Love, Levi

Dear Mama,

When I was born, I couldn’t see very well. But you held me on your chest and kept me warm. I loved the sound of your heartbeat. You went away for a little while after this, but Daddy kept me safe and warm. A few things happened while you were away. They took my footprints, gave me a bottle, a shot, and a bath. I met Nana and Papa Val. Everyone seemed sad and I didn’t know why. But then they were happy again. They told me you were okay. Then the next night they put me in a bed and brought me to you. Oh Mama, I was so happy to see you again. I knew it was you when I heard your voice. I tried to look up at you but it was still hard to see. The next day was the same thing. They brought me to you, and I loved hearing your voice. Your voice was the most familiar sound I knew. Then, Mama, they told me I was going home, and that you would have to stay a little while longer.

I rode in the car and really liked it. I liked the noise and the vibration of the car seat. I wish you could have been there. I took a nap on the way home. Daddy gave me a tour of the house. I wish you could have been there, but they told me you’d be home soon. We got back in the car almost every day to come visit you. Every time you spoke I tried to look at your face but I still couldn’t see all that well. I still loved getting to hear your voice and feel your heartbeat though. I knew you were sad every time I had to go home, but they told me you’d get to come home with us soon.

Finally, we drove to the hospital without you for the last time. It was the day we brought you home. Oh Mama, I’m so glad we’re all home. Daddy was tired, and I could tell he was worried about you. But you’re home now, and we are so happy. I started being able to see a little farther. I love looking at you and Daddy. You’re the best. I know you’re both tired, so I’m sorry I wake you up a lot. I was trying to sleep, but sometimes I would get scared. I just wanted to make sure you were still there. One night though, I didn’t wake up until the sun came up. That was confusing, but boy did I feel good the next day. Then I slept through the next night again, and the next night and the next night.

I like to watch your mouth move, Mama. I like to make sounds just like you! Sometimes daddy is silly and I like to laugh at him. He’s so funny. Sometimes I’m REALLY hungry and I get mad. I’m sorry I cry so loudly when this happens. I don’t know how else to let you know that it’s time to eat. Now that I can see more, I love to look at all the colors. They’re so pretty. They’re like you, Mama! Everything I look at is new and the best thing I’ve ever seen. I’ve met so many people. Nana and Papa, Grangela and Grandpa, my aunts and uncles and so many of your cool friends. I still think you and Daddy are the coolest though. I love you so much.

Mama, you need to know. I see you when you’re sad. I see you when you’re tired. I see you when you’re stressed. I see you when you’re disappointed. But Mama, I also see you when you’re happy, and this makes me happy. I love to smile when you smile. I love to cuddle with you, laugh with you and just be with you. I love you so much. You are one of my two favorite people in the whole wide world. Thank you for being my Mama. You and Daddy are doing a good job. I love you.

Love,
Levi