My darling Lucy,

     You left today to go stay with Nonnie and Poppie for a week. Surprisingly I didn't cry like I thought I would when you left. Daddy and I were sad to see you go, but we know you should be able to spend time with Nonnie and Poppie. We want you to be comfortable being away from us and it's something you should start getting used to now. The house feels so empty without you. I find myself waiting to hear you cry or see you peeking out of your crib.
   
     Daddy and I are pretty boring without you! Today we went to a movie then came home and cleaned the kitchen. We don't really know what to do without you. We are enjoying the time together. We've had you longer than we've been married so it's nice to have some time to build and grow our relationship, but we still miss you very much. I'm trying to avoid calling Nonnie and Poppie too much...but I don't think it's working!

     Tiger keeps looking around the apartment for you. He was sitting outside your bedroom door looking in at your bed. When he enters a room he looks around for you. It's sweet. You two have bonded already. I really think "Tiger" or something like it will be your first word. Any time he lets you get near him you get really close and squeal at him. It scares him and then he runs away. You've stopped squealing so much and have gotten brave enough to start petting him. He is better than I ever thought a cat would be. He lets you pull on his fur and his tail without reacting. He doesn't hiss or bite or try to scratch. If something is happening that he doesn't like he just leaves.

     This week is going to be a long one I can tell, but we want you to be close to Nonnie, Poppie, Conner, and Kate. You need this trip and so do we. It's just one more way that you're getting bigger. Every time I turn around you're growing up more and more.

All my love forever and always,
Mommy