Dear Joule,
Today you are six days old. You kept me waiting until I was nearly 41 weeks, but you are entirely worth that wait.
You have the same strength that your big brother had when he was only a few days old. And you look so much like him that I sometimes have a hard time believing I have a new baby in my arms, and that time hasn’t slipped back four years. You have your father’s skinny legs and dark hair. You have my nose and fingernails. You have the longest fingers and toes I’ve ever seen on a baby. And so much hair. For now I think you resemble me, just as your brother did when he was born. Which means that in a few years everyone will think you look just like your father, and nothing like me.
You sneeze a lot. And squeak. I sometimes call you Squeaker. But most often I call you Joule Girl, which may have started as a reminder to myself. For the first couple of days I could not get used to having a daughter, after four years of being the mom to a boy. But now it seems so natural to say she or her about a member of our family.
We had you at home, on a rainy day. Solstice day. I couldn’t have asked for a better labor…having you at home was a life changing experience and something I’m incredibly grateful for.
Your big brother loves you so much. Today he insisted on being the one to cheer you up when you were crying. He’s been practicing his silly faces for months now, so he will be ready to make you happy when you are sad. Today I spied him giving you hugs and kisses and holding your hand…he calls you our baby, and he’s right. Your sweet smile belongs to all of us. We’re so glad you’re here.
Love,
Mom
Congratulations! She’s gorgeous!