Our Scare.

Dear Scarlett,

     This weekend you scared Daddy and I. The massachusetts family was up to visit and the weekend started out wonderful. We had lots of fun things planned: pool, shopping, dining, Jazz Festival, gelato, movies and games. But on Saturday night, you started feeling warm and acting sleepy. I could tell that you didn't feel good. You were quiet and relaxed. Everyone knows that my little Scarbaby is a mischievous little devil on the go go go! Mommy had Oppa bring you back home after dinner. When the rest of us got back, I could tell you weren't feeling good so I put you down to sleep. When I checked on you at 9 pm, you were burning up with a fever. I stripped your clothes, got a cold cloth and grabbed the Tylenol. Before I could even finish, you started having a seizure. 

    This was the scariest 4 minutes of my life. Besides the last hospital scare when you were 6 months old. 

   Thankfully, I was on the phone with the doctor when this happened. She assured me it was a febrile seizure and it was because of the fever, so not to panic. I still did. Daddy called 911 and before I knew it, you were being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance with me by your side. Daddy followed behind. The paramedic calmed me by telling me that his son had the same thing when he was little and not to panic. You would be just fine. When we got to the hospital, you were given Motrin and Tylenol which brought your fever right down and you started to come out of your lethargic daze. I cried happy tears because that cry meant you were okay. You held your arms for me and it made my heart beat loud and strong. 

My heart beats for you now, Scarlett. It used to beat for me. But now, it belongs to you. 

We were allowed to go home 3 hours later. I was surprised to hear that these seizures are common in babies when fevers spike. They usually dissipate after 3 or 4 years old, and sometimes, only happen once. I just have to be cautious when you spike fevers. I need to give you Tylenol at the first sign of a fever to prevent this from happening again. Daddy and I both cried. We love you so much that a scare like this is torture. Thankfully, it wasn't as serious as it seemed. Mostly just scary. 

So that was our scare. When you grow up and if/when you have children, know that this is something that sometimes happens. I had no idea that little ones sometimes had seizures from rapid rising fevers. It's the body's was of protecting itself. How much you learn as a first time parent. We are thankful that you are feeling better peanut. And I'm sorry that I have to torture you with that gross medicine all the time. Haha. We love you.....

Love, Mommy & Daddy

Some Time for Scarlett.

Dear Scarlett,

     I thought I would take some time to write to you tonight. So much has been going on, that I haven't had much time to write to you lately. I've been attending weddings, trying to plan the wedding and spending time with you, so writing has been scarce. But, you are asleep now, so I'm putting all of my stress and other work aside, to write to you. We have been having so much fun! Your first real meal breakfast. Parades. Childrens Museum. Parks. Visits to Mass. We've been having a blast! 

     This weekend, we went to the Summer Solstice and you get a hand-made Hello Kitty doll. We also spend some time at Auntie Erica's camp. You got to spend a little time with the kids. It was nice since you don't have a lot of child interaction lately. Mommy is thinking of planning a few trips to places with lots of kids so that you can play with others.

     So besides having lots of fun on weekend trips and such, I wanted to write and tell you that you walked for the first time last Wednesday. On June 13th, 2012, you took 5 steps by yourself from the wall to me. I cried. Then put you in the middle of the room where you walked to me again. I can't believe how big my baby is getting. I love it and hate it at the same time. It is amazing that such a little person, who was only born last year, is learning to walk and talk.

   Lately, you have been waving to everyone like crazy. Saying "Hi" and "What's that?" often. I just love your voice. It's the sweetest little sound. You say Dadda, too. I'm still waiting for "mama".
Peanut, I love you so much. You are a blessing and I will never get tired of telling you that.

     Last week, I wasn't feeling very well. You curled up next to me and just laid with me and watched tv. That isn't normal for my baby on the go. You are usually rocking and rolling. But this small gesture filled my eyes with tears and I felt happy. There are going to be a lot of things that happen to you in your life, Scarlett. Good things, bad things. Happy moments, sad times. Fun times and difficult times. I am here for you through them all. I will always be here for you. Daddy, too. I just want you to know this. Lately, mommy has been having a few difficult things happen and, somehow, it always leads me back to you and, "What if this happens to Scarlett someday." Well, no matter what happens to you my sweet baby, I am here. I love you more than myself or anything in this world. I hope that we are always close. I know that we will probably have some issues or quarrels, but in the end, know this: it's all because I love you........We love you.


Love Mommy & Daddy

13 MONTHS!

Dear Scarlett,

We have been so busy that I almost forgot that today, is your 13 month birthday! 

Happy 13 months love!
I'm sorry if this is unorganized. I am writing this at 11 pm. 

We have done so many fun things this month! So I have LOTS of pics to post.

What's new? 

Well, at the doctor's office the other day, you were 20 lbs 13 oz.
You are in the 97% for your height and the 7% for your weight.
You are a string bean. Mommy worries about you eating enough, quite often.
but the doctor assures me that you are perfectly healthy. 

You are such a little super model. As soon as I turn the camera on you, you light up with smiles and poses. A natural for sure. Mommy loves taking photos of you all day.

Today Daddy started his new position at work. He's hard at work, making his way up the chain to be a big wig in the industry. We love that he works so hard for us. Trust me, you will appreciate this one day when you look back from your first job. 

You have 3 more teeth coming in. That is in addition to the 4 you already have. Late teether but no complaints as you are such a happy baby most always! You are getting into everything! I can't turn my back for one second!

Although you have been very talkative for awhile, you finally understand what you are saying.

Last week, your first word...Dadda. Of course.
And now you ask "What's dah?" and point. 

You still love books.

Favorite food right now? Veggie Crunchies. (picky eater while you teeth)

Favorite Show? Olivia.

You cry when it's time to stop swinging on the swings. 

I can't believe how big you are. 

You are beginning to understand the concept of Skype and FaceTime now. When we are away from Daddy, you laugh at him through the screen. You say "Dadda." And Daddy is filled with happiness from your little voice. 

I often lie watching you sleep. It makes me cry to think that someday, you are going to be old enough that you won't need me. But maybe you still might...in some small ways.

You try my patience. Temper tantrums happen more and more lately. Mostly when I take something away that you shouldn't have. I hate to see you cry but Mommy knows best. 

I was very concerned about you still drinking from a bottle. I tried to take it away from you when you turned one, but it was torture to you and the doctor said, "Let's try weaning her slowly." I agree. You don't like pacifiers or sucking your thumb. Your bottle is your soother and I know, you will give it up when you are ready. You do drink from a sippy cup but you aren't ready to give up your night time bubba yet. I could never figure out why it is okay for mothers to breast feed until the babies are 3 but bottles have to be thrown away as soon as they turn one???

I've learned something very important with you....All babies are different. They all develop and grow at their own pace. Some walk early, some talk early. Some have more teeth then others. Not one baby is the same. So to say that every baby is ready for one certain thing at one certain age, is not feasible. I have learned to trust my motherly instinct above all else. It helps that you have a great doctor that agrees. 

Everyday, you try me, test me, scare me, and make me absolutely blissful with your mere presence. You teach me new things daily. I love you for this. It is such a blessing to have you in our lives. Happy 13 months Scarlett.

P.s. For the love of all, would you please eat more?!?!

;)

Love, Mommy and Daddy