Author: poweroyal22

Addison,

We have been guilty of neglecting this blog so please bear with me with this post.  The easiest thing to say is that we’ve been busy with life but it’s been more than that.  We are still (yes, 11 months later) obsessed with you.  I’m talking total infatuation, captivation,  complete obsession!

Taking it back to December….your first time out of NY,  your first time on a plane and our first family vacation.   And of course, your first Christmas – which was soo much fun!  It’s a shame you will not remember but hopefully, you will go through the pictures and be able to get an idea of the love that surrounded you during this time.  I should first, thank you and apologize up front.  Thank you for putting up with my crazy mommy requests.  I put you in a box numerous times and you didn’t make a fuss. I changed your outfit no less than seven times over a 24 hour period and you just smiled.  I also put you under the tree naked with just a Santa hat on your head and you didn’t make a sound.  Sorry about the cold floor 🙂

Although you had met your aunt Kristy and cousins, Dylan and Luke when you were about eight weeks old over the summer, Christmas was the first time you met uncle, Shane, and OMG, talk about love at first sight.  He and Dylan picked up us at the airport and as soon as he laid eyes on you that was it.  A lifelong bond was made.

Since the New Year began,  the days, weeks, and months have just flown by.  Every day you amaze us with your growth and development.  You have been meeting every monthly milestone and even exceeding them at times.

Now, I  know every baby is special, but you, my baby girl, are extraordinary.  At 11 months you are walking (with a little help), clapping, waving hello and goodbye.  You love music and dance.  Red, Red Wine by UB40, Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warren and anything by Beyonce or Jay Z are some of your favorite songs and artists.

You love to read!  And this makes us soo happy.  Sometimes we catch you at the table just flipping through your books.  It’s so sweet.   French books, English books…they all bring you so much joy.

Back in February, you met your Grandpa Benoit and Grandma Nadine.  It was again a case of love at first sight.  We had a great weekend with them but Grandpa made it clear that he hated the name, Grandpa!

Fast forward to this moment.  It’s April and I cannot believe you are going to be a year old in just a few weeks.  We have big plans for you! We are going to France to visit your Vincent and Venon, families.  You are going to see your Godfather Jerome and meet your Godmother, Valerie for the very first time.

Stay tuned for another post.  I still need to tell you about the beginning of your modeling career!

Until the next post.  I love you, I love you, I love you!

xx

 

My sweet girl Addison,

I have been very lax in updating your blog but it is my goal to be more consistent in this New Year.  It’s been just about eight months since your arrival and I am so obsessed with you.  I just stare at you while you are sleeping sometimes because I still cannot believe you came out of me.  Starting out as just a few cells to the happy, smiley, beautiful little person you are today is truly a miracle and a blessing.

Thirty-three weeks old and by no means do I have this mom thing down to a science, but I have to say I am at times pretty impressed with my maternal instincts.  I am sure there is so much more I will learn but for now, here is what I know:

1) MAT leave in the US sucks.  Having only four months with you was just not long enough.  I so envy my friends in other countries who had a year to spend with their babies.  Having to go back to work and leave you in the hands of another woman was heartbreaking.

2) Breast milk is liquid gold.  If you don’t believe me Google it.

3) It makes me so happy to know that you are meeting with your grandparents in your dreams.  I know this to be true because of your smiles and laughs I see while you are sleeping.

4) Although this may not ring true for every baby, putting you on a schedule was the best thing we did for you.  It’s not always perfect but so far it’s worked.  Eating at 8, 12, 4 and 8 has added structure to all of our lives.  It’s helped your father and I get better at our time management.

5) There are days I come home from work and just felt wiped.  I then walk into the apartment and see your face.   Your smile, laugh and hug just changes my mood in an instant.  When you look up at me with those big brown eyes and arms open wide, I melt. And immediately, I’m reminded of what’s truly important.

6) Watching you grow and develop is an amazing sight to see.  Every day you become more curious, get smarter, laugh more.  Seeing you roll over, then sit up by yourself and now crawling….it’s all happening so quickly.

