Hello, Raven! Welcome to your first monthly letter!

Things happen so quickly when you're this young. Even looking through photos of you right now I can see such a difference between 1 week old and 4 weeks old. You haven't been weighed or measured since you've been born, so I have no idea what your stats are, but I can tell, you're becoming a chunk!

You were born in Colorado while we were staying with Grammy and Uncle Ron. While we were there, your Aunt Andrea and cousin Amelia came to visit. You didn't get to see them too much because they spend a lot of time with your brothers, Rhino and Heron, while you snuggled with me at Grammy's house. You had your first Easter, but you didn't participate because you were hardly one day old (we came home from the hospital on Easter!)

During your second week, Aunt Andrea and Amelia left but your Uncle Matthew and Aunt Adria came to visit. We were all able to get out more together. You joined us on outings to the zoo and to the children's museum. You were always cuddled up with me in the baby carrier or hanging out in the car seat, asleep.

As you began your third week of life, Uncle Matt and Aunt Adria left and your daddy's mommy, Grandma, came out to visit. She didn't stay in Colorado long because she was just coming out to help us on the plane out to New York. We did get out to the North Pole, where you were mad the whole time. We also went back to the children's museum in Denver and out to eat at White Fence Farm. You seemed to enjoy yourself then!

We all headed out for New York with Grandma and you were great on your first plan ride! You sat in my lap and slept and ate a lot. We got to New York after a very long night waiting in airports and sitting on delayed planes. You've met your Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Great-great-Aunt Ginny, Great-Aunt Connie, Aunt Jen, Mom-mom and Pop-pop, Uncle Jason, and Aunt Kay and Great-Aunt Sharon while we've been here in New York. Everyone loves you, of course! We're staying in the house that Daddy lived in when he was little.

You've been cracking some smiles, but I'm not quite convinced they're "real" smiles yet. Sometimes they are so perfect, but you've been doing it since you were a week old! I know any day now you'll be grinning at us all the time. You're a happy baby and easily soothed. You don't like a pacifier, but you like to suck on my pinky finger. You love the swing and aren't quite sure about the mei tai. Heron smacks you around a little when he's excited (but that is not okay!) and you're such a good sport about it. You love to eat and snuggle with me and we sleep together at nigh. I love being close to you and wish you daddy could be right now, too. You get to see him on the computer and hear his voice often. We aren't quite sure when you'll get to see him, but hopefully soon! He hasn't met you yet, but he's all ready fallen in love with you, just like I have! We all love you, sweet little Raven!

Love,
Mommy