Nap Time

I know. I know. I need to put you down in your crib in your room all alone and let you nap. I know. That's what they tell me. I'll hate myself later if I don't. I'll ruin you of being an independent sleeper who can self soothe herself to sleep. I know!

But I also know that one day you are going to be too big for me to hold in my lap and on my chest. And I know one day you are going to want to sleep all alone in your bed in your room. I know that one day you are going to grow up and you are going to leave me to live your life the way you should. And I know that those days are going to come faster than I could ever anticipate. 

So right now, I'm going to forget what they all say. Just for now I'm going to snuggle on down, soak you up, drink you in, and ruin you a little. 

9 Months New

I'm behind! You keep us so busy that I hardly want to stop to write, but I know one day I will be thankful for recording these memories of your first year.  Hey, you might be thankful, too. Who knows?  I have to document this month fast, because you are constantly changing. Each day you are doing something new. You are turning into your own little person, and I can hardly keep up. You are on the move, and it's hard to get a photo of you that is in focus. You are the true jewel of our days, and you are my heart. 

Mama's Mover and Groover! You hardly ever stop. Your crawl is about the cutest thing I've ever seen. It's a little bunny hop, and you are so proud of yourself.  I keep recording you "crawling", because I know that one day soon you are going to figure it all out. 

Your facial expressions are a hoot. Here is one of your favorites this week.  

These days you are rocking a runny nose, but, of course, it doesn't slow you down a bit. 

We (ahem...or your mother) have lowered your crib. You like to play in there. You'll pull all of your lovies through the slats. When I come to get you out in the mornings, you are anything but lonely. You have a whole pile of friends that you are talking to and loving on. If your pacis are missing, chances are you have thrown them overboard; and they are wedged between the wall and your crib. You still love Flapjack, and you flop him all around.  Poor guy has to take a quick spin through the wash often.

You are eat all sorts of crazy stuff now.  You are still toothless though, and they seem to be taking their sweet time poking through.  I just hope that when they finally decide to show up, that they are quick and painless as possible.  I absolutely hate to see you hurt.  I can't take it...like AT ALL.  Your daddy teases me about how weak I am.  I've accepted that you already have me whooped.

You have had a really big month. You met one of your great-grandmothers and celebrated her 90th birthday.  You also met many of your great-aunts, great-uncles, and cousins. You visited where your Nettie grew up and even dipped your feet in the chilly farm sand. 

This month has also provided time for us to spend with family and get snuggles. Your Bobcat cousin loves you and thinks that you are her own baby doll. I can only imagine the fun (and trouble) that you two are going to find one day. 

We have even had some beautiful weather to soak up this month. Can you believe it? It's been random and unexpected but much appreciated. We've been soaking up the sunshine and getting our vitamin D on.

Your daddy and I can't get enough of you. We've started the "This is my favorite age...No, wait, this is my favorite age..."  We love you so much. I can't believe in just 3 short months you are going to be a year old. I'm not ready. 

For now, happy 9 months, my sweet girl.  We love you more and more each day.