Las Vegas baby

My little traveler,

I had to fly to Las Vegas for work, and you, my little Echo, is still nursing. So you came along, and so did Nine Roza, to take care of you. You spent the day at the Venetian, strolling along the casinos - not gambling though -

and Venice themed halls with

 high end shops along canals, and blue Mediterranean sky - indoors. You and nine explored while I worked, so at break time, you two took me to a place worth seeing - the Grand Canal Walk. We sat at the piazza and had gelato and coffee, overlooking the canal, as the gondola men sang. The coffee was drip, the gelato was anything else but. But we were together, and you were happy, and that's all that mattered.

At feeding times I ran down long corridors to meet you at the same spot each meal. Feeding you was tough. You were fascinated by the crowd, colors and sounds, and did not want to tuck your head and nurse. Since we had only a few minutes before I had to go back to work, Nine and I were nervous, worried about the wait time until the next feeding.

Most of the time things worked out. The second night no one was in the room when I came back. I called Nine, but her phone rang in the room. Where can they be, I thought, worried, telling myself there is nothing to worry about. I ran down the hallway - that's what I did most during the Vegas trip - took the elevator down and zoomed to the big lobby, eyes, browsing left, right, far and near, until I spotted the green stroller and Nine, pushing it back and forth, so you calm down. Turns out you had a crying fit. Hunger maybe? We went upstairs to nurse, and you were jolly as a clam, awake, with no intent to sleep.

I was glad and relieved when all was over, and it was time to head to the airport. We were lucky and I was thankful that Nine was there with her patience, love, and dedication.

Love,
Mommy

First day without you grandfater

My Dear Echo,

When you first met Dede, you cried. Then you saw that I was smiling. You shifted your gaze between me and him, trying to decide on an emotion. You ultimately settled on a smile, which you carried for him until his departure. And with that, you made him very happy, and very sad, when it was time for him to leave.

You went on walks at the park, looked out the window, one of your favorite pass times, played, had conversations, and when you finally fell tired, Dede's shoulder mad ea pretty good bed.

You, my dear little baby, are very easy to love. I miss you while you are napping. I can't imagine how it's like to part from you indefinitely.

Love,
Mommy

Your first fever

My lovely little girl,

The bug hit Papa first, then Zoe, then you. You were a little more willing to sleep, more mellow, less hungry, albeit as smiley. It was hard to tell if you were coming down with something. Late at night, I woke up and you were warm. The famous butt temperature showed fever, but not high enough to go to the emergency room. By 6am you were warmer, so I waited until the doctor's office opened, and went first thing, without appointment. They saw you.

You were sweet, as always. You don't like the sound of the paper sheet on the examination bed. She said you could have infant Tylenol, and nothing else. You slept on Dede's shoulder, who's come from Istanbul to meet you,and to see Zoe. Nine Roza has been bundling you even more. She is always cold, and thinks everyone feels the same. Your fever went down, but the congestion has not left, which makes nursing frustrating for you, and worrisome for me. We've been trying saline and fresh air. I think this afternoon you started breathing a little more easily.

We are here to take care of you, little lovely creature.

Love,
Mommy