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