Showered with love...

Sweet Cohen,

This last weekend was our baby shower.  It was such a great day! So many people gathered to celebrate and shower mommy (and mostly you) with love, kindness and gifts. You wouldn't believe how amazing Grandma Stacie's house looked, adorned with baby blue decorations everywhere!  Even the punch we drank was blue.  There was the cutest dessert table set up with onesie, heart and "C" block cookies, a cake with your name on it, chocolate covered marshmallows and the sweetest cupcakes to be seen.  Auntie Kerry set out photos of mommy and daddy as babies, cute rubber duckies, a table that had all of mommy's cravings, and the cutest blue details throughout the house.  Auntie Liz made a diaper cake, which Kristen and Payton helped with I'm sure. The table was filled with all kinds of yummy snacks, and the house was filled with more love than you could ever know. It was perfect! Every detail!

We played some pretty silly games.  The ladies split into teams and created "baby Cohen's" using baby photos, crayons, glue and some got pretty creative with other "props".  Some of those babies were a little scary looking, and none could be as cute as you will be, but mommy had to choose her favorite.  We also had a "quiz" that mommy and daddy answered questions to.  It had questions like; What was a runner up name for Cohen? (Daddy answered; "Carston."  Mommy answered; "Graham").  What trait do you think your spouse will take on as a parent? (Daddy said; "Everything he'll need. She's the complete package. Mommy said; "He'll be fun, involved and a bit of a softy").  What do you want most for Cohen? (Daddy said "I want him to be HAPPY!", Mommy said "For him to be happy, healthy and always know how loved he is").  It was fun to hear the answers and what people thought we'd say.

You made out like a bandit when it came time to open gifts... you are so lucky!  I swear, you have more clothes than mommy (and daddy!).  Auntie Kerry made sure you'd always be the best dressed kid on the block!  She had a basket full of cute clothes, hats, shoes and accessories for you.  Grandma and grandpa Bartoli made sure you'd be riding in style (and safely!!) in your new carseat and stroller.  So many people made you the sweetest hand sewn quilts, burp rags, diaper changing pads, and even a boppy cover (I still can't believe Auntie Natty pulled that one off).  You have a basket filled with toys, and rattles and all kinds of fun bath towels and products.  I am pretty sure we've got enough diapers and wipes to last us awhile!  You're little corner has really come together.  Amy, Billy and Landon made the sweetest sign for mommy to hang above your changing table that reads; "You are my Sunshine".  Mommy fell in love with the sign!  I can't wait for you to see everything, and explore through all your goodies.

You know, it's funny, Mommy has been really good lately about keeping my emotions under wrap, but something came over me the morning of the shower.  It hit me how soon you'll be here.  I feel like I've waited a lifetime for this.  It wasn't the easiest "journey", it was heartbreaking and discouraging in the beginning, but I can honestly say that I would not change a single moment, experience or thing about it.  As we approach the "end" and near your birth I can reflect back on the whole experience, and I am filled with pure satisfaction, and overcome by the joy of knowing you were the one to come into daddy and I's lives.  The heartache only made this journey sweeter.  The discouaraging and unbearable moments made us stronger.  The hoplessness, and grief made us love and appreciate you all the more.  There will never be a day that goes by that I am not thankful to be your mommy.  I know that there will be hard days, and frustrating times, but you will always be the greatest gift to your daddy and I! 

The other day I stumbled upon this sweet little poem, and it completely took the words from my heart...

You are my I love you

Author: Maryann K Cusimano

I am your parent you are my child
I am your quiet place, you are my wild
I am your calm face, you are my giggle
I am your wait, you are my wiggle
I am your audience, you are my clown
I am your London Bridge, you are my falling down
I am your Carrot Sticks, you are my licorice
I am your dandelion, you are my first wish
I am your water wings, you are my deep
I am your open arms, you are my running leap
I am your way home, you are my new path
I am your dry towel, you are my wet bath
I am your dinner, you are my chocolate cake
I am your bedtime, you are my wide awake
I am your finish line, you are my race
I am your praying hands, you are my saving grace
I am your favorite book, you are my new lines
I am your nightlight, you are my sunshine
I am your lullaby, you are my peek-a-boo
I am your kiss goodnight, you are my I love you

Forever and ever. Love,

Mommy

 

 

 

 

10 weeks and counting...

Dear Cohen,

In one sense time seems to be flying by, yet in another moving so slowly.  Your daddy and I marvel at the thought that you will be here so soon, and are anxious as the days pass.  We are so ready to meet you!  We ponder on what you will look like (I think you'll look like daddy!), and what you will be like.  You are still so active in my tummy, I have a feeling daddy and I will have a mover on our hands.  Mommy has gotten pretty good at watching 2 am movies... that seems to be your most active time of the night, uh oh.  We have your little bassinet ready, your clothes and blankets washed and some snuggly little toys all anxiously awaiting your arrival.  I have asked daddy a few times now if he's feeling nervous at all, but everytime he just smiles and replies "No! I can't wait."  He's going to be such a good daddy, and already has plans for all the things you'll do together (which include lots of fishing, hunting and cabin trips).  Mommy, for the most part feels good.  You are definitely growing in there, so my tummy is getting heavy and sore, but you are so worth it!!  I wouldn't trade one single moment of this pregnancy for anything in the world.  I am so happy to be YOUR mommy.
I am excited as we approach the weekend and looking forward to a day of celebration, for you! Auntie Kerry and Grandma Stacie are throwing mommy a baby shower.  There will be so many people there who love you, and are just as excited to meet you as mommy and daddy.  We have already started to receive gifts for you from other family members who can't make it to the shower. They send their love to all of us, especially you.
We Love you Cohen.  We will be using these last few weeks to make sure that everything is just perfect for your arrival.  We want you stay in there and grow strong and healthy as long as you need... and when you are ready we will all be waiting to hug, kiss, and love you! 

With love,
Mommy and Daddy


This last weekend Auntie "Buddy" (Lacey) took pictures of mommy and daddy (and you) for us to cherish after you are here.  They turned out very cute, she did a really good job.

            Cohen Rigsby Bartoli