KDUNK

Dear Lils:

We just returned from a fantastic family vacation in Maine. Your father and I have been going up since early dating years (your father going several years before that). It’s the place/camp where we got engaged. And it’s where we spent our honeymoon. This is your second year visiting. The first year we just spent the whole time keeping you from eating wood chips from the wood pile and avoiding dangerous corners. This time we spent most the time trying to keep you entertained every day for eight days with zero kids around. But overall we had a great time as a family and you were so fun to be with.

There were so many fun things we did as a family but one of my favorite things to do in the early morning was put a pot of hot coffee on and pour your juice in a coffee mug. We were all bundled up in the cool Maine air. You would sit sipping your juice out of your mug talking to me while I drank my coffee. We would talk about all kinds of things and then sit quietly sipping our drinks. It honestly felt like I was with a best friend. I can’t even tell you how mind blowing these moments are as your mother. Just thinking of you as a vision/dream Dad and I had, then a beating heartbeat on a screen, then carrying you for long nine wonderful and lucky months, then delivering you, then seeing your little face, then naming you, now raising you with Dad and here you are. Next to me. Sipping on a *coffee*. Talking about the world. You are the miracle I only dreamed of and I am so grateful for you every day.

So hey. I am realistic. I know there are years to come of slammed doors and crying misunderstandings of how lame I am. But would you at least *consider* being my buddy when you grow up? Meet me for the occasional coffee? I love you. I love nothing more than being your Mama.

xo