A letter to my children

Two children! Two!

I'll start with you, Mara. I don't you know you as well as I know your brother yet. Heck, sometimes I still forget you're a girl! (And because you weren't named until the day we met you, I've accidentally called you other names! But I promise you, you are our Mara Bean, through and through). You're a peanut, just a little doll with the sweetest temperament except when you're hungry or have a tummy ache.

You are just a joy and a wonderful addition to the family. I have to tell you- adding you has been totally different than adding your brother. I somehow have been much less confident in my abilities with you. But day by day you have taught me that I can do this.

You love to eat and are growing much too fast. I can't wait to see how beautiful you are as a chubby toddler, but girl, I already miss how small you were just a few weeks ago! I will always cherish the moment I met you and this time we have had one on one. My heart has exploded with love for you in a way I didn't know was possible.

Abraham, kid, you are everything to me. I never knew how strongly I could love someone until you came along. You have changed so much since you were just my little peanut and you are just so smart and kind and mischievous and cautious and loving. I got so lucky that you are my son.

I didn't know how I could still give you everything you need while taking care of your sister, but we are figuring it out. You like to test me and your dad and while in the moment we want to throw you out the window...We know you are just exhibiting your independence and showing us just how strong willed and smart you are!

I am amazed at how different you look and act from just a few months ago. You are so tall and bony and have lost that baby face. You talk a million miles an hour and have started using your imagination in the funniest ways. You are the master negotiator, a professional bedtime staller, and have a sweet tooth that matches only your mom's. Our favorite things to do together are sing, make pancakes, run to the park, paint pictures, play at the library, and watch Daniel Tiger (I sure do hope you don't pass on your love for Daniel to your sister!!)

We are only a month into life as a family of 4, and I have so many dreams of things we will see, places we will go, and things we will learn together! I love you both so much!