My Dearest Aurora Cecele

Momma does not always/ever write eloquently, but I do want you to know so many things.  Things I have been thinking and feeling since you were born.  I'm sure you won't fully understand until you have children of your own, because there was no way I could have.  The easiest way for me to do this is to make it in a list.

1. I love you more than you will ever understand, and always will, no matter what!
2. I hurt when you hurt
3. Your smile melts my heart EVERY time
4. I want so much for you.  I want you to do so many wonderful things! 
5. Please know that teenage years are tough.  They are scary and hard and you won't always like them. 
• We will fight.  But always remember that I love you. 
• You may not always like what I say/do, but I am saying/doing it because I love you and only want what's best for you.  Your father will do his best to teach ME to let you try things even if I "know" a better way, but I can't promise I will learn this quickly. 
• I will punish you at some point, but it's to keep you safe.  
• Someone will ALWAYS be there for you!
• You can tell me and Daddy anything.  It won't always be easy, on either party, but we'll work through it.
• Never keep secrets from me or Daddy.  If someone tells you it's a secret and not to tell us, that is the thing that you MUST tell us. 
• Aunt Lis and Lindsey will be great resources for you!  They love you, as do many people.
• Don't be a bully!
• Don't let others bully you!  You will be a strong girl, use what I know you have already been given.  
• Stick up for others
• REMEMBER:  Teenage years will pass.  It could go into your 20's, but it gets better!  Momma survived, you will too!
6. I will not be able to stop smooching you, EVER!  Manah Manahm is tactile deprived, you'll learn! :)
7. I have never been so protective of anything in all of my life as I am of you (ask Daddy).  I won't always do it right, but I will do my best to keep you safe!   
8. I'm sorry that I will drive you crazy.  It is the circle of life :-)
9. It is amazing to watch you learn.  The faces you make are so cute!  I can tell when you are taking in something new, which is almost a constant at this point.  Your eyes light up and you are so focused.  Always keep learning! 
10. Don't forget to ask "Why?".  It will drive me crazy, but you will learn so much more.  Don't be surprised if I say, "Because I said so".  I may not have any better explanation at that point.  I will do my best though.
11. You are a very strong girl and will wind up being very independent. 
12. Be a positive influence on others
13. It is amazing to watch you grow and to be your Momma!  I love it!  It is the best job ever!

What you're up to at 5 months:

• Sitting up, almost completely on your own
• Sucking on your toes
• Eating squash, which you love!
• Not eating carrots, cereal, and sweet potatoes
• Still loving bath time
• Learning about gravity, so far in a non-painful way.  You pick up your toys and then open your hand to drop them.

REMEMBER:  Momma and Daddy love you more than you will ever know!  God loves you 100x's more than that, which is AMAZING!