minutes late) to a one worn out pup and a relaxed baby. We were thrilled. Eh, more like beyond happy.
We love Joanna and hope that you do, too. We love her because she cares about you, how you see the world, how you develop and even building your character. She takes pride in your health, cleanliness and grooming. She's FUN!! She's social. She's hilarious! She's engaging. I am slightly jealous that you get to play with her all day. I'm so excited for you! I just know you're going to have a blast. I would never leave you for so many hours if I wasn't confident that you were in the best care possible.
Be extra kind, Luce. She just left a family after over 6 years. Her heart is filled with love and pride for Olivia and Gracie, but we know there's room for you and 'Adash', too. Oh the fun you three will have. Make sure she sends me lots of pics.
I wonder what you guys are doing now... Whatever it is, just know that I'm 8.5 hours away and then it's weekend - just for us four!! Yeah, baby!!
Love you!
Mommy
Your father and I truly believe that yesterday marked the beginning of an era. The Joanna Era. On HER birthday, she started caring for both you and Uncle Adam. Promptly at 7:30, Joanna walked in with a gift for YOU (adorable socks with a big shiney bow) and a smile. On your first day together, you spent almost two hours walking, you played fetch (well, one of you did), ate, did tummy time, played, read books and napped. We returned home at 5:32 (two minutes late) to a one worn out pup and a relaxed baby. We were thrilled. Eh, more like beyond happy.
We love Joanna and hope that you do, too. We love her because she cares about you, how you see the world, how you develop and even building your character. She takes pride in your health, cleanliness and grooming. She's FUN!! She's social. She's hilarious! She's engaging. I am slightly jealous that you get to play with her all day. I'm so excited for you! I just know you're going to have a blast. I would never leave you for so many hours if I wasn't confident that you were in the best care possible.
Be extra kind, Luce. She just left a family after over 6 years. Her heart is filled with love and pride for Olivia and Gracie, but we know there's room for you and 'Adash', too. Oh the fun you three will have. Make sure she sends me lots of pics.
I wonder what you guys are doing now... Whatever it is, just know that I'm 8.5 hours away and then it's weekend - just for us four!! Yeah, baby!!
Love you!
Mommy
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
On Working Late Last Night
Dear Lucy -
I worked later than usual last night. I had dinner with one of my favorite clients. I just want you to know that I only did it because Dad was home with you and I knew you were happy to spend time with him. When I got home, we cuddled. Dad kept you up just for us. I held you for a while and then you awoke. You were not happy, though I'm guessing it was just because you were hungry and not because you were angry with me. Either way, you felt better quickly and went to sleep shortly thereafter.
I missed you all day, but knew that we would have the next (at least) six nights to spend together. I cannot wait to see you in 9 hours.
Have a great day with your grandma and get excited...just two more days until you meet Joanna!
I love you,
Mom
I worked later than usual last night. I had dinner with one of my favorite clients. I just want you to know that I only did it because Dad was home with you and I knew you were happy to spend time with him. When I got home, we cuddled. Dad kept you up just for us. I held you for a while and then you awoke. You were not happy, though I'm guessing it was just because you were hungry and not because you were angry with me. Either way, you felt better quickly and went to sleep shortly thereafter.
I missed you all day, but knew that we would have the next (at least) six nights to spend together. I cannot wait to see you in 9 hours.
Have a great day with your grandma and get excited...just two more days until you meet Joanna!
I love you,
Mom
Monday, February 27, 2012
All About Me: Lucy Hannah, 3 Months Old
Luce!
Happy 3 months!! Wow, this has been a big month! You are way more alert and expressive than last month - perhaps you can even read this post :). Here's the scoop on you, Miss Lucy (you are soooo cute!).
1. We use the swing only as a crutch now for your fussiest times only! You're so alert and interested in what's going around you, we think you're better off learning than sleeping (which is what happens when you're swinging).
2. You started grabbing toys this month! Your dad really worked with you all month on developing this skill and now you're (almost) a master! It has been so exciting to watch.
3. This month the doctor gave you permission to go into public more often. We went to Northbrook Court a couple times, to FedEx, to Cleveland, to Eggsperience/Meli/Once Upon a Bagel, to my office and even to the grocery store.
4. You slept through the night for the very first time on the 26th (one day after your 3rd month was complete). Daddy and I were THRILLED! (Secretly I know I will miss you in the middle of the night.)
