Letters To A Baby Tourist 8

This is it!  That last of the Baby Tourist Letters.  I hope you've enjoyed reading them as much as I've enjoyed rediscovering them.

3-14-1988

Dear Baby Tourist,

It's a slow day at work, so I'll use the time to get caught up on my letters to you.

I can't get over what a funny little girl you are!  You really are a sweet natured kid - most of the time.  It's a very frustrating time for you now because you want things, or don't want things, and you have no way of telling us except by squealing.  You get so mad at us sometimes - it's almost funny to watch you.  But as soon as we figure out what you want and help you get it, you are our smiley little angel  again.

You really are a beautiful little girl.  Lots of blonde hair, big blue eyes - a really pretty light blue like mine - and a beautiful pink and white complexion.  You little body is so beautifully proportioned and strong.  I love letting you crawl around naked just to watch you.

Lately, you have taken a great dislike to your socks and you full them off at every chance.  It will be nice when the weather gets warmer so you don't have to wear them.

Last night Dad and I played the guitar and piano and sang for you while you rocked and bounced on the floor.  You thought the music was great fun.  You like playing the piano yourself.  I can't play unless Dad is home to watch you, or you're in your pen, because otherwise you are all over the keyboard.  You bang the keys and then sing a little, then bang again and sing again.  You are very proud of yourself and lots of fun to watch.

The biggest news, Baby T, is that come the first of November you will become a big sister!  Dad is very excited.  He loves you so much he is looking forward to having another baby.  

I want another baby, too, but I worry about being able to love anyone other than you.  I love you so very much.  

Grandma M says there is always more love, that having babies helps you love more.  I guess that's true.  I use to think I couldn't love anyone more than I loved your Daddy, but then you came along and I learned to love both of you equally.

I know you will enjoy having your own kid to play with.  You love playing with other kids, so having a playmate of your own will be fun for you.

Letters To A Baby Tourist 7

Dear Baby Tourist,

Nine months old, and what a big girl you are!  20lbs 5g and 29 1/4 in long.  You do so much now it's hard to keep up with you!  You are getting very good at feeding yourself something at every meal.  You love potatoes, peas, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, eggs, and bread.  You are learning to feed yourself with your spoon, too.  You grab it right away from me and put it in your mouth.  Lots of it still ends up on your face, but you're getting better every day.

There is not one place in the house you can't get.  You cruise all around the furniture and your little face crinkles all up with pleasure when you reach your destination.  Dad and I walk you between us a lot and you love that!

Everything now is "Da Da."  I hold up Baby Mickey.  "Who is this, Baby T?"  "Da Da!"  But it makes your daddy so proud when he comes in to get you in the morning and you jump up and down in your crib and say "Da Da!" and hug and 'kiss' him.

My favorite time with you is in the morning when you are in bed with us with your bottle.  Your blondy is all tousled and you look all porcelain and pink from your night's sleep.  You snuggle up with your baby self and look just like a Ruben cherub.

We are so proud of you, little girl, your every triumph is also ours.  We love discovering life again through your eyes.  The love we feel for you and that you return to us continues to grow daily - I am always amazed at the depth of my feelings for you and for our family.

Every day the miracle of you is there for me to wonder at.  Even on the days I am tired and cranky, you 'fish face' at me and I laugh.  Or as we snuggle for a nap, you reach out and pat my face, and I know you love me, full of shortcomings and mistakes as I am, and my heart feels so full I could bust.

Thank you for your sweetness - for you.

I am fighting a cold today, so I am going to put myself to bed early.

Love you, sweetheart.

-Mom

Letters To A Baby Tourist 6

Nov. 25, 1987

Dear Little Tourist,

You won't be a "little" tourist much longer, you are getting so big.  17.5 lbs and 27 1/2" long.  You've gained 9lbs and 6 1/4 inches since you were born six months ago.  What a girl!

