Dear Ava

Dear Ava,

There was a time when you were physically a part of me. You thrived on every breath that I took and your heart pumped with every beat of my heart. That heart that I created now beats independently of mine and your lungs breathe the air that surrounds you.

You are growing so quickly before my very eyes and becoming more curious and much more independent as the days quickly pass. You are slowly figuring out how to get around all by yourself and you have the bumps and bruises to show for it.

There was a time not too long ago when you were so dependent on me for everything and now you are learning to feed yourself, entertain yourself and get around with your own arms and legs.

My Aunt once told me that to a baby, heaven on earth is being in the arms of their Mommy and Daddy. I can see that to be true when instead of crawling away from me you always crawl right to me and into my lap. There's no other feeling in the world to describe how it feels when you wrap your tiny arms around my neck and give me a tight hug and a big wet kiss on the cheek.

You may be growing up so quickly but I'll always be right beside you watching you and loving you more and more every day. You'll be turning one soon and your life won't be measured in weeks and months anymore but in years.

You started out like no baby should with a page long list of procedures, tests, and medical terms to explain the first two weeks of your life. The amount of wires and machines attatched to you was startling. But you were always strong and such a fighter and that is why you are thriving and healthy today.

You experienced things that no baby should ever have to. You should have been able to spend your first days in Mommy and Daddy's arms instead of in the NICU with a team of nurses and doctors buzzing around you. I know what happened was not my fault, or anyone's for that matter. But I am so regrettably sorry that you had to experience it.

That is why we are walking this Sunday for the March of Dimes WalkAmerica. Mommy and Daddy created a team in your honor to raise money so that other babies get a fighting chance like you did.

I love you so much my baby girl and would do anything in the world for you. I can't ever say it enough... I love you more and more every day forever.

Love,
Mommy