Five Months

Dear Eliza,

Somehow, you are five months old today. It feels like I just gave birth to you, but you are growing so much. You started solids on Saturday, are so close to crawling, and your sweet smiles and giggles make every day so much better. 

You came with me to the Jewtina PUENTES alumni retreat a couple of weeks ago. It was meaningful to have you there surrounded by other Latinx Jews and it felt almost like your grandma was there too. She was the one who taught me to be proud of my Hispanic heritage and I realized that I am the one who will be mostly responsible for sharing that heritage with you. It’s so important to me that you learn about all the parts of your identity. I never want you to feel like any part of who you are needs to tamed or hidden for others’ comfort. 

You also attended erev Rosh Hashanah services with your papa and me, as well as the tots service the next day with me. When I found out I was pregnant, I was so excited to take you through the Jewish year. I’ve already bought a pop-up sukkah and lulav and etrog for Sukkot and I’m working on a crochet hanukiyah for you too. You get to grow up in this beautiful community and I am so grateful for that. 

You have so many people who love and adore you. I feel some guilt that your grandma isn’t here, but you have lots of family, both those that you are related to and those that are part of our chosen family. You will never be alone, my sweet girl. I love you so, so much. 

Love,

Mama