A month from today is Christmas, and I can't wait to share it with you.  I know you will like all the colors and lights.  And with your fondness for paper, you will probably pay more attention to the wrapping paper than the presents.  We will be in Michigan for Christmas. I'm looking forward to sharing it with you and my family.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  We will be driving to Arlington Heights to have turkey dinner with Daddy's family.  We will go to Grandma and Grandpa P's first and visit with them and Aunt Jan and Mike, and then drive to Sheryl's house where we will see Great Grandmother Woody, Debbie and Art and Artie and Paul, and Sherrie's husband Bob, and their kids Robin and Mark.  Mike is your cousin, and Artie, Paul, Robin, and Mark are your Dad's cousins.  They haven't seen you since you were three weeks old, so they will probably be surprised at how much you've grown.

We will stay overnight in Palentine, and then on Friday we will visit Great Grandma P.  She has never met you before, and I think she is eager to see you.  You can never tell with her.  She's a funny, tough old bird and you never know where you stand with her.  Buy you have a way of charming everyone you meet so she can't help but love you.

Tonight we three are going to get our pictures taken at Sears, to give as gifts for Christmas.  I hope you'll smile.

Well angel, since you are taking a nap, Mom is going to rest, too. 

Love you so much

-Mom

Letter to a Baby Tourist 5

Oct. 22, 1987

Dear Baby Tourist,

I haven't had the chance to write to you lately, so I will try to make up for it now.

You are now five months old, and just as funny and cute as can be.  Recently, you have started to become more of a little person, and really asserting your own brand of baby independence.  We know right away if you like or dislike something.  You either squeal with frustration, or coo and talk with delight.  And when you want to get something, you get it!  Not by crawling, but by rolling to it.  I can't leave you alone on the floor anymore because you really roll all over.  I have Aunt Joy and Judy's old playpen that I fixed up for you, and you play happily in there for 20-30 minutes at a time.

You also have a new tot wheel.  It's a walker - you can't walk in it yet by you like being able to sit up and watch life around you.  It's especially nice at dinner time.  Mom and Dad can eat while you sit next to the table and play.

Your favorite toy is still your stuffed terry-cloth elephant.  It's red and has a rattle on it.  If there is a choice between another toy and the elephant, you usually go for the elephant.  The poor thing gets chewed on a lot.  It must feel good on your gums.

Standing up is a favorite thing to do and you would stand for HOURS on our laps if we didn't get tired.

One thing that intrigues you the most right now is the baby in the mirror.  You talk and talk to her and reach out to touch her.  Recently you've been trying to "kiss" her and can't seem to understand why she's so cold and hard.

In just this last week, you've really started to be very vocally expressive.  You kind of went through a period of time where you didn't have much to say about anything, but recently you've really opened up and have had a lot to say about everything.  Laughing is also a new past time.  We can really get you going sometimes and you just giggle and giggle.

Dad and I can tell that you've started to recognize us, because you are always ready with a smile for us, when you see us.  So far you are doing well with other people - you are not afraid of them, and will smile for anyone who talks to you.  You always look very serious when first confronted by someone new, but as they talk to you and are nice to you, you will smile and talk to them.

You really seem to enjoy being at Linda's.  The other little kids really like you and play with you lots.  I can really see a difference between Joey - who is rarely around other kids and doesn't really know how to act - and you who are very accepting and not afraid of other children.  I think it helps you a lot.  Today, when I dropped you off, you started talking and smiling right away.

Last weekend, you stayed overnight with my friend Monica.  She had lots of fun with you, and it was good for Mom and Dad to have an evening together.  We enjoyed our time alone, but were very glad to get you back!  You had a good time with Monica, and were completely spoiled, I'm sure.

Next weekend we go up to Michigan.  Everyone will be surprised to see how much you've grown.  I'm afraid they won't let you come home with us.  You're so cute and fun to have around.  But I can't do without you, so I won't let them have you.

