The Best of Me, The Best of Her

August 19, 2017

Hey Stinker,

Your Abuela and Abuelo are here in PA visiting us for a few days and I wanted to make sure that you didn’t forget how much fun you had and how much love you’re surrounded by. It’s so nice to have them here to witness all of your quirks, toddler mood-swings and your incredible personality. Since we live so far away from everyone, I try to do my best to share as many pictures, videos, and mail that we can with our family and loved ones. However, it does not compare to the time we actually get to spend together. Here lately we’ve been doing a lot of FaceTiming, and it is just so sweet to see you smile and talk with your family through the wifi waves. This weekend though, we are lucky enough to get some actual quality time with your Abuelos. Our time together has hit me right in the feels, baby girl. Seeing Abuela and Abuelo play with you, laugh with you and create memories with you has been so emotional for me. One day, I promise that your time with them will be limitless.

Your Abuelo is still a little shaky and uncomfortable around you, but just know that he’d do absolutely anything for you and he means well. He will be the one you go to when you need advice, want to go shopping or want to go see the latest movie. Abuela, she just lights up when she sees your face, and lives to brag to the world about her curly headed little granddaughter. She is absolutely in love with you and you’re so lucky to have her in your life. When your Uncle and I were little she was always the cool but stern Mom. She was so much fun, but you didn’t want to step out of line either. She went on our class trips, took us roller skating with our friends and always found the time to play with us. The thing is, she was growing up with us. She was learning how to be an adult and a mother at the same time. Finding her own way through this beautiful life with two little kids at her side. Your Abuela made the best lemonade out of a handful of lemons she was given, and your Uncle and I are forever grateful for that. She worked hard, made mistakes, but never gave up. We endured through struggles, arguments and lots of love and laughter. Now, after raising one huge pain in the butt, and me, she’s here… Taking you on walks, helping you feed the ducks, reading you books and making sure you have just the right amount of dirt on your clothes to show proof of the fun you had. You mean the world to both Abuela and Abuelo, and that should make you feel very fortunate.

You my sweet girl, get to have the best of her, the best of your Abuela. She will tell you stories, take you to get mani and pedi’s and teach you how to be a daredevil. She’ll take you on adventures which right now involves long walks around the neighborhood, since you’re only twenty months old. You’ve picked up little treasures on your walks with Abuela to bring home to Daddy and I, and I’ve saved every single one. I’m going to start saving all the little things you collect on your walks with Abuela, with your Daddy and I and your friends and save them for you when you grow up. Hopefully, it will be a reminder of all the places you’ve been, where you come from, and how far you’ve gone.

Your Abuela will fill you in later on how sentimental your Momma is and how everything gets turned into a keepsake. Your Abuela will be there to give you advice, keep your secrets, spoil you till no end and love you with every fiber of her being. Along with her and all the other crazies in our family I think your Daddy and I will do just fine, guiding you through life and helping you find, you. I’m new to this mothering thing baby girl, but I know with strong women at my side within our family and our community of friends I will be able to give you the best of me. The best of me, and the best of her, that is what I promise you every day. Abuela wasn’t always perfect, and I won’t be either, not by a long shot and that is okay. As long as you know that we adore you sweet pea, even when you are being a complete lunatic. You are everything we have ever wanted and dreamed of.

I love you to pieces,

Your Mommy,

~Melvi

P.S There are things that your Abuela and I share, that is only ours. Just like one day, you and I will have things that are unique to our relationship; memories, moments and secrets that are sacred between a mother and daughter. I can’t wait for those moments with you…