5. You really enjoy colorful books and we love reading them to you!
6. You can find me across the room. Easily.
7. You won't take your eyes off the television. Consequently, we're watching a lot less!
8. You still HATE tummy time, but are clearly making progress. You also LOVE standing up!
9. You smile most often in the mornings. You LOVE when we change your diapers.
10. I think you're a righty while Dad thinks you're a lefty. Time will tell!!
11. You still have greyish/blueish eyes.
12. You are transitioning out of your 0-3 month clothing. I packed it up for your little sister or brother. I'm not going to lie, I cried. You're already getting so big and so fast!!
13. At 3 months you weigh in at 10 lbs and 13.5 ounces...you are trending perfectly and continue to be in the 10th percentile.
14. You drink 4.5 oz. - 5 oz. 6-8 times a day. You still get a little frozen breast milk in your bottles. It was so emotional for me to stop pumping, but the supply did not meet the demand. If you ever breastfeed any of your babies, you'll know why giving it up was so hard. Words really can't explain it.
15. YOU SMILE A LOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
16. You sort of tried to laugh with your father a week ago. We have it on video! Ask us to see it.
17. Your favorite outfit is a simple pair of jeans, white tee shirt and your grey headband.
18. You had your first babysitter and overnight baby sitter (non family) ever. Christine babysat on a Monday night so that Daddy and I could have some quality time together and Cari babysat overnight while we had a little get-away! You were "perfect" for both.
19. Adam still loves you a lot and wakes up in the middle of the night to feed you with me.
20, I start your days with "It's a Beautiful Day" by U2 and play you the Will I Am song from Sesame Street at least once a day.
21. Most people say you look EXACTLY like Daddy (but prettier).
22. You try to hold your own bottle!
23. You are wearing size 2 diapers now!
I'm sure I'm forgetting so many new events, but as I remember them, I'll add them on!
I love you more today than yesterday,
Mommy
PS - Check out the photo below. You've been trying to stand since your first month. I hope you always want to stand up for yourself, baby girl.
Happy 3 months!! Wow, this has been a big month! You are way more alert and expressive than last month - perhaps you can even read this post :). Here's the scoop on you, Miss Lucy (you are soooo cute!).
1. We use the swing only as a crutch now for your fussiest times only! You're so alert and interested in what's going around you, we think you're better off learning than sleeping (which is what happens when you're swinging).
2. You started grabbing toys this month! Your dad really worked with you all month on developing this skill and now you're (almost) a master! It has been so exciting to watch.
3. This month the doctor gave you permission to go into public more often. We went to Northbrook Court a couple times, to FedEx, to Cleveland, to Eggsperience/Meli/Once Upon a Bagel, to my office and even to the grocery store.
4. You slept through the night for the very first time on the 26th (one day after your 3rd month was complete). Daddy and I were THRILLED! (Secretly I know I will miss you in the middle of the night.)
5. You really enjoy colorful books and we love reading them to you!
6. You can find me across the room. Easily.
7. You won't take your eyes off the television. Consequently, we're watching a lot less!
8. You still HATE tummy time, but are clearly making progress. You also LOVE standing up!
9. You smile most often in the mornings. You LOVE when we change your diapers.
10. I think you're a righty while Dad thinks you're a lefty. Time will tell!!
11. You still have greyish/blueish eyes.
12. You are transitioning out of your 0-3 month clothing. I packed it up for your little sister or brother. I'm not going to lie, I cried. You're already getting so big and so fast!!
13. At 3 months you weigh in at 10 lbs and 13.5 ounces...you are trending perfectly and continue to be in the 10th percentile.
14. You drink 4.5 oz. - 5 oz. 6-8 times a day. You still get a little frozen breast milk in your bottles. It was so emotional for me to stop pumping, but the supply did not meet the demand. If you ever breastfeed any of your babies, you'll know why giving it up was so hard. Words really can't explain it.
15. YOU SMILE A LOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
16. You sort of tried to laugh with your father a week ago. We have it on video! Ask us to see it.
17. Your favorite outfit is a simple pair of jeans, white tee shirt and your grey headband.
18. You had your first babysitter and overnight baby sitter (non family) ever. Christine babysat on a Monday night so that Daddy and I could have some quality time together and Cari babysat overnight while we had a little get-away! You were "perfect" for both.
19. Adam still loves you a lot and wakes up in the middle of the night to feed you with me.
20, I start your days with "It's a Beautiful Day" by U2 and play you the Will I Am song from Sesame Street at least once a day.
21. Most people say you look EXACTLY like Daddy (but prettier).
22. You try to hold your own bottle!
23. You are wearing size 2 diapers now!
I'm sure I'm forgetting so many new events, but as I remember them, I'll add them on!