 

My sweet girl Addison,

It’s been just over two months since your arrival and I am so obsessed with you.  I just stare at you while you are sleeping sometimes because I still cannot believe you came out of me.  Starting out as just a few cells to the happy, smiley, beautiful little person you are today is truly a miracle and a blessing.

10 weeks old and by no means do I have all of the answers but what I do know is that the love I have for you is indescribable.   Watching you up wake up in the morning makes my heart so full and seeing your smile  brightens up my whole day.   Everyday we are learning and growing together.  I have already learned so many new things since becoming your mom and below are just a few things I now know:

1) MAT leave in the US sucks.  I only have another few weeks with you and it’s making me so sad.  You are just starting to get interesting and I’m scared I’m going to miss all of the good stuff to come in your development.

2) Breast milk is liquid gold.  If you don’t believe me Goggle it.  I have used it on your scratches, blocked tear duct, and baby acne.

3)  I may have a problem.  I am documenting almost everyday of your life.  You have been alive for 75 days and I already have over 500 pictures of you.  It amazes me just how many photos I have on my camera roll, I’m just always so desperate not to miss a single thing.

4) It makes me so happy to know that you are meeting with your grandparents in your dreams.  I know this to be true because of your smiles and laughs I see while you are sleeping.

5)  Your Papa.  Best decision I have ever made.  You’re welcome.

-Rookie Mom 2017

 

Dear Addison,

You have been with us for just about 12 days and we are still in awe.  Your entry into the world was nothing thing less than dramatic….a trait I truly believe you received from your Papa. It took four people and a vacuum to retrieve you and once you arrived you let out the loudest, ear wrenching, most beautiful cry we have ever heard.

Once you were cleaned up and measured (7lbs 14oz and 21 3/4 in long), you were handed to Dorian.  In an instant he was in love.  He then handed you to me.  In an instant I was in love.  Then we both looked at you then looked at each other and just cried.

Fast forward to today and I have to say that I’m more in love at this very moment than I was on that Sunday in which you changed our lives forever.  Being your mom is an honor and a blessing and I just hope I don’t screw this up.

-Rookie Mom 2017

I was originally going to title this post, ‘The Struggle Is Real,” but even with the few uncomfortable symptoms I have (constant backache, swollen ankles/feet and lack of sleep) I am so incredibly grateful to be carrying this little girl we will call Addison.  I saw her again today at my doctor’s appointment yet this whole thing still seems a little unreal to me.  In 10 short weeks I’ll be someone’s mother.  SCARY!

It’s around this time we need to start answering the big questions.  What car seat should we buy? What formula do we give her if I can’t breastfeed? Do we need a baby nurse for overnights (I say yes, dad says no)? And most importantly, how early do we have to schedule a play date with Beyoncé’s twins?  There is so much information to take in and so many opinions, it’s been hard to weed through it all.

One piece of advice I received recently was from a new mom of a four month old.  She told me, “You don’t need STUFF to be a great mom – you will be an AWESOME MOM.  And your baby will be a SUPER BABY, regardless of how cute you decorate their nursery, if you use the right diaper, or if you look cute five days after giving birth.  Your baby WILL NOT CARE.”

Of all the advice I have been given this has resonated with me the most.  Since losing my parents and meeting Dorian I have realized more each day that STUFF really doesn’t matter.  It’s the experiences we have, the relationships we foster and the love and happiness we find as well as give to others.

Some advice for my baby girl…. Practice gratitude for all that you have (you will be spoiled – all of mommy’s friends already love you),  allow yourself to be vulnerable with the people who matter, do random acts of kindness and don’t be afraid to ever show others your authentic, imperfect, beautiful self.

Thank you Rachael for the great advice, thank you friends who have already begun showering Addison with gifts and thank you Dorian for being the most amazing you every day.

70 days to go!

-Rookie Mom 2017

Addison:

You don’t know it yet, but you are the luckiest little baby in the world. I’ve known your mommy for a long time and she is the most generous, kind hearted person I’ve ever met. She is a true friend to me, always. We’ve had some really good times together. Stuff we will talk about when you’re much older. And during the tough times, which there always is, she has always been my support. I tell you this because she will do this, and so much more for you.

