Dear Noah,

I am writing this on the morning of your first month “birthday”. You have fallen asleep peacefully in my arms after eating your breakfast and every few minutes your lips curve into the slightest smile. What are you dreaming about? I wonder. You have had many dream-worthy moments in your short life thus far.

The first 30 days of your life have been the most amazing and most beautiful of mine. It is still so surreal that you are here in this earthly world after growing and living inside of my body for 9 months. You are the sweetest little baby and bring so much joy to your dad and I. Your family can’t wait to meet you in DC in a few weeks. Together we’ve learned the art of latching, how to conquer bedtime, and which swaddles work best for your squirmy body. You have learned how to roll to your side, how to effectively cry, and how to make your parents laugh hysterically! These days you just love the lights on the Christmas tree, bouncing up and down, and a nice car ride. You are an expert eater and pooper.

It has taken me some time to fully wrap my head around the fact that I have a son. Your parents did not know if you were going to be a girl or a boy until I delivered you and the doctor placed you on my chest. Throughout my pregnancy I worried about having a young black boy in today’s America. That fear remains but I’ve decided to just bask in our moments of now — when you are tiny, and pure, and unbothered by the ways of the world.

In this short time, you’ve taught me patience and the true meaning of pure, unconditional love. I’m committing to being the best mom for you without any obstacles in our way. This month has felt like both a lifetime and a lightening bolt ...moving fast and slow at the same time. I’m looking forward to the next month with you and all of the months after that. Happy one month.

Love, Your mommy