He Stole My Heart... a letter to share

I have become involved in the MOMS club here in Roswell, and I am really enjoying it so far. I was recently asked to write the opening for our February newsletter. When I questioned what I should write about, the instructions were very loose, "Just tell us about yourself. About what it's like for you being a mom. About what the MOMS club means to you. Or whatever you want." Initially I had no idea what to write, but once I focused on Teddy, of course I realized I could go on and on.... and on.. and on... I'm sort of crazy about this little guy :) The newsletter came out February 1st. Since then I have had several moms tell me how much they enjoyed the letter and how I should save it for Teddy one day. Since this blog is sort of my "virtual scrapbook" Shae also suggested I post the letter on the blog. So, if you are interested, here is the letter that was on the cover of this month's newsletter:

Dear Moms,

He Stole My Heart.

Even though I have only been in the MOMS Club for a few months, I have known about it for years. When I decided to come home to Atlanta in 2003, I moved into my sister's basement with the intent of staying there temporarily. Life took an unexpected swerve and I ended up living with my sister and her family for 18 months. While I was going through the most difficult time in my life, my sister and her growing family brought joy and hope into my days. When I initially moved in, my sister was pregnant with her second child and she was already a very active member of the MOMS Club of Canton. I watched with envy from the sidelines as she and her children developed and nurtured friendships that continue to this day. I wondered if one day I would fulfill my dream of becoming a mom. I wished for a time when I could go to play- groups and picnics and share my experiences with other moms.

Flash forward and it is now almost Valentine's Day 2011. I am a new member of the MOMS Club of Rowell-East and have been asked to write something for the February newsletter. Wondering what to write about, I decided to tell you about the one who stole my heart. No, I'm not writing about my husband. Although I could fill this page with reasons why I love him, and while he is the love of my life, he did not steal my heart. I gave it to him. I'm writing about someone else. The newer man in my life.

When I found out I was pregnant, I was filled with so many emotions. I was terrified and ecstatic all at the same time. I prayed for a healthy baby, and I knew that regardless of the gender, if I had a healthy child I would truly be blessed. But, I have always been a very girly girl. I played with Barbies until middle school, and I had a different hair bow to match every outfit. I like to paint my nails and I love to buy shoes. With my unborn baby I imagined playing with dolls and having tea parties, drinking from purple princess cups and wearing feather boas. Yes, I knew I would be blessed to have a healthy child, but I secretly wished for a little girl.

Funny how life again surprised me. When my son Teddy was born, the minute I saw him, he stole my heart. From the first time I held him, to this moment as he is napping beside me, he steals my heart a little more every single day. When he smiles, it lights up my world, and when he laughs I fill with joy. He is my little boy and when he reaches for me, I feel so incredibly lucky to have him. Every time he does something new I am amazed and proud. The other day as I was putting Teddy down for his nap I started singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" like I always do. Instead of closing his eyes, he sat up and with a huge grin he started clapping his hands together for me. My heart melted.

When I found out I was having a boy, everyone told me, "Little boys love their mammas." What no one told me was just how much mammas love their little boys! Teddy has stolen my heart and now I can't imagine my life without him. I am so grateful to share this Valentine's Day and every day with the two men in my life. I thank you all for welcoming me into the MOMS Club of Roswell-East and I hope each of you are able to celebrate with the ones you have given your heart to and the ones who have stolen them.

Lisette Hoschek