9 Months

Dear James,

I cannot believe you are 9 months old already. It does not seem possible that you are the same tiny being that we brought home from the hospital back in October. You have grown into such a little person. I love to see the world from your eyes and see the amazement and wonder when you discover something new. You are so curious, adventurous and daring. I've never met a baby who loves to be scared! And what a nosy little busybody you are! I love to watch your mind work when you are people watching.

Your laugh is my favorite sound in the whole world. I could listen to it all day long. Your smile melts my heart. Staring at you, whether you are sleeping or awake, never gets old.

If I had to pick my favorite time of day, I really couldn't choose. I love the morning when you first wake up, with rumpled hair, and glassy eyes. There is nothing like that first smile, and first hug, and the way you bury your head in the crook of my neck. Or is it the moment you see me when I come to pick you up from daycare? When you look at me, and sheepishly grin, then look at your teacher with this look, that says, "Could it be? Could that be my Mommy?" Then you look at me again, and as I scoop you up, you give me the biggest smile when you realize it really is me. Or is it at bedtime, when you are nursing, and I get to watch you fall asleep and take you all in? Or is it in the middle of the night, when it's just me and you and the quiet of night, and we snuggle, and I get to hold you close? I really don't know how I could choose! I love all the little moments, the little smiles, the little noises, the little looks. I love everything about you.

All the cliches about motherhood are true. It is the greatest and most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. Thank you for being mine.

love,
Mom

Be Careful What You Wish For

Jim and I have been doing everything we can to encourage James to crawl for the past few weeks. We have watched his every move in anticipation that one day he will just take off and go. He still hasn't quite caught on, but that doesn't mean he isn't mobile. In the past week we have seen a complete change in him. Instead of crawling, he gets around by rolling, sliding, and scooting. I haven't decided if his new methods of mobility are creative or just plain lazy. Either way, he is into EVERYTHING! Guess it's time to baby proof!

James finally got his first two teeth last week, after what seemed like months of teething. His hair is also growing in and looking redder every day. The red hair seems to be what surprises people most about James. It's amazing how many times strangers comment on it. I repeatedly get asked, "Where did his red hair come from?" Trust me, it surprised me too. I never imagined my little boy would be a redhead. Not that I don't think it's adorable, because I do.

It's hard to believe our little guy is going to be 9 months old tomorrow. While it seems like time has just flown by, I really can't remember what life was like without him.