Happy Birthday to Mom

Dear Laney,

For my birthday, your dad and I went to see one of my favorite writers - David Sedaris - do a reading at the Wilma. You went over to Nate and Brynn's house to play. I didn't cry at all this time when I told you good-bye, so I'm really growing up.

They were excellent babysitters - Nate says you curled up on the couch and watched movies and barely fussed.

Good job, Laney! Good job, Nate & Brynn!

Love,
Mom

Underestimating My Heart

Dear Laney,

When you decide to become a parent, you think you have a pretty good idea how much you're going to love your baby. And then, you meet your baby, and the love you have for her is so much bigger and stronger and deeper than you could have thought possible.

Sometimes, I look at you and I love you so much that I feel like my heart is walking around outside my body.

Love,

Mom

Meeting Granny Jack

Dear Laney,

I love you to death, but there were times in your first few months of life that you were more than two college-educated grown-ups could handle. When I needed a little extra help, I called your great grandmother and she hopped on a plane and high-tailed it to Missoula.

She played with you and helped you practice crawling and rolling over. And she cleaned our house and made us a freezer full of soup that your Dad and I lived on for months.

I remember when I was little, Granny Jack and I had a great time together. We colored and played "Let's Pretend" and one time I even remember us chasing each other around her backyard with water guns. She was one of the best parts of my childhood, and I know she'll be a highlight of yours, too.

By the way, here's a tip: If you ever want her to buy you something, tell her you need it "to get organized." She's been falling for that for ...oh... 33 years now.

Love,

Mom

Grandma Sue Gets Hitched!

Dear Laney,

Today, you attended the wedding of your Grandma Sue to Erik. It was a beautiful day, which you can't vouch for because you slept through almost all of it. I wore you in your pink wrap and carried you around as your dad and I put together the flowers and set the tables. You were a good sport.

We sat in the front row as they exchanged their vows. It was a heartwarming moment, and then...well, there's no way around it...you pooped. You were making sounds from inside that wrap like EEEERRRRRR and UUUUUUUUUHHHH and your dad and I kept looking around to see if anyone else was hearing it.

At the party, a nice lady friend of Erik's asked to hold you, and your Dad stood five feet away from her like he was your Secret Service agent. You're still so new and precious to us.

Love,

Mom

Your First Babysitters

Dear Laney,

For our first wedding anniversary, your dad and I decided that we were going to go out to dinner in Spokane. Your grandma Sue and great aunt Nancy (that's her standing next to your dad) said that they would love to play with you while we went to dinner.

I handed you over to your grandma, and I started crying...we hadn't been apart at all since you were born, and I felt so bad leaving you behind, even though it was only for two hours. I cried almost all the way to the restaurant - I felt like I had left an arm or a leg behind.

I think you and Sue and Nancy had a great time - Nancy already knew about your favorite book (TEN IN A BED) and they took turns holding you.

Your dad and I had a great dinner, but mostly we talked about you. I'm sure there will be thousands of times in the future that we go our different ways, but I think I'll always remember that first time as the hardest.

Love,

Mom

Meeting Peg Peg and Tex

Dear Laney,

Your grandparents Peg Peg and Tex came to visit this week. We weren't planning on seeing them 'til Christmas, but your grandmother saw your pictures and decided she had to get her hands on you.

Your grandmother picked you up at the airport and didn't set you down the whole time she was here. From the pictures, it looks like Tex got to hold you once, but I can only assume it's because Peg Peg had to go to the bathroom. I'm sure he didn't get a very long turn.

I have a feeling you're really going to help your Florida grandparents rack up some frequent flier miles.

Love,

Mom

Your Missouri Grandparents

Dear Laney,

When you were two weeks old, we had a visit from your grandparents Joe and CC - they came all the way from Missouri to see you.

They had a great time holding you and feeding you and hanging out with you, and while they were here, they bought you a SWING. Yes, the great love of your life, the swing. It has six speed settings, from "barely moving" to "baby catapult," and you can set it to play the worst noise I've ever heard and you LOVE IT. Sometimes, I put your swing in the kitchen while I'm cooking, and I pretend to be Paula Deen. You seem to like this - it's like you have your own personal Food Network. That swing was the greatest baby gift EVER.

Anyway, back to Joe and CC...

While they were here, your grandpa Joe helped your dad build his wood shop. Nate came over and helped with the roof, and it was really impressive seeing three Burbach boys tackle a project together. Your grandma CC held you so I could take a much-needed shower. The only person we were missing was your uncle Joey, but he's away at college doing whatever boys do when they're in a fraternity.

I put you in a dress one day while they were here, and I said "You must be the prettiest baby in Alberton." And your grandpa Joe said "NO! She's the prettiest baby in THE WORLD." So there you have it - it's official.

Love,

Mom