Letters to Nora - February 3rd, 2013

February 3rd, 2013

Dear Sweet Nora,

I'm not sure, honey, if I have told you yet, but the greatest moment and the most vivid memory of my life I have is when your dad first felt you move inside me.

It was August and we were staying at your Grandma and Grandpa F's house for the weekend.  I called for your dad across the room as we sat in the living room.  I was in a chair next to your Grandma on the couch.  The day before we had just found out that you were a girl and we knew your name now.

Anyway, I had my hand resting on my belly, as you were sticking out now, and I could feel you kick through my belly with my hands.  This was the first time I could feel you move from the outside of my body, before I had only been able to feel you flutter, but this time you punched the wall of my belly hard.  

I called quickly for your dad and said, "Nick, come over here."  He was hesitant at first since I didn't tell him why I wanted him to leave his comfy spot on the other side of the room. As he moved towards me I said, "Put your hands on my stomach."  He knelt down and gently placed both of his hands on my belly, encompassing your tiny body inside.  

He was gentle with you, Nora.   Later on in my pregnancy, I would poke you and "play" with you to get you to move and poke back.  Your dad would tell me, "Stop that."  He was so protective of you.  I guess that is because he already loved you so much.  He still does, Nora.  

Again I digress, back to the story.  So when your dad put his hands on my belly, I took them and guided them to the place and said, "Just wait."  And I watched his face, as he sat there waiting and staring at my belly with you inside.  I knew the minute he felt you kick, because he had the biggest, happiest, most awestruck smile on his face.  He laughed a little.  Looked up at me and I stared into his eyes and realized why I loved this man so much.  It was a moment of pure love and joy shared between the three of us, with your grandmother watching and crying from tears of happiness as she watched this profound exchange of love, excitement, and awe at how precious and wonderful life can be.  

I will never forget that moment, Nora, as it was one of the best ones of my life, and it was all because of you.

Love Always & Forever,

Mom

P.S. I love you and miss you everyday.