Dear Gwyneth,

On the day you were born, your dad and I had stayed up all night waiting for you.  I will never forget that your eyes were a deep and rich blue color that reminded me of the sea.  I could not believe that you were the same person that had settled nicely in my belly.  I was not sure that I would have you and when we found out we were pregnant, we were elated.  Your dad and I would stay up at night dreaming about what you would look like and what kinds of things you would do in this world.  Those first few weeks were a little rough as you and I had to figure out breastfeeding.  With me on a timeline of maternity leave and you struggling with your latch, we changed course and paused so you and I could finally bond.  I got up in the middle of the night to feed you and caught up on all my Netflix series.  We snuggled and you made me laugh.  I held you so much in those first weeks and never wanted to let you go. Ever.  Soon we settled into a routine and you seemed to do well with your Mama's sense of adventure.  We began our adventures small, a trip to the drive through coffee shop and soon were traveling all over San Antonio so I could show you so many things. You fit so cozy in my little baby wrap and would go with me anywhere.  Most of all, you just wanted to be with your Mama.  We read books together and took your first bath, which you loved.  We celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas with your grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

You have helped me slow down in my life.  These past few weeks with you have been absolutely perfect and I would not trade them for anything.  I have savored drinking my coffee with you snuggled up close to me while we watch the rest of the world go about their day.  You have helped me slow down for my body to recover and grow strong again, giving me time for yoga during your naps. I have spent an enormous amount of time just watching you sleep and trying to get you to smile.  I can't remember the last time I was so patient with something for so long.

Now we tackle our next adventure as I return to work.  Your Mama is lucky to love her job and is working to try to help others.  You may not care much about Mama's work as you will need me for other reasons.  Just know that your Mama is proud of what she does and would not step away from you if she did not feel that it was her passion.  You will one day have a passion of your own and you will be a strong and adventurous woman like your Mama.  I want you to go after your dreams with wild ambition. Together, we got this.

Love,
Your Mama