fourteen years

I love this year so far! You told me that you've always thought it would be cool to have a parent that was a teacher and now it's happening! I'm positive I'm way more excited about it than you are, but it's still fun for me that you like my new job. : ) You're always up for helping, but you're especially up for helping me get my classroom ready. I think 14 will be alright. 

For the record books... I'm still taller than you. Although I don't think it's going to last much longer. Will you pass me before you're 15? My prediction is yes. 

You seem to have found a group of friends that will be your high school friends. It's awesome because having people you have a good time with is *almost the most important part of high school. Grades are kind of a thing you'll have to pay attention to now, but I think you'll do great. Did I mention you're starting high school? And next year you get to start driving (which you may have mentioned a time or two already). You're talking about getting a truck and Grandpa Mel said he thinks that'll be a good choice for you. Good luck with that one. 

As long as you keep making good choices, I guess I'm okay with you growing up.

Love you! 

thirteen years

Mase. Welcome to your teenage years. 

This is the year you have decided to get into shoes. Really expensive shoes that you'll grow out of because you definitely haven't hit your growth spurt yet. I remember really wanting a few things that were too expensive and any time I was able to get something off that list, it really did make me as happy as I knew they would (ha!) so I get it. However, we're only letting you have one pair, not the 4 or 5 like your friends seems to have, because you need to practice being smart with your money. You're welcome! : ) 

You've proven, again, that you have the sweetest heart. It's just the way you think about things. You told me you want to get your neighbor friend a cool outfit for his birthday because he was telling you he wished he could wear better clothes. You also invited him to your birthday party even though he's not in the same group as your other friends. You also randomly mentioned that if you owned a McDonalds you would hire a homeless person and make sure they could take a shower and eat before they started. There are other examples, because that's just who you are, but these two really show how you think about things. And I love it. 

You've also proven, again, that "stress" isn't really a word you need in your vocabulary. : ) You don't have test anxiety or really any worries about school at all. You don't worry about time...who worries about that?! (grrrr.) You also have never worried about sports. Andrew commented the other day that you remind him of his friend in how you play. You work hard, you have fun, but if it's not a good game, you don't beat yourself up over it. All I can say is, you've been like that since before you were born, so at some point it should probably stop surprising me how laid back you really are.

I hope you don't let your teenage years turn you into a punk. I'm going to keep a close eye on you and help you out if you need it. But I'm pretty confident you got this! But I'm here just in case (along with your friends' parents because they're awesome, too). But you got this. : ) Go get it, kid. 

Hey! Remember when we went to Hawaii?!! 

Love you. 

P.S. You *still like me to take your socks off for you. Goofball. I feel like this will be the last year, but I had to make a note for the official record that it is still happening. : ) 

twelve years

Well, you're twelve and I'm late on writing this. For the last 5 years, you have been almost the exact height of Andrew at a year younger than you are. This year you were way behind him, but since then (it's been about a month and a half) you have grown a ton! I'd say it's already been about an inch and a half. I'm so curious to see what this year brings (not just with your height!). : ) 

You are still in love with video games and your phone. But now you actually use your phone to talk to people! You made friends with the siblings on Andrew's baseball team this year and you guys are keeping in touch even though baseball is over. They happen to be girls. Andrew has decided you're a pimp. You're fine with that. 

The other day you were telling me that school doesn't stress you out at all. You go to school and then forget about it. Ha!! I mentioned you'll need to think about school a little more this year and you said that's fine. You'll do your homework and then forget about school again. It's awesome to be so stress free. To be honest that's how I rolled, so I love it. 

I need to add a quick note about your actual birthday. One - you asked to go to Wild Waves and ended up being a great time! It was about a month late though because your friends had things planned and we decided it'd be more fun to just wait for everyone to be able to make it. Two - your actual birthday was the hottest day in WA history. Things were closed because their AC couldn't keep up and some roads actually even buckled from the heat. Even grocery stores had problems and had to toss a bunch of food because they couldn't keep it cold - even though it was under huge plastic sheets to try to help keep it cold... It was weird. We tried to do your normal birthday meals but it failed big-time. Your breakfast choice was Crown Donuts. They were closed because of the heat. Your second choice was Starbucks but they were closed, too! So you settled for Panera Bread. Then for dinner you asked for the new pizza place. Unfortunately right after breakfast I saw a facebook post that the pizza place was closed due to heat. It was okay though. You're a little bit like me in that area too and you know your birthday is awesome no matter what happens. : )

At the beginning of the month, I went back to school to be a teacher. One of the main things that pushed me into finally going for it is because you told me I should do it and that you've always thought it would be cool to have a parent that is a teacher. And since then you've given me ideas on how to manage my classroom and I love it all! You have great ideas. I told you you should be a teacher but apparently you're not interested. 

