Dear Zoë,

You are nine months old today and I am sad that I didn’t get to hold you and comfort you for months one-seven.  I met you for the first time when you were just over seven and a half months old and so full of personality that I was sorry to not have seen it blossom.  I was wrong; you hadn’t quite blossomed yet.  In this past month you have accomplished and changed so much.  You are such a happy baby and really do only cry when you are tired and/or hungry.  You smile and laugh and are so totally in love with your big brother. 

You sit up on your own and make it no secret that you want to be able to move and run around and chase that brother of yours who doesn’t sit still or to chase those dogs who sit just out of your reach.  Your dad and I have already noticed you have a stubborn streak and can tell it will only get more intense as you age.  We will certainly have our hands full with you. You don’t like to sleep and I am certain that you will be very well prepared for college and the need to pull all-nighters because you were out partying up until midnight the night before you paper is due.  I can just tell that about you. 

You have given your father lots and lots of grey hair already and you aren’t even dating yet.  I don’t know what your dad is going to do when that happens.  He’ll probably just lock you in your room.  And that would be okay.  You won’t go for that as you are clearly your own girl already and I have no doubt that you won’t quickly become your own woman when the time comes.  You look happily on as your brother plays and laugh at him often.  I know that you are just waiting for the day to come when you can run after him and I have to say, I am too.  I don’t want you to grow up too fast, but I long to see the precious interactions that are going to transpire between you and Noah.  He loves you so much and wants very badly to play with you. 

One of your favorite activities is playing in the water–bath water, pool water, any kind of water.  Which is a good thing, because it is one of the best things to do on a hot Midwest summer day and you have had your fair share of those already.  The water is great for you because you are a sweater.  It doesn’t take you long to work up a full on “man” sweat.  It’s cute now, but I am sure you will hate it immensely when you go on your first tennis date and you sweat more than your date.  Sorry kiddo, you’ll just have to deal with it. 

You are growing at a rapid pace and your personality expands daily.  You have to have your hands on whatever is in reach–even if it’s attached to someone.  You are still putting everything in your mouth and have gotten your first upper tooth (your third altogether) and the next one is on the edge of poking through. You are a talker and are loud which fits in great in this family, but I am pretty sure you will never be louder than Noah.  I can’t imagine that and to consider your loudness will rival his is just not something that I can consider without purchasing large amounts of alcohol and sedatives. 

When you smile big your scrunch your face and it is the cutest thing ever and you are already beginning to do that a little less as you get older. Noah taught you how to clap your hands and you do it incessantly and smile your scrunchy smile the whole time.  You smile lights up my world and I cannot imagine my life without you in it. 

Your spirit is bright and we are a better family for having you in it.  I cannot wait to watch you grow and change and blossom into the beautiful flower you are going to become.  I hope to develop and foster an amazing relationship with you while always remaining your mom. 

I know your dad feels the same way.  I have seen a different side of him when he interacts with you–his baby girl.  He is gentler and more patient.  He loves you so much and his face lights up every time you smile at him.  He is going to be tough on you and your brother because he expects you two to be the best people you can be and he won’t accept anything else nor will he demand more than you are capable of.  He will protect you with all of his power and teach you with all of his intellect.  He will love you as only a father can. 

Zoë you are special and so very loved.  You so innocently reflect that love right back at us and give us so much more than I could have ever imagined.  You shine and I cannot wait to see how bright.

I love you,

Momma