Happy 1 month, Lydia!

Dearest Lydia,

Your Daddy and I can hardly believe that you're already a month old! It seems like only yesterday that the doctor placed you in our arms. I remember that day so vividly. All the emotions that rushed through my body when I first heard you cry. It was a joy that I don't think I can express in words. I already loved you so much. And my love has only grown stronger since that day.
I have felt an overwhelming duty to protect you. Just after we brought you home from the hospital, we had a scary experience where you choked on your vitamins and couldn't breathe. Luckily, your grandma was there and helped me get you breathing again. I then realized how fragile you really were. Though some people may think that I am ridiculously over-cautious, I want to make sure that I don't put you in any situation that may harm you. You have already been through so much. But I have watched you grow stronger!
I love watching you curiously watch things around the room. You especially love to stare at the picture of the Manti Temple we have hanging on the wall. It seems to always draw your gaze. I think that you remember the day you were sealed to your Daddy and Me not so long ago. It brings me peace to know that you were there.
You love the sound of the bath tub running and, as such, also love your bath time. I know that when both of us are frustrated and tired, that a bath will be just the soothing touch that both of us need! And, you lost your umbilical cord just the other day and can finally get all the way in the water! Hooray!
You have had some pretty hard days of non-stop crying where we can't seem to figure out how to help you. But the past few days have been especially pleasant! You are content to just watch everything around you and learn all you can. You are so precious and we love watching you learn!
Your Daddy and I chose your name for some special reasons. So, consider this your explanation just like when Helaman in the Book of Mormon talks to his sons, Nephi and Lehi. The name Lydia comes from your ancestors. Lydia Parker was one of the first to join the church in Canada and then traveled to Utah to be with the Saints. The name Dawn was not just my middle name. It comes from your Great Great Grandpa Matthews. He had a covered wagon named "The Golden Dawn". He described the Dawn as the "Ultimate Beauty". And that is what it has truly become to me. It is the beginning of a brand new day. And just like that new beginning, the Savior has given us a new beginning each time we repent. The Atonement truly is the "Ultimate Beauty" and the Dawn is a symbol of that gift. That is what I think of when I think of our name. No matter what mistakes you make, you can always start over again with a brand new day. A new Dawn. Remember that.
I am so excited to continue to watch you grow. I wish it wouldn't go by so fast though. I love you and will always be here.

Love,
Momma