One week (and two days) old.

Precious Bennett,

Today is Saturday, December 1, 2012, and you are one week and two days old.  I wanted to continue on with my tradition of writing my babies a letter on the day they turned one week old, but I missed the mark by a couple of days.  My sweet boy, I'm afraid that this may be the first of many times that your mommy isn't quite as on top of things as she was with your siblings, but make no mistake--we adore you, and you are a treasured member of our family. 

From the moment I happily discovered I was pregnant with you, your daddy and I knew you would be a game-changer.  As crazy as our lives were with your siblings, we were about to add a newborn to the mix.  However, we were excited from day one--we couldn't wait to find out what you would be and who you would be!  We were so curious to see how Reid and Camille would react to finding out you were on the way and to welcoming you into their world. 

I felt like you were going to be a boy from the very beginning.  My pregnancy seemed so similar to when I was pregnant with Reid.  As tiring and difficult as it could be to take care of your siblings while being pregnant, I truly treasured being pregnant with you.  I loved my doctor's appointments and getting to see you grown on ultrasound.  I loved feeling you start to move, and daddy was so excited the first time he felt you as our whole family lounged in bed watching cartoons in the mountains of Colorado in July.  I felt like nighttime was my special time with you--I'd snuggle into bed and feel you kick, punch and roll until I fell asleep.  You were always moving!  If I woke in the night, it wasn't long before I'd feel you wriggling around inside of me.  Reid loved putting his hand on my belly to see if he could feel you kick, and he'd giggle and smile ear-to-ear each time he felt you. 

We have loved preparing your brother and sister for your arrival.  They were so excited to read books about babies and being an older sibling.  We've been reading them for months!  Every time Camille sees an ultrasound picture she would show it to everyone exclaiming, "Baby brother!".  They loved "helping" us get your nursery ready, and Reid was convinced you should sleep there on your first night home.  

When Mommy and Daddy joyfully welcomed you into the world at 1:28 pm on November 22, 2012, you were instantly a part of our family.  We couldn't imagine our lives without you.  Looking at you is just like looking at your big brother when he was a newborn--except your hair is darker.  We know you will have your own sweet and special personality to contribute, and we can't wait to watch it develop.

Watching your brother and sister meet you for the first time was one of the sweetest moments of my life.  They were instantly drawn to you and wanted to examine every detail of your face, hair, feet and hands.  (Your big brother is also quite intrigued by your umbilical cord stump :-) )  Hearing Reid whispering your name while patting your hair made me tear up.  And Camille--she LOVES you with her whole heart and sometimes in an aggressive fashion.  She mostly calls you "Baby" so far, but from the moment she wakes up in the morning she wants to know where "Baby" is and what "Baby" is doing and if "Baby" is okay.  Reid and Camille were watching out the front windows when we brought you home from the hospital.  As soon as the car pulled up, they came bursting out the front door with blue balloons in hand.  Reid was shouting, "Yippee, hurray!" over and over.  They were so excited their baby was home.

Life right now may be a little chaotic, but without a doubt, you are one loved little boy. You are adored by your immediate family, 4 grandparents, 3 great-grandparents, and LOTS of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.   Your daddy and I are so happy that God has entrusted us with such a precious gift, and we can't wait to see the plans He has in store for you. 

Love,
Mommy