Dear Ella . . .

I love your sweet little voice. I stayed awake a full hour last night just listening to you coo and hum in your sleep. There is not a more precious sound on earth!

Dear Ella . . .

I think we can say you've officially slept through the night now. Until yesterday the longest you slept was just under eight hours - and that was a few weeks ago. The last two nights you've slept for right at nine hours!! Then you eat and go back to sleep for another hour or two. I'm so proud of you! You've also suddenly started taking real naps during the day. This week you've been sleeping for 45 minutes to an hour and a half in the mornings and around two hours in the afternoons.

You've also come to another important milestone this week. You have officially transitioned from the bassinet/pack-n-play in Mommy and Daddy's room (where you've slept since we brought you home from the hospital) to your baby bed in your own bedroom. That was hard on Mommy the first couple of nights. I don't like to be away from you. But your bed is much more comfy, and Mommy and Daddy can get ready in the mornings without waking you up now. You look so tiny in such a big bed though!

I really don't know if it's your age (supposedly 12 weeks is the magic age for consolidating sleep during the day) or if it's your bed or maybe both. I'm so glad you're getting the sleep you need - it's better for both of us, but I have to admit I sure do miss our sweet snuggly feedings in the middle of the night.

You're growing so fast!
I love you!
Love,
Mommy

Dear Ella . . .

I love that you're sleeping through the night more and more, but sometimes these middle-of-the-night feedings are the most special times.

I love you, little snuggle bug!
Love,
Mommy

Dear Ella . . .

You do the sweetest thing when you are done nursing. If you're really sleepy, you'll raise your head up just a little and then put it back down me to use me as a pillow. You've done it since you were just a few days old. Now at 8 weeks, it doesn't happen nearly as often, but when it does (like you're doing at the moment), my heart just melts. I love you, sweet snuggle baby!

Love, Mommy

Dear Ella . . .

I've learned that it doesn't matter how tired I am, how cozy I am under my covers, or how little sleep I've had. All it takes is one look at your sweet little face and nothing else matters except taking care of and loving on you.

Dear Ella . . .

You are snuggled down on my chest, sound asleep right now. I am completely overwhelmed by how wonderful it is to be your Mommy. I love you so much, baby girl!