Where is Echo?

Dear Baby Echo,

A tiny bird built a nest on one of our hanging flower planters. She worked diligently, digging a hole and flying back and forth with building supplies. I lost count of how many times papa and I went to Home Depot... She laid 3 tiny eggs in the nest, and is keeping them warm. We feel a relief every time we check the nest and see mama bird’s little beak, and tiny head. We read that watering the plants could scare of mama bird and she might leave the nest. So papa will not be watering that planter until the birds are free to fly. I hope mama bird gets as lucky as me, and her babies thrive.

“Where is Echo? Where is Echo?” I heard the worried voices of Papa and noona last week while I was in the changing room upstairs. I stepped out, and there you were, in the bedroom, crawling toward me. You followed me upstairs, quietly climbed the steep, curving stairs, and found me. You’ve been following me upstairs ever since. Someone always keeps an eye on you, including Zoe, just in case you need to be spotted. You are a master stair climber.

Yesterday you took two steps, without help at all! But you threw yourself on the ground to safety, before you took the 3^rd step. You have strong legs and you stand in perfect balance, but you seem scared to take steps forward, unless we hold your hand. I think we are very close to walking. All you need is a little daring.

I’m not sure, but I think you are saying “up” sometimes, when you want me to lift you up.

We took our first road trip to Whistler, Canada. A beautiful place, with lake sand mountains, and plenty of family time. You got used to having access to mama 24/7, and when we returned to our normal lives, we had to re-adjust. Mama had to go to work, but you wanted mama and mama wanted you. I love holding you. You give the warmest hugs. We lock our eyes and smile at each other. Your smile is wide and bright. 

You gave us a health scare on the drive back from Canada and the day after. You always had a purple mark on your back, the size of a large blueberry. The doctor said it was likely a birth mark. Sunday morning, when we changed you for the last time before we hit the road back to Seattle, we noticed faint marks on your low back. On the drive back, papa and I were very worried that you had some type of blood disorder that caused you to bruise. Next day, I got a referral for bloodwork and drove you to the lab in Seattle Children’s Hospital. Waiting for results is hateful. I called your doctor 3 times, first to give them a heads up that a report would be sent to them, and so they know to call me right away. The other two calls were to inquire about the results. By the 3^rd call they got the report, but not the chance to review. Around 4pm they called me with good news that everything was normal.

Do not scare us anymore.

Love,

Mommy