Spain Dad, a baby blog

Our time in Iowa is coming to an end. In nine days we will return to Madrid.

I gave my family the opportunity to write a short letter to Alleke about getting to know her over the last four months. Here is what they wrote:

Grandma TG
One night, when grandpa and I were taking care of you so your mom and dad could have a date, you began to miss them very much. That was one of the first times you showed that attachment. When you saw your daddy walk up the steps, you gave a big grin and were very happy! He thought it was great, and it was a big step in your development, but it made me feel inadequate. However, just a few nights later we were all together in a big group of people. You were watching all the people very seriously, but when you would see your mom and dad, or me and grandpa, you would smile and be happy. That was when I realized we were also special people in your life, and that made us very happy! You have grown in these few months from a tiny baby into a cheerful, determined, strong, fun-loving little girl. We are so glad to have watched it!

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Grandma Crull
You have grown so much since we first met you on that cold winter night in November at the airport in Omaha. You were so tiny! You captured my heart immediately with your instant smile. What a wonderful first meeting, especially after such a long trip. I love your sweet face and how you giggle and smile with your whole body. I will miss being able to kiss your soft cheeks and trying to make you laugh. It would be nice if we could keep you and your daddy and mommy here with us, but I guess we have to let you go. So, . . . we will pray for you every day–because we love you!

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Monica (Aunt)
Well, from the time I first met you to now is amazing. You have grown so much and have such a cute personality. It’s fun to hold you and have you just study my face. You love to watch people and to watch what is going on. My girls are right, it is the best to hold you, cuddle you (you’re a little Gerber baby), and give you kisses on those chubby soft cheeks! I will always cherish the times your daddy would walk over with you (sometimes while it was snowing!) to visit with me. My family prays that we can continue to get to know you even though we are many many miles apart. May God bless you as you grow into the beautiful little Girl God created you to be! We love you very very much. Love, Your Aunt Monica

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DJ (Cousin)
Alleke is as cute as a rose and I love to watch her.

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Josie (Cousin)
I like to hold Alleke and I LOOOOVE it when she kisses me!” (Mom’s interpretation. More like obsessed with holding…)

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Emma (Cousin)
Emma is in her ballerina outfit jumping up and down saying “I like to kiss her.” (She heard Josie say the previous statement so who knows!)

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Updated: The following letter was added on Saturday, March 10th, 2007

Grandpa Crull
Grandpa here. When I first saw you in the airport you were cute, but basically all you did was cry and give an accidental smile (probably due to gas). Three months later you are becoming a little person with moods and emotions. Your smile and giggles are contagious. Grandpa can usually get a smile, unless he is babysitting. My favorite time, I think, was when you were laying on your back by the fireplace. You would roll on your side to watch the fire. I would sit on your back side and call your name. You would roll over to my side and smile, then quickly roll back to see the fire. We played this little game–you would watch the fire until I called your name, then roll. We played this game 8-10 times.

Having you here for a few weeks, I find myself at school looking forward to seeing you at the end of the work day. Grandpa will be very sad when you have to return back to Spain. Love, Grandpa

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A few more letters to Alleke may be coming in over the next few days, so if you’re interested, check back and see if this post has been updated. Also, if you’d like to leave your own note for Alleke, feel free to leave a comment.