Dear Madelyn,
You are 6 months old today, marking your official half birthday. I can hardly believe it’s been 6 months since you entered the world. 6 months ago today, I was sitting in the hospital at IU North, scared for me, scared for you. I was unprepared of what the next 6 weeks would bring me with daily drives back and forth to the Neonatal ICU. I was unprepared to become best friends with a breast pump, to stare at cords and machines wishing we could take them away. I was unprepared for the roller coaster of emotions that would fill our lives as you came into the world early. But… here you are… 6 months later. Beautiful, sweet, and happy. You are so different from your sister in so many ways, and yet just as special. You weigh 14 pounds and 5 ounces, you are a tiny peanut– although you have thigh rolls and chubby cheeks to tell us you are healthy :). You giggle and smile constantly, you love your hands! Your big sister Bella is your favorite person in the whole wide world already. You aren’t a fan of taking a bottle, but you will take it now when I have to work (although you let me know your opinion about it ;)). You are not sleeping through the night yet like your big sis was at this age, but that’s okay. You laugh at the dogs, you think the jogging stroller is fun. You love it when I kiss your belly. You are starting to get your first bottom tooth– we can see it, although it has not broken through the gums yet, teething has started. We haven’t given you solid food yet, and will wait a little while longer to let your immune and digestive systems mature a little more. You have had a bit of a rough start in your little short life so far with two rough illnesses since you came home from the hospital …. but you are resilient! I think you are going to be our sensitive daughter. You get startled and scared easily and really like to cuddle. Your sister is super outgoing and independent and absolutely adores you. I can’t wait to see what the next 6 months will bring and what I can write on your 1st birthday blog post 
Love, Mommy
Indianapolis/Fishers Baby Photographer