Grandma and Grandpa M. are going to be moving into their new house in 3 weeks, and we have to go up to move out some furniture.  It will be very sad to have to move them from the Grand Pre house.  It's the house I grew up in, a house I always dreamed of having you know, but Grandma and Grandpa need their own house, and I am happy for them, but sad for me.  It's sort of like watching you grow up.  I am glad you are being a big girl, but I miss you being a baby.  It's very bittersweet, and sometimes it hurts my heart.

Well, little girl, you mom has to got to get to work.  You are a good girl, and I love you.

-Mom

Letter to a Baby Tourist 4

September 1, 1987

Dear Sweet Pea,

In the last 21 days you have learned lots of amazing things!  Like going "Br-r-r-r" with your mouth and making bubbles.  When you hold on to my hands you can pull yourself right up to your feet and that always makes you smile, and sometimes laugh.  You do laugh when Daddy dances with you.  And you talk and talk and talk.  To us, to yourself, to the baby you find in Mom's bedroom mirror.  You and I visit with the mirror lots, and you think it's great fun.  You don't like to so much if I leave you alone with the baby, but when I'm there you have lots to tell her.

You are also getting real good at rolling from your tummy to back.  We've never seen you do it, but you are always rolled over now when we get you from your crib.  Most days you wake up and roll over and talk to the elephants on the mobile, or the crib mirror.  You are also busy with your fingers a lot.  This past week you have gotten good at catching your foot in your hand and holding it while you look at your wiggly toes.  You often play quietly by yourself for about half an hour (as long as you don't see or hear me).  I can always tell when you are ready to get out because you will yell for me.  You don't cry, you just say "AH!"  Real loud.  If we don't come right away, you try again.  "AH AH AH AH!"  When it's early in the morning, you seem to know that you have to give us time to wake up and get you, but during the daytime, if we haven't responded to the 3rd set of "AH's," then you being to whimper.

Your little head will be held up (if you are on your tummy) looking for us with your big blue eyes.  Once you see us, you break into your gooey little grin and start Br-r-r-ring and talking and blowing bubbles.

I think you are more aware that we belong to you.  You are still accepting of other people and don't cry when others hold you.  But when we get you now at the baby sitter's, you seem to be excited about seeing us.  

You smile and bob and lean towards us.  You are also more aware of being alone in a room.  If you look around and don't see us, you yell.

You can see and follow things really well now.  Trees continue to fascinate you.  And you like watching the colors and motion on the television.  The ceiling fan is still a favorite of yours!

You have begun to reach out to things that catch your eyes.  You can't yet bring them to back to yourself at will, but you can grab hold sometimes.  If both Mom and Dad talk to you, you very carefully watch both of us as we speak until you get confused.

Some days you are crabbier than others, but the majority of the time, you are still our sweet happy girl.

I must get some of my house chores done, that then you and I must go pay the mortgage and buy birthday cards for cousin Mike, Uncle George, Grandpa P and Grandpa M.

Love you Baby P!

Mom. 

Letter to a Baby Tourist 3

August, 11, 1987

Dear Baby Tourist, 

Here you are, three months old already!  You continue to be a happy little soul at delight your mom and dad more each day.  You have started to chuckle and laugh with us now.  When you do, we laugh more, which makes you laugh more.  It's a good sound of a happy family.

These last few weeks have been busy for me.  I auditioned, and was cast in, a play called Quilters.  It is an important show to me, because it's the first time I've acted in a year, so it's good to be back onstage again.  It means I have to be gone four nights a week, and Saturday morning, so you spend a lot of time with Dad.  I'm glad you two have that time together.  Dad teaches you tricks like sticking out your tongue and making funny noises, and you watch baseball and boxing together.  It's good for me to be away from you, too.  I can so easily get wrapped up in you that it's good for me to remember I'm interested in other tings.

I also started back to work three days a week.  I enjoy this set-up, because I get two days with you, and I enjoy work when I go.  Your babysitter is Linda.  She likes you a lot and you seem to like going to her house.  I guess you are really too young to care where you are, ut I think you can sense when you're not home.  I think you can also tell when you're safe and cared for, and you feel that at Linda's, so you don't get tense and upset.  Linda takes care of five other children, and she has a little girl who is six weeks old.  It's nice that you will have kids around as you learn how to play.

