I spent most of the week doing a little flash-back, flash-forward where you are concerned. I packed up some more of your clothes that no longer fit and had to rush out with grandma/mawmaw (still haven't decided that one...) and frantically search for warm 9-month clothes as overnight your six month clothes were being stretched tight (I think I heard the snaps on your onesies groan a little as I snapped them shut). While searching for new outfits I saw a few outfits that you had as a newborn and couldn't believe how small they looked and how those clothes have already been packed away for a few months now. I blinked back little tears and joked to my mom how I was going to sit down in the floor and cry for a little bit.
And then, I flash forward. I see how incredible you are and how much personality you have and I cannot wait to see who you will be in six more months, a year, five years. You wake up each morning with a huge gummy smile and hold eye contact for a few seconds before kicking your feet and snorting a little bit with quick little breaths, just to show us how happy you are that we magically appeared above your crib.
You weigh about 17.5 pounds these days and don't seem to be slowing down on the eating. Your favorite solids are peas, squash, and apples/pears. We still have to trick you with airplane sounds and funny faces.
I never thought I would say it, never ever in those first few months, but... you rarely cry anymore. I am still nervous even writing that sentence, but there it is. You can now entertain yourself in your exersaucer (which you absolutely love), or in the floor with toys (your favorites being a squishy green ball and a crinkly caterpillar intended for a carseat). You can roll over like it's absolutely nothing and have gotten into the habit of pushing up on all fours and rocking, rocking, rocking. Once or twice you have shifted your legs, but those pesky arms get in the way and you sprawl out like a cartoon dog on an ice pond. You can sit up assisted fairly well, but still can't manage to stay upright on your own for more than 1-2 seconds. All of these big "almost" milestones are keeping you busy.... much too busy for crying! And as always, your good puppy Jack is right by your side, licking your face and hands (and blanket, toys, feet...), making you laugh, and making daddy and me crazy.
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| Chewing on your lips trying to teethe. |
We have also stopped your reflux medicine and you have responded very well! This is a huge relief as I was on pins and needles the first few days we stopped, praying we hadn't made a mistake that would set you back. I am so grateful for this, as you are much happier without the reflux issues and you aren't having to take a form of medication every day.
You went on your first big trip--a trip to New York and Connecticut to visit daddy's family. I had to stay and work (and to be honest, I did not handle it well.... less than well. I was a mess and cried and held your blanket a lot and called Tim more than should be allowed). However, I knew how important it was to your daddy that his family get to spend time with you--I agree, you need to know alllllll of your family! You did fantastic on your plane rides (says daddy) and then got to experience a blizzard. Not a little snow fall, a true blizzard. I will not write anymore about this because your daddy said he wanted to write about the trip from his point of view (I can't wait to read it myself).
Lierre, Lierre, Lierre. Six months and three days ago, I dreamed of you and thought I might be able to understand my love for you. Now, six months and two days later, I realize how much love you have taught me. You have taught me how to be a mother. We have gone from a husband and wife to a family of three. There is no way to compare the two. You keep us laughing almost all day with funny squeals, radically changing facial expressions, and your general delight in all things new or crinkly or bright. You still love to be held a lot, but you still are not a cuddler. You want to be held, but you want to be moving and shifting and practicing bouncing and using your legs. I cherish giving you your bottles and right before bed when you are a little more still and let me hold you. You've begun enjoying a book before bed and I fervently hope you like to read.... I hope that one day you will cuddle up next to me in bed with a book of your own and read it while I read a book as well. I did this with my mom and it was so special and felt "so grown up."
LEB, Leb, leb as daddy says.... you are such a daddy's girl lately. I think the trip you two took made you closer than ever. Your eyes follow him as he moves about the room and anytime he turns back to look at you or speak to you, you light up like a Christmas tree. While there is a teeny part of me that is "jealous," I am more happy because seeing the two of you together is one of the best sights of my life.
I love your long, dark eyelashes. I love your slight dimples and the way they make your face radiate happiness. I love your frustrated squeal and red face that implies I better hustle on whatever it is you want. I love taking walks with you and describing everything that we see... and sometimes deep conversations that are way over both our heads. I love how you reach for our faces now and how seem to revel in our closeness.
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| Reading your Valentine's card from your cousin, Ava! |
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| Just a little sleepy and chunky |
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| You fell over about 5 seconds after this picture. |
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| "I will just eat this instead." |
We love you and adore you and really love just hanging out with you. You take a commonplace experience and make it a new adventure. Life is so fun with you!!
"We is so much better than I. If you need proof, just look at us."-Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas
with love, and joy, and infinite possibilities,
Mommy
