Open letter to Sam, on the occasion of her BD and college graduation.

I remember like it was yesterday, the sense of relief when you were born. The heartburn disappeared instantly, and it was an accomplishment to have you out of my body, barely before midnight, just to go against the nurses wishing you to be a “Cinco de Mayo” baby. Living in NYC, we were not required to have a carseat for you to leave the hospital. Just a stroller was enough for the ride home. I remember waiting for the light to cross the street to our apartment.

Dania was there during your birth, and left a day after, I believe (those first days were a bit fuzzy). Same day Dania left, my mom arrived. Manhattanites usually hire a baby nurse. But not us. Mexican moms are known to help their daughters after birth. So, in Mexican fashion, we had my mom come stay with us for a couple of weeks. Your dad left me alone with you for the first time to go get Nana from the airport. The fact that I was now responsible for a human being hit me then. I felt so overwhelmed. I started to bawl as soon as my mom came through the door. Another sense of relief. As much as I wanted to be a mom since I was playing with dolls, and even after all the practice I had nannying… I felt like I knew nothing. The first thing Nana did was to swaddle you. She did it like a pro. I hope I’ve been half as good to you as my mom was to me, and I hope I can bring you some relief when you need it too. I am just a phone call away.

You were such a cute baby, lean, long and alert. You got your Mexican passport right away, because we had a wedding to attend in Mexico. Also, in Mexican fashion, the wedding date was postponed because your birth got delayed a few days. They really wanted you there, so we obliged. The flight attendants were impressed with how well you behaved. How could you not, with only 2 weeks of age you slept the whole flight through.

You are blessed to have so many people who love you and helped your dad and I figured out how to parent you. Tus tíos Perez gave you your first bath, surrounded by your cousins coming in and out the room. I remember Paulina sitting next to the small tub on top of Daniel’s bed in Pinos. You still had your umbilical cord stump and your dad and I were following the pediatrician's directions to a T “Do not give baby a bath until the umbilical cord stump falls off” she said, but Perez didn't care. Now I know the point was: not to submerge you in water. But sponge baths are OK for a newborn!

Also, Nana’s summer visits to Nashville, and our many trips to Mexico were instrumental for you and Santiago to enjoy her, and the rest of the family, and practice your Spanish. I enjoyed your toddler years so much, our trips to the library, reading, dancing, gardening, and seeing what a great big sister you are to Santiago. I’ve learned so much being your mom. Your life has been books, dance, stories, art, nature, songs, the best schools, opportunities, travel, family, friends, love. It has not all been a bed of roses, but you even thrived after your dad and I divorced. You are well rounded, independent and talented. I am so proud of the human you are. Your adult life is taking off. I wish you a bright and colorful birthday, just like you. And, congratulations on your graduation. I can’t wait to see what’s next in store for you.