This last weekend was an important one for our family.  Saturday, August 8th was Dad's birthday, and Sunday, August 9th, you were baptized.  The minister, Steve N., is a good friend of our family, and he was the man who married your dad and me.  It was special for us that he was able to baptize you.

We all met in Holland at Camp Geneva and we had the ceremony in the pine grove amphitheater.  You wore the same dress Aunt Heidi, Joy, and Judy wore when they were baptized.  You looked very pretty.  You cried because you were tired, but we didn't mind (I think you were mad because you got your head wet!).  The people who were there were Grandma and Grandpa M., Steve and Jean N., Joel and Karen, Gregg, Todd and Shelly, Heidi, Joy, and Judy.  We were glad they could share this special time with us.

We all promised to help raise you as a child of God.  I will do my best to guide you in God's family as I guide you in mine.  You are truly God's gift to me, Baby Tourist, and I hope I can teach you that he is a kind and loving heavenly father!

I am going to check in on you once more before I go to bed.  Sleep well, sweet pea.

Love, Mom.

Letter to a Baby Tourist 2

July 15th, 1987

5:45 am

Dear Baby Tourist,

We have been up together since 4:15, and since you show no sign of going back to sleep, we are in the living room so we won't wake up Dad.  You are talking to your elephants, and I've been picking up the house and enjoying you.

Today we go to the Doctor for your 2 month check-up.  You will get your first shots today.  I'm not looking forward to that.  I don't like anything to hurt you, and you won't feel very well afterwards.  You are so happy, that I hate to have you not feel good.  I've gotten some baby tylenol for you, so I hope that will help you.

The last three weeks have been busy ones for you.  We went to Michigan for vacation this year and stayed at the cottage in Glen for a week.  Daddy and I had a nice rest, and had a lot of fun being with you.  We were able to visit almost every day with Grandpa R and Becky.  I know Grandpa liked that.  You liked swinging in the hammock with your Aunt Judy & Uncle Gregg.  The trees above really fascinated you.  While I sat on the deck in the sun, you would take your nap under an umbrella.  You seemed to like being outdoors.

1:30pm

Home from the doctor.  Dr. C says you are a healthy kid an we can keep you another month!  You now weigh 12lbs 5oz and are 24 1/2 inches long.  Big girl!

In another week and a half, I start back to work.  I feel very fortunate that I have been able to get a part time position at a banking center closer to home, and only 3 days a week - Monday, Thursday, Friday - so I will be home with you on the weekends and Tuesday and Wednesday.  I am very happy about that.  I like being with you, and it is important to me to spend time with you.  Also, since we've had you, life is busier for me, so it will be nice to have some time to myself, and time to get housework done without having to cram it all into the evenings and weekends.  Also, it looks like I may be acting in another show soon, so I will have rehearsals in the evenings.  I won't feel bad about leaving you with Dad at night when I have time with you during the day.

This weekend we go back to Michigan for Uncle Todd's graduation party.  He has his associates degree from K.U.C.C and is working for an architect in Kalamazoo.  He likes to design houses.  Maybe someday he will design one for us to live in!

You will be baptized in Michigan on August 9th, probably at Camp Geneva in Holland.  Steve N. will "dunk" you.  Steve is the minister who married Mom & Dad, and we are glad he can baptize you.  I have known Steve ever since I was 14 years old, and he is a very important friend to my family.  It is special that he will be the one to baptize you as a child of God.

Baby T, I have to do some work today!  I treasure this time of sharing with you.  Knowing that I have this time with you now, and that through these letters, I can share it again with you when you are older.  You are very precious to me, dear.  You are only two months old, but you fill me with such pride with your baby accomplishments.  Your first noises, smiles and laughs, the first time you rolled from tummy to back thrilled me, I felt triumphant for you.  You are a constant source of joy and wonder to me.  I enjoy being a mother.  I love being your mother.

