My dearest Veronica,
You turned 2 this week. I can't believe how big you are and how fast it happened! You're my cuddly nugget and I love you so much. Right now, we are the best of friends. We do everything together. We have never been separated for more than a few hours at a time. We're like siamese twins!
When you were born, I felt completed. Like I had finally done whatever it was I was supposed to do. Nothing I have ever done has made me happier than you. I said so many times, I'll never forget this moment, or that moment and so I didn't write it down and now I know I've lost so many things. So many moments are gone already. I want to record everything that hasn't gone to wherever lost thoughts go. So let's start with the day you were born.
January 23, 2006
Right after you were born, I wasn't able to hold you because of some complications so you got passed around from Daddy to Nana to Gramma to Popo and Pa before I even got to hold you! I was busy passing out (and having smelling salts shoved up my nose!) It wasn't pleasant. But when I finally got to hold you I couldn't take my eyes off you! And I wouldn't let them take you to the nursery. You stayed with me the whole time we were there. And you were a good baby right from the start. You took to nursing like a pro! No one had to show you what to do.
When we took you home, we had some adjusting to do! You slept with me for 9 whole months! And when we tried to put you in your bed, it was a struggle. But we got through it. You were always a sunny baby. So sweet and cuddly! Popo once asked me if I was ever going to put you down! When you were brand new, I strapped you to me in the baby wrap and you went with me everywhere! For the first 2 weeks, I don't think I did put you down! I ate dinner with you on my tummy, I slept sitting up with you on my tummy...I just didn't want to let you go. I think the rest of the family was getting a little annoyed. I was a Veronica hog! Daddy especially loved it when you would sleep on him. The first time you saw your Daddy, the day you were born, you smiled at him. And everyone says that newborns don't smile. But several people witnessed it. You smiled. You wrapped him around your finger in that moment. My child, you shall never want for anything as long as you ask your Daddy. He's a sucker for you.
Strangers always commented to us when we took you out at how shocked they were at your good behavior! I joked that you were my "fine dining" baby. We could take you to a 4 star restaurant and no one would even know you were there! You just loved being with me. And I with you.
I am so in love with every little part of you. Your button nose and your perfect ears. We sat around and stared at each other a lot in the beginning! And my camera is full of close ups of your toes, ears, chubby fingers...you were simply stunning. The most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.
I'm not very good at being organized, and I meant to make you a baby book and I meant to keep track of all of your accomplishments and all of your "firsts", but I got sidetracked. So, while I don't remember when you rolled over, I do remember you were so proud of yourself! And I remember when you first pulled up all by yourself in your crib at Grammy's in Hawaii. You had so much fun on that trip. You crossed an ocean four times before you were a year old! You learned how to walk in Hawaii. Only 9 months old and you were walking!
And I know your first word was "mama" and I loved hearing it. Now, you call me Mommy. And I love that too. You're talking so much now. You can put two and three words together and it's so cute. Right now, as I'm writing, you're playing with your clay and you've made a baby and you are telling me, "Ur baby sleep! Yes, baby sleep!" And you are rocking your baby to sleep. You've grown so much and your personality is becoming so solid. You're just like your Daddy. Somewhat anti-social, you like to pretend you're asleep if anyone new wants to talk to you, shy of strangers, and so loving and so sweet. You love kisses and huggies. When you wake up from your naps you love to be held and hugged. I love your cuddly nature.
Here are some other things I love about you.
1. The way you say "Laura", sounds like "Warra" (one of your favorite Veggie Tales)
2. The way you hum when you kiss me
3. Your cheesy smile
4. Our quiet time in the morning when you come to bed with us
5. They way you love your dog, Iz and how gentle you are with her
6. Your sparkly blue eyes
7. The sound of your voice...
Basically, I love everything about you. You will always be my baby, no matter how big you get. I would be lost without you. You are so special to me. I am so proud of your accomplishments and how you find joy in little things. I think you're bright and sunny and a delight to be with. 
When things get rough, and they will, and we don't agree and you want another mother, just promise me you'll read this and try to remember when you and I were like peas and carrots! 
I love you, Sweetiepea. I'm so glad God made me your Mommy.
