here is my sweet heart

I have been agonizing over this post, which pictures and how to say how much we love her and capture the events of those days we were there. Mom and I found a letter from PawPaw to Leah in her baby book. One day Brynn Leigh may want to read what Auntie said about her first days in this world, that is some pressure. But seeing as she is almost 3 weeks old I just need to post it whether it is perfect or not.



First Impressions of my First Niece

We walked up to the door, Room 264, and knocked softly. Opening the door she was behind a curtain in her daddy's arms. Swaddled in pink. Sweet and peaceful.

I think I torn her out of Michael's hands. I wanted to see her and hold her and tell her my name. She is perfect. Looks like a mix of Brody and Dylan but with a sweet feminine mouth and girly features.
She won't remember but she was loved so much from the very moment she was born and we fell all over ourselves to get to meet her. She was so quiet until David held her while standing, she screamed a piercing girl yelp. We all joked that she could sense a change in altitude.

I spent the next few days going back and forth between the hospital and the house. After breakfast I would get in Dylan's bed and David would get in Brody's bed and they would show us all their toys or try to attack David. And one morning we played Monopoly Jr. I called it "my mid-morning rest".  Then mom and I went up to the hospital. Everyday I wanted so badly to take care of my Leah. Her body did an amazing job growing and caring and giving birth to our little BL. Although recovering, Leah had a sense of peace around her. The hospital room was so calm and felt light. Little promise wrapped in a blanket, squeaking in her mother's arms bathes the room in cozy, warm love. She may not remember but those were special days in the hospital.

It was raining on homecoming day.

She didn't like her car seat at first and let everyone know. Over all she is a fearless, easy going baby who knows what she wants.

Mimi loaded the car with all her gear and Michael drove slow to avoid any bumps in the road. When we walked in the house everyone came over. Brynn Leigh can draw a crowd.

Dylan sang her the song he wrote for her "baby don't cry" and Brody was quick with his assigned job of pressing the music soother. Dylan wanted to hold her and did a great job of watching cartoons and holding a baby at the same time. She is so lucky to have big brothers to bring her toys when she is sad. (And stick monkey hands in her mouth)

Her first day home we held her non-stop, and by we I mean me. I couldn't put this sugar lump down. Brynn Leigh had no complaints for her auntie. Even though I was only around for a couple of days I changed one pp diaper. And she dealt with that debacle, I can already tell she is going to be one tough cookie.

We had dinner that night in the dining room, all of us. Leah, Michael, Dyan and Brody (at their small table they carried into the dining room together), Mimi and Cool and Auntie and David and Brynn Leigh. Everyone together. And that night we had movie night and watch Madagascar 3.


Hard to sum up new life. First days in this world, and possibility and change. And what I want Brynn Leigh to remember about her first days is

         She is loved

         Her family came all the way to Arkansas to meet her
         Uncle David and Brody both loved petting her head - her dark hair
         Auntie loved her widdle chin and her tiny squeaks
         Mimi stayed with her for 3 weeks + 1 week before
         Mimi sent "Picture of the Day" to Auntie
         Brothers love her so much
         She is a star and a sweet heart.