I remember...

I remember the night you were conceived.
     We were staying with your Godfather in Duluth. We took a carriage ride that night.

I remember the morning we found out you were growing inside me.
     I was shocked when I saw the "plus sign" on the stick. I never thought  I would be blessed
     that way.

I remember wondering if you would be a girl or a boy.
     We had your name picked out before you were barely the size of a dime.

I remember worrying I would lose you before I got to know you.
     We had some scary moments but you were strong willed. I should have known that was a
     foreshadowing of the kind of child you would be.

I remember the amazement when I felt your first kicks inside my tummy.
     I thanked God for your kicks and I knew you would be alright.

I remember my tummy taking on shapes I never thought possible.
     You turned and churned when Daddy talked to you or put his hand on my tummy.

I remember my water breaking that evening after seeing GaGa, PaPa, and Grandma Joyce.
     We were so excited to meet you. I was so scared to have you.

I remember the endless waiting for your arrival those 22 hours.
     You were not easy on me. Why didn't you want to come out?

I remember my first glimpse of you.
     You were right in front of my eyes when the doctor said, "Open your eyes and see your
      daughter".

I remember waiting to hear you cry.
     I remember wishing you would stop crying.

I remember the first time I held you in my arms.
     I was afraid you would break but you just snuggled right in.

I remember seeing Daddy hold you for the first time.
    He was a natural. You looked up at him...and cried.

I remember praying I would get the hang of breast feeding you.
     I did but it was never without pain. That was one of the many sacrifices I make for
     you.

I remember wondering if I would ever feel bonded with you.
      You cried and wanted to be held so much those first three months.  I was so tired.

I remember the happiness at your first smile that was not gas induced.
      You have the most beautiful smile.

I remember the pink ball, do you?
      You were like a little monkey playing with it between your feet.

I remember the first crawl you made, the first step you took, and that first fall.
      There will be many more scares like that. I was so happy you healed quickly.

I remember the first fever, the first of many.
      I never felt so helpless or so overwhelmed. I am glad your Daddy was with us.

I remember dropping you at daycare the first time.
     I was scared you would hate me for leaving you.

I remember you running into my arms screaming, "mommy, mommy, my mommy" when I picked
you up.

I remember hoping you would behave during Mass.
     Sometimes you surprised me and were good. Sometimes you just had "to see Fr. Bob and
     Jesus".

I remember all your moments, your firsts, your goods and your bads.
    I am your mommy and you're my girl.