Soon she will realize what pure love is, when you are born. And she will move mountains to bring you joy. Your mommy is a part of my family and in turn, you are too. Shane always wanted a girl, so he will spoil you like crazy. And Dylan and Luke have been following your progress. They just want to speed this process up so they can meet you.

We are so happy that Dorian came into all of our lives. Although we haven’t known him for that long, we know he’s a keeper. He makes your mommy so happy. That’s all we’ve ever wanted for her. She deserves to have a piece of the happiness she gives to others.

You are one adored little baby. Now, I’ll work on letting your mommy know that she’s not going to be the center of attention anymore. That space will be occupied by you, our princess Royal.

It’s so funny how we think about time as we age. When we are four years old we cannot wait to tell everyone when we are four and a half! When we are 12, at least as a girl, it’s the most amazing feeling to turn 13 and finally be called a teenager. Other milestones include 18, 21 and maybe 30. We then start repeating. You know what I’m talking about. We all have that friend who has been 34 for at least three years!

I, personally, never paid much attention to time until I heard the song, “Seasons of Love” – five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes. It was fascinating to me to think of a year in that way. In 2012 my year was measured in loss. In 2014 I remember my life of friends. 2016, the year was definitely measured in love.

And now today, I am constantly speaking in terms of how many weeks and days Addison is. At six weeks we heard her heartbeat. The most beautiful sound I have ever heard. Both Dorian and I cried. It was such a special day. At 10 weeks we had a full anatomy scan. Two arms, two legs, her organs were developing accordingly. Day by day I wondered if everything was ok. Am I eating the right things, doing the right things? What is supposed to be the most amazing experience a woman can have is actually an anxiety ridden exercise of just getting to the next day.

My baby at 21 Weeks- she’s about 11 inches long and 14 ounces in weight. According to the app, theBUMP, she’s as big as an endive. According to Nurture she is the size of a pomegranate. Her arms and legs are finally in proportion, neurons are now connected between the brain and muscles, and cartilage throughout the body is turning to bone. It’s also been suggested that I eat some carrots this week if I want Addy to have a taste for them. Apparently the flavor of amniotic fluid differs from day to day, depending on what I’ve eaten and now that the baby is swallowing this fluid everyday, she will be getting a virtual taste of-and a taste for-whatever is on the menu.

So with about 130 days to go, or one hundred eighty seven, two hundred minutes, I wait the joyful yet still anxious anticipation for her arrival.

-Rookie Mom 2017

Dear Addison,

Before you can ever truly know me you should learn about where I come from. My Dad, your Grandfather, was my best friend. My Mom, your Grandmother, is my guardian angel. Together they were my foundation. At any given moment roles shifted from parent to teacher to coach to nurse to therapist. The one certainty in my life was that that they would always support me and never let me down.

Together they were the two most generous people I have ever known. Growing up, my Dad was the guy the kids in the neighborhood looked up too. He coached and mentored young people his entire life. To this day there are people who tell me that knowing my Dad made them a better person.

My Mom was always helping the elderly or less fortunate. On any given day she could be found running someone to get groceries or helping a family new to town find work or navigate the legal system.

Throughout all of their efforts helping others, I was always their priority. They attended every game, concert, dance recital and award ceremony. They helped me with my homework, taught me to work hard and not take anything given to me for granted. They taught me about love and faith and gratitude

My life changed when they passed away. My heart broke into piece which I never thought could be healed. Spiritually I knew they were still with me but physically I was all alone. For so many years I was a shell of my former self. I didn’t know if I would ever be able to feel whole again.

On November 15, 2015 I met your Dad for the first time. I had no idea that night would change my life forever. Over the next year, I experienced friendship, companionship, laughter and pure LOVE like never before. Then on September 10th we found out you and six weeks later heard your heart beating.

You are truly a gift from God and I thank him everyday for you. You are the product of the love your grandparents had for me and of the love I have with your Dad. And although I cry that you will never meet them I know they had a hand in creating you. They are every bit a part of you as I am. Always know that Grandma and Grandpa Royal will be watching over you.

There’s so much more to tell you but patiently I must wait for your arrival.

Mommy loves you.