Seven months

January 14, 2015

Dear child of mine,

Life with you just keeps getting better. You're seven months of wonderfulness, and we are having so much fun getting to know you. You have had a big month filled with holiday events and schedule-wrecking festivities. You also got your first colds, one requiring a trip to the doctor on your seven month birthday, so I know that you weigh 18.5 pounds.

Speaking of illness, you threw up at 4 am on Christmas. LaLa and I got you cleaned up, laid you down in your crib, and then you threw up again. I've decided that the excitement of holidays leads you to some sort of existential crisis and you try to sabotage them because you didn't sleep at all over Thanksgiving, threw up for Christmas, and then screamed your head off on New Years Eve. In spite of all that, you had a good time opening presents and playing at home with PJ, LaLa, and KitKat on Christmas. And you were adorably disgruntled at your aunt KitKat's wedding on January 3 after being kept away from momma most of the day. You have so many people who love you and have taken good care of you through the holidays, and you loved having Daddy home so much. However, I'm beginning to suspect that you thrive on routine.

Thankfully, we are through the major holidays now, so you're settling back into your routine and happy to be home. You've tried several new foods this month, and you love pears and zucchini. You're rocking back and forth on your hands and knees but still prefer to roll everywhere you need to go. When sick, you just want to be cuddled and held, so we watched Pocahontas together on Monday. You can turn the pages of your Big and Small book at the right time, and you're starting to try to turn the pages of other books. You wear mostly 9 month clothes, but some 6-9 month and some 12 month stuff fits.

Basically, you're a joy. And I love being your momma. You fill me with pride when you sit or stand in my lap at church, and I love how your face lights up when I come to get you up from a nap. I'm trying to balance my desire to protect you from any harm or discomfort and my ardent hope that you will experience life to the fullest. Parenthood has turned my life upside down, but I'm so blessed that I get to learn how to mother you. Daddy and I pray for you continually, and we love you beyond measure. You're my precious sugar booger, stinker, baby girl.

All the love,

Momma

P.S. Maybe next month you can leave your sticker on the onesie long enough for me to get a picture, ok? Stickers are not for eating.