XO,

Mom.

Dear Mom,

I'm glad my baby accomplishments thrilled you.  I hope someday my Big Girl accomplishments thrill you, too.  (I secretly hope I've thrilled you already.)

It's almost strange to read these letters now, to have you write so fondly of Dad, of Grandpa and Becky, knowing every thing that comes after.  Especially Grandpa R.  I can only just barely remember a time when he wasn't the way he is now, when life was more that just his garden and his clarinet.  These are just hazy half-remembereds, though, split-second snippets of Becky taking us to visit him at work, laughing at dinner, talking to the bird that had landed on his foot.  I couldn't even tell you how much of that is real memory, and how much of that is fabricated ideas of what I feel should have happened.  Now my thoughts of him are dominated by that hurtful letter he sent when you got remarried, that awkward car ride last summer (or was it two summers ago already) where we barely spoke, because we couldn't even pretend to have something in common, or that moment the year before, when we stood feet from each other, and he didn't even recognize my face.  Oh, what time (and drugs) will do.

You know how I feel about Vacationing Babies - I don't know if it's exactly ironic, but what a strange twist of fate to have been a Vacationed Baby myself.  Maybe it's a sign.  Maybe I was always meant to travel, and I just forgot about it in the way I've forgotten so many other baby things.  A tourist in diapers.

These letters are revealing.  I now know that my fear of needles is well-established historical fact, and that I've apparently always been a bit of an insomniac.  I don't remember these elephants, though.  I can't picture them in my mind, and I have a pretty far reaching memory for toys.  Strange the way memory works - I can't remember a conversation we had last week, but if you needed it, I could provide a word for word transcript of some of the amazing things my Barbies would get up to.  Sorry about that.

I'm so grateful you like being my mother.  I rather enjoy being your daughter.  Thank you for sharing these letters with me.  I hope you don't mind that I've shared them with the internet as well.

Love,

Your American Tourist 

Letter to a Baby Tourist

Many years ago, when I was too young to appreciate it, my mother wrote me letters.  She told me about herself, and myself, the things we were doing, and the things we had done.  Every adventure starts somewhere, and this is the start of mine.  Enjoy.

June 26, 1987

Dear Baby Tourist -

You are now six weeks old.  You are the joy of my life and I love you more every day.

This past week you have started to smile at people.  You always smile at your dad first thing in the morning; I know it's a nice way for him to start his day.  I feel so proud that you have learned a new thing.

The last two weeks Aunt Judy has stayed with us to help take care of you.  You were a good girl for her, and she liked being with you.

Today we leave for a week's vacation in Michigan at the cottage in Glen.  This will be your second trip to Michigan.  You and I went to visit Grandma M for a week when you were 3 weeks old.  You met Uncle Joel and Aunt Karen, Uncles Todd and Gregg, and Aunts Heidi, Joy, and Judy.  We also spent a day with Grandpa R and Becky and Holly and your Great-Grandma and Grandpa R.

Sunday June 7 we spent the day with Grandma and Grandpa P, and Aunt Jan and cousin Mike.  We also introduced you to Great-Grandmother W and Great Aunts Debbie and Sherrie and Great Uncles Art and Bob.

On Memorial day Uncle George and Aunt Shirley stopped to see you on their way to Tennessee.  Soon we hope to visit your Great-Grandma P.

Dad and I like showing you off because you are such a sweet, pretty girl and we are proud of you because you are ours!

Baby Tourist, you have changed my life so much.  You have helped me learn to be patient, and to know what is important and what isn't.

What is important is providing you with lots of love and security to make you feel safe and happy.

I am so lucky to have you.  You and your dad are the most important people in my life, and I thank God for making us a family.

I hope you will always know we love you.  I've mad a promise to myself that I will tell you every day.

You are crying now, so I'll end this and go to you-

Love, Mom.