9 Big Months

July 18, 2014

9 Big Months

Dear Charlie,
I'm a little emotional this week as you turn 9 months old. I will be going back to work soon after spending the best summer of my life with you and your dad. We have had so many fun moments, both busy and lazy days, adventures and memories that I will cherish even if you don't remember.

I know this sounds cliche-but I didn't realize until this month how much you can exponentially love someone more each day. The more your personality reveals itself the more I love you. You have your dad's ornery side and a little of your mom's sass. You love people but feel most comfortable in my arms when surrounded by new faces. Now I don't just miss you when I'm away from you, I miss things about you. It's getting harder to remember your new tricks because you do something new and funny everyday. Here are some of my favorite new things you do:
-Pat me on the back when I lift you up. I think you started doing this because I always pat you on the back.
-You do the duck face on command-and love the way it makes everyone laugh.

-Since the instant you started crawling you haven't looked back! You love to explore the toilet and the bathtub, and even broke the floor lamp when mom wasn't looking. :)

-You pull yourself up on everything! I think walking is in the near future. Standing up means the inevitable falls and head bumps. As much as I hate them, I love how you immediately look to me for a comforting hug.
-You have become a Mama's boy-you reach for me when a stranger holds you.

-I love how you hysterically laugh during peek-a-boo, especially when you're in the high chair and I pop up from the floor.
-Charlie, you LOVE your blanket. You've actually told us it's bedtime a few times this month by grabbing your blanket and holding it close. How we love that!
-You are very independent during mealtime. You love to drop things on the floor and watch mom pick them up. (Again, dad's ornery side :-)) You don't let me feed you food anymore-you either like to smash it all over your face or use the spoon yourself. Both result in huge messes, but I'm letting go of my clean-freak side in order to let you be a boy and have fun. As long as you're still eating... :)