My dearest Lilah,

Today you are six months old! I can’t believe how quickly you have grown. You have already changed so much. You are sitting on your own, you have one little tooth in your perfect, smiling mouth. You can roll from your front to your back and from your back to your side. Soon you’ll be crawling and walking. Your father and I love you more than we ever thought possible. We feel as if we have always known you and cannot imagine our life without you in it. Each day you will take a step away from me. Each day you will need me less and less. Time and space will inevitably separate us. In some ways I want to keep you the way you are right now forever. But I know this is not possible. So instead, I will freeze your “single-toothed” smile in a photograph so I can look upon it as you grow, and remember you as you are right now. Six months old. My little baby. Happy. Perfect. Beautiful.

I love you,

Your mama.

xox