10 Months


"Parents don't care about justice, they care about quiet."
- Bill Cosby


Dear Alex,

I knew it was only a matter of time before my sweet boy who used to pull on my ears to plant a big wet one would turn away. Yes, that baby who used to cling so closely to my chest now extends an arm between us as if declare "I am I and you are you," before pushing me away. I'm at once disappointed and impressed that you are showing such willful defiance and independence. I'd ask where you got it from, but I'm quite ashamed how obvious the answer is.

What has the last month introduced? For one you are getting into everything within your chubby baby hands' reach. You are also climbing up steps and anything within reach above your head. Beans are strewn on the floor, mail and magazine are torn and tossed like giant confetti, heavy wine bottles pulled off shelves; it seems like each moment is a harmful disaster diverted at the very last millisecond. We've been late to the game, but now we are on a mad dash to baby proof the house.

Also notable is the evolution of your communication skills. Following months of applying sign language, we are garnering dividends as you respond in like fashion. In addition to shaking your head for "no," your favorite sign has been to indicate "all done" when you are feeling full during meals. It's proof that not only are you watching and emulating us, but you understand intentions.

I also love the way everything fascinates you. You often send out 'oooohs' when greeted with something new. Sometimes you will pause in the middle of the 'O' freezing your rounded mouth and drawing out the sound as if to bring us along as you think longer.

Amidst all of these changes I did receive a gift last night when you fell asleep next to me in our bed, something that you had not done in months. It reminded me of the days after we brought you from the hospital when the only way you would stay asleep was if you were snuggled right next to me. No matter how hard those days were I cherish them. This time I surveyed how much you have grown and it was nearly implausible that this was the same baby taking so much more room on our bed. Wow.

Still my favorite thing about you is how you smile at nearly every person you meet, and that is something that will never get old. I am especially proud to have such a happy baby.


Love,

Mom

19 comments:

From the Kitchen said...

Ah yes, independence--I remember it well. The days and months to come will bring more sweet memories to cherish. Savor every one of them and snatch quiet when you can.

A. is beautiful.

Best,
Bonnie

Andrea@WellnessNotes said...

It's so wonderful to see your children grow and get independent little by little. (And it's also a little hard a times...).

I love the photo, and the letter is simply beautiful!

Sara McCarty said...

I love this. It makes me so excited for all that I have to look forward to with our little man. Alex is so adorable and seems such such a happy, creative and smart baby. I'm cracking up at the thought of him exploring the house and wreaking havoc on everything he touches! Oh, so much fun!

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

Oh, sweet boy! The independence does lead to a whole new world :) Soon we'll be watching these stages all over again when grandson #2 arrives in just a couple more weeks.

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Precious!

Claudia said...

You are having the best time, aren't you? Remember - independence does become important.... eventually.

Anonymous said...

He's getting so big! adorable!

Sherry Page said...

Christine, this is so beautiful! I can't believe how much Alex has grown!

Mari Nuñez said...

He looks adorable! Every stage is amazing and never stops being marvelous, enjoy!

sally said...

So cute! Thanks for sharing!

bunkycooks said...

He gets cuter every post! :-)

City Share said...

Such a beautiful letter. I am inspired to start doing the same thing. We are a little late to the game because our daughter is turning 8 months tomorrow, but better late than never, right?

lisa is cooking said...

He's growing so quickly! It's amazing how babies (and pets for that matter) so easily find the things that can be dropped or spilled. And, it's amazing how cute they are surrounded by the spill!

Lisa said...

Sweet!

Kirby said...

Such a lovely post :x
thumbs up for this.
good luck both of ya :) have a great day always.

Kirby said...

Such a lovely post :x
thumbs up for this.
good luck both of ya :) have a great day always.

El said...

Wow, he's getting so big. Cute as ever. Lovely and thoughtful post.

Magic of Spice said...

What a precious post, and a precious little soul! I so loved this stage...enjoy :)

Gloria Baker said...

aaah This boy is more cute and beauty each day is lovely!! blessings, have a nioe vacations dear!