I love you more today than yesterday,
Mommy
PS - Check out the photo below. You've been trying to stand since your first month. I hope you always want to stand up for yourself, baby girl.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Don't Cry Because It's Over...Smile Because it Happened
Dear Lucy,
I waited all week to write you this note. Had I written it earlier, you would have read a sad note about how much I will miss our days together. Instead, three days later, I have a little more perspective and write from a place of gratitude.
Thank you for the last twelve weeks. While we have the rest of our lives to spend time together and bond, those days meant the world to me - they were just about mom and daughter. Some of my favorite memories felt like the most frustrating days of my life! Remember the time you cried so hard that we sat on the washing machine for an hour to make you stop? What began as a 24 hour period (who even knew what time it was) of begging you to sleep has quickly transformed into a day of trying to keep you awake so we can play longer.
I am back at work now, working to help your father afford a life that we dream for you - I want you to have anything and everything. I'm working hard to give you the chance to play where you want, learn what you want and one day study at any institution that is lucky enough to have you. I am working so we can go on vacation together, so that you can entertain your hobbies more often (horseback riding? Sure! Tennis? You got it!). I am working because your father and I are a team, challenging ourselves to give you even more blessings than we were given (you'll do the same thing when you're a parent, Lucy). And of course, I am working because I love my job and am dreaming more and more about where I want my career to go. One day I will explain it all to you.
I miss you every single day, every single hour. Rest assured, my love, that while I work hard, I've got one eye on my clients and the other on the clock, awaiting my Lucy/Daddy/Adam time - the BEST part of my day.
There is no need to cry, let's just smile because it happened.
See you tonight. I love you.
Mom
Our Last Day!
I waited all week to write you this note. Had I written it earlier, you would have read a sad note about how much I will miss our days together. Instead, three days later, I have a little more perspective and write from a place of gratitude.
Thank you for the last twelve weeks. While we have the rest of our lives to spend time together and bond, those days meant the world to me - they were just about mom and daughter. Some of my favorite memories felt like the most frustrating days of my life! Remember the time you cried so hard that we sat on the washing machine for an hour to make you stop? What began as a 24 hour period (who even knew what time it was) of begging you to sleep has quickly transformed into a day of trying to keep you awake so we can play longer.
I am back at work now, working to help your father afford a life that we dream for you - I want you to have anything and everything. I'm working hard to give you the chance to play where you want, learn what you want and one day study at any institution that is lucky enough to have you. I am working so we can go on vacation together, so that you can entertain your hobbies more often (horseback riding? Sure! Tennis? You got it!). I am working because your father and I are a team, challenging ourselves to give you even more blessings than we were given (you'll do the same thing when you're a parent, Lucy). And of course, I am working because I love my job and am dreaming more and more about where I want my career to go. One day I will explain it all to you.
I miss you every single day, every single hour. Rest assured, my love, that while I work hard, I've got one eye on my clients and the other on the clock, awaiting my Lucy/Daddy/Adam time - the BEST part of my day.
There is no need to cry, let's just smile because it happened.
See you tonight. I love you.
Mom
Our Last Day!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Don't Wait Up!
Last night marked the conclusion of our week-long Valentine's Day! Jason and I spent it alone, without precious baby and dog. We left them in great hands with Grandma Sandy in charge during the first shift and Aunt Cari taking over for the last 14.5 hours (but who was counting?).
When we arrived home, we were greeted by a happy dog, spotless home and beaming baby. And they were greeted by a couple really in love. :)
Jason and I checked into the hotel (thanks to Aunt Michele!) around 5. We threw down our things and walked to Millennium Park to check out the Bean and the new lights shining upon it. We then waited in a half hour line to get to the top of the Hancock for a couple cocktails (worth the wait when you're with someone you love). By the time we got to the 95th floor, we called to change our dinner reservation at Capital Grille to 9:30. We met a great couple at the bar and had much needed romance at dinner. Hand in hand, we made it back to the hotel for a good night's sleep!
Meanwhile back home, our little ballerina was busy-busy going on a walk and doing her thang. Cari sent photos (THANK YOU). All of her smiles gave us amazing peace of mind knowing that there was no rush home - she was having a blast. And so, we walked to brunch & enjoyed our time together.
PS - Lucy and I had an extensive conversation the other day! It was awesome. Girl likes to talk (like her mama).
PPS - Lucy met cousin Becky yesterday!! She was so excited to spend time with one of Mom and Dad's favorite people. Thanks to Cousin Becky for the fabulous gifts!
PPS - Lucy met cousin Becky yesterday!! She was so excited to spend time with one of Mom and Dad's favorite people. Thanks to Cousin Becky for the fabulous gifts!
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