Dear Baby E...

You are truly a special little guy, and I want you to know just how magical you are! At six years old, you shine brightly, bursting with confidence one moment as you soar through your adventures with superheroes and build incredible worlds with your Legos. Those moments are pure joy, and they remind me how wonderfully unique you are.

But I also see those moments when uncertainty creeps in, when you become aware of what others might think about your beloved piggy stuffy or feel anxious about school. It’s completely normal to have these feelings, but remember this: it’s your uniqueness that makes you amazing! Embrace your quirks, because they are what make you, you.

The world can sometimes feel tough, but never let anyone dim your bright light. Stay true to yourself, and know that it’s okay to be a little different. Your loving heart and creative spirit are gifts to the world. Keep dreaming big and playing fearlessly, because your magic is meant to shine!

With all my love,

My dearest Emmy,

Where has the time gone? It feels like just yesterday I was cradling you in my arms, marveling at the tiny little person you were. And now, here you are, a blossoming 8-year-old with a heart as big as the world.

Your kindness and thoughtfulness never cease to amaze me. The way you look out for our little baby neighbors, showering them with love and attention, makes my heart swell with pride. And that sweet new baby doll of yours - the way you tote it around in the car seat and wear it in that precious carrier, you're already a natural-born mother. Maybe even better than I am!

As you prepare to embark on your journey into 3rd grade, I want you to know how deeply proud I am of you. Your thirst for learning, your compassion for others, and your unwavering spirit are true inspirations. Keep that curious mind of yours open, my darling. Ask questions, explore the world, and never stop discovering new wonders.

But amid all the exciting adventures that await you, don't forget to take a moment to just be a kid. Play pretend with your baby doll, have tea parties with your stuffed animals, and let your imagination soar. Childhood is fleeting, so cherish every moment.

Most of all, Emmy, know that you are loved. Loved by your family, your friends, and a mother who is in awe of the amazing young lady you are becoming. May your 8th year be filled with laughter, learning, and all the magic that comes with growing up.

Happy birthday, my sweet girl. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you.

All my love, Mom

My darling girl,

I gently reminisce on days like this one, pictured. The growing circumference of my body couldn’t even begin to compete with the ways my heart, soul and mind would expand. I stepped into motherhood like a pair of new leather shoes, softening each day, worth every blister.

When I started writing this journal for you, I never imagined a day when you would be a SEVEN year old!!! But here we are, and you are quite the amazing little seven year old.

You make squishmallows and cuddles effortlessly cool. Sometimes still coming to our bedroom at night after a bad dream, you never fail to give me one of your stuffies or blankies to cuddle, even in times when you’re scared you give. You give and give and give. Always concerned with others, including everyone when you play, offering others your hand to help. Such a giver.

You brought the sun when you came into our arms, and I hope the world gives you some right back.

Keep on shining, girl.

My dear Emmy, 

You are SIX years old today!!!  I keep asking myself where the time went.  We look at old photos on my phone together quite often, and it feels like just yesterday you were 3 months old and napping on my chest.  You never know when the last day of a precious phase will be:

One day, instead of a bath you wanted to shower, when I look back I realized your last nighttime bath was months ago. 

One day, I was serving you whole chicken nuggets, instead of cutting them each into 4 pieces. 

One day, your car seat was no longer facing backwards and you didn’t need that little rearview mirror on the headrest anymore. 

One day, you decided you could brush your teeth all by yourself. 

One day, I saw you take your own seatbelt off. 

You never know when the last day of a precious phase will be... 

So I embrace having to help you through things, I embrace all of the effort it takes to go through our bedtime routine, I embrace getting you snacks, because before I know it, each of these phases will be gone and each time you will be just a little bit bigger and a little bit more independent. 

As you grow, I’m mesmerized by what a beautiful soul you have.  Gigi and Papa hosted a pool party for you at Bellrieve last weekend.  As each of your friends came you greeted them with a big hug and asked how they were doing, if they needed anything.  As each of your friends left, you popped out of the pool and gave them a big “thank you for coming to my party!  I have a goody bag for you!”.  Daddy and I still talk about how very proud we are of you.  

We wish you the very best birthday, and more than that, we wish you the very best year!  SIX!  

Love you, my girl, 

It strikes me that Tucker, in particular, would be upset that I refer to you both as my babies… he’s a big boy now! But regardless, you’ll both always be my babies.

But baby talk aside, Daddy and I shared some big news with you recently - we’re moving to Austin! Daddy is taking a new position with Emerson at their business in Austin where he’ll be leading their M&A and ventures, a very neat opportunity. I’m so proud of your Daddy for, frankly, fighting for a new role that was worthy of him and that he will enjoy. He also turned down some good opportunities because they weren’t in great locations for you and for our family (think New Jersey, Ohio…).

Emmy (will be 6 in July), I can tell you have mixed emotions. You’re sad to leave your school, friends, and family in STL. You’re a bit timid of the unknown and not fully sure of what “moving” really means. The idea of leaving everything you know and the place you call home is definitely scary. You’re excited to help decorate your new bedroom and find some new playgrounds in Austin.

Tucker (will be 4 in August), I definitely don’t think you fully understand what “moving to Austin” means. However, you stormed out of the room outraged when we told you both we were moving. You later learned that we would be taking your toys, bed, stuffies, etc. etc. which made you pleased. You’re excited to get a “big boy bed” in Austin and have asked for a super hero bedroom. You’ve also asked if your teacher, Ms. Alexis, could come and live with us 🥰

Our house, 484 Whitree Ln, is on the market now. And we’re actively house hunting in Austin, with a trip planned to go visit as a family next week. I’m hoping we find a home so we can narrow down and select a great school for you both!

I think that ultimately this will be a good move for our family. You’re both at the right age where moving won’t be devastating to you. And it will be a fun town to explore. Not to mention, Ascension, where I work, has a huge health system there as well as our Clinical Studio HQ. Austin is the #1 city in the US that people are moving to currently, so we’ll likely have some competition with the housing market, potentially schools and other factors, which will be tough. But hopefully that growth will end up being a good thing in the end.

What’s important is that we’re together, we’re finding our new home as a family, exploring and enjoying an exciting new city together.

All my love,

My dear babies,

This quote rings true. It’s something I have trouble with: letting go. Some nights I lay awake in bed for hours because things are on my mind even though they’re out of my control. It’s something I’m working on. I hope to learn more methods for letting go in hopes I can teach you this powerful wisdom, as well.

Love you to the moon,

I saw a picture of you today, your Fall photos. And I swear you look bigger in photos than you are in reality. When I hold you here, you’re still my baby boy. You still fit so seamlessly in the nook of my arm. But I imagine that will never change.

I love you, my dear boy.