The first 15 months

Leah Mary Santos

July 30, 2010

8 lbs 10 oz

22 1/5 inches

9:10 am

Mount Laurel Virtua Memorial Hospital

I went into the hospial at 5 pm with contractions. At around 9 they gave me an epidural. At 8:30am I felt the need to push. The contractions were big and you were ready to come out! In 6 pushes you were out! Daddy cut your cord. You nursed easily and often. I remember seeing you in the gladd bassinet in the hospital and you big bright eyes staring and Daddy and me. You didn't sleep very much and had a good cry.

You were born on Friday and we came home to Nonnie and Pappy's house on Sunday morning. Nonnie made a nice brunch for us in the dining room. Then Aunt Jana and Uncle Mike came to see you on the 3rd floor. Our first night didn't have much sleep and neither did the next 4 months. You had what they say is colic but I think just a big personality. Very bright and alert from the beginning. You didn't like the stroller, car seat, bassinet or crib. You only slept well in daddy or my arms. Daddy would hold you from 7-12 so I could sleep and then I would hold you from 12 to 5 and then Daddy again. Then Aunt Liz gave me a swing and you immediately loved it. Still not sleeping more than 2-3 hours at a time but a little better.

Vovo and Tio Marcelo came to visit for three weeks. Vovo helped a lot to get you to sleep. We went walking almost everyday with you along the Delaware river.

Your first trip was to the Poconoes when you were 5 weeks old. It was a nice peaceful trip. We put you in a bjorn and walked around the entire property.

Next we went to Stone Harbor with the Hagans. Your first trip to the beach.

On October 11 your cousin Jake was born. The two of you were almost the same size!

You were a lady bug for Halloween and so cute! We went trick or treating to the Papenbergs and the Lucasis.

Thanksgiving you had your first cold and was a little sick. I dressed you in a red velvet dress and a "I'm thankful for Mommy" bib. You slept through all of dinner so I could eat :)

Nonnie bought you nice Christmas presents.

On December 15 you and I left for Brazil alone. Daddy had already gone. I was nervous to travel alone with you, afraid if something would happen or if you would cry a lot. However, you traveled so well. Slept most of the time/nursed/slept. It was almost easy. Daddy and Uncle Marcelo picked us up at the airport and Daddy was so happy to see you. It had been two months. We spent the next month at Vovo 's house in Joao Pessoa. You liked to play on the bed and read books. Deborah, Pedro, Samuel and Rebecca liked to come in and play with you. ....