You were invited to join the select soccer team this year and you're having a blast. You seem to be liking soccer more now than ever before and you're really good at it! This is the year you play with a full team on a full field. I'm excited to see how this year goes once league games start! Because I like soccer now, thanks to you.

One last thing for the record book. A looooong time ago I told you how great it feels when someone else takes your socks off after a long day. Since then, I have pretty much taken your socks off every day. That is not what I had in mind when I told you about this amazing thing. But here we are, you twelve, and me still taking off your socks. Andrew asks about once a month. I'm curious to find out if you ever stop asking. I feel like I'll be doing it until you move out. Ha! 

Thanks for being awesome. I love you too much. And I win. No matter what it is. I win! 

Love, mom. 

eleven years

Well, it now takes both hands and one toe to show how old you are. : )

I feel like you are naturally making the switch to ditch elementary school and move on to middle school. You and a friend have started a YouTube channel to record your skateboarding progress (both skateboarding and YouTube seem pretty grown up to me). And because everyone knows that to be a good YouTuber you need "merch", you guys created sweatshirts (currently in the process of being made now). You've also been putting thought into your style for next year and talking things over with Andrew since he happens to also be thinking of making a style change next year. And to top it off, you're a night owl who loves video games and would sleep all day if we'd let you. You also have a phone now, so I believe you're 100% ready to be eleven and heading off to sixth grade.

Your birthday fell during the COVID-19 pandemic. When it first hit and we were all asked to stay home, people were doing drive by birthdays. People were lining up with decorated cars to say happy birthday out the car window and then head home. Thankfully we're in phase 2 now, so you were able to have a couple friends over. It was still odd, and we had to remind you all about social distancing and were sure to have individual snacks and treats as much as possible. We also made everyone stay outside/in the garage so there would be fresh air. And I made sure to get your slice of ice cream cake out so you'd blow out the candles on just your section instead of the whole thing. Which really has always been a little gross, but until now it has been what everyone did. But man, times they are a changin'!

You still love soccer (another thing messed up by COVID) and you are still a kind kid. The latest example I have is when you went to see if a guy needed help after tipping his canoe. He was a large man, and there was literally nothing you could've done to help him, but you hopped on your paddle board (without a life jacket because "mom, it's just right here and he might need help") and headed out to check on him. : ) You still also like to joke and try to trick people. The problem is now we never believe you because you joke/trick all.the.time. Seriously. All the time. Even things that don't make sense - like when dad asked how practice went and you told him you made all your shots except 2 out of 2. So we thought the joke was that you didn't make any but told us in a way that sounded like you did make them. But your joke was that you shot about 10 and made them all. Or maybe all except two? To be honest I'm not sure which part was the joke. But you crack yourself up, and I think that's pretty important right now. Because what good is life if you can't laugh! Especially with things being so unknown and a little scary with the coronavirus trying it's best to hang around.

Oh. We're the same shoe size now. Dude! You're also quite proud of the fact that you're no longer the perfect arm rest for me because you're too tall. I've still got you by quite a bit though. My guess is I have until you're 14 before you pass me. And I plan to enjoy every minute of it! : )

I love your sense of adventure. And I (mostly) love that you want me to enjoy the adventures with you. Here's to another awesome year!

Love, Mom

ten years

Mase! Slow down on the growing up, please. There was a big jump this year and you're quickly moving from little boy to young man. And although I love being part of it, I'd prefer that you slow it down, at least a little.

This year you asked for a dog for your birthday, specifically a beagle. : ) It made it easy to keep the fact we were planning to get you a dog a secret because we could act like it was a crazy idea and say "you're not getting a beagle for your birthday!" (you're getting a lab. hee hee).

You also decided to give select soccer a try. You're loving it so far. You haven't had your first tournament yet, but your uniforms are awesome and I think that's enough to make you love it! You are looking really great out there and dad is hoping this will be your sport. You're crazy fast, so it seems like a pretty great fit for you.

Thank you for still being a caring and thoughtful kiddo. Your teacher gave you an awesome compliment by saying you 'not only had a wonderful academic year, but also interact with his peers in a very mature amazing way as well. His leadership and understanding of right and wrong will also be very missed'. That's pretty cool.

Even though I am allowing you to continue getting older (and by 'allowing', you know I mean 'I don't have a choice') I love that you're still up for snuggling, hanging with family, and always up for an adventure. I love that you like painting rocks with me! It's perfect because it's something we can do for 10 minutes or an hour. And you and Andrew are both up for talking to me about ideas and still like to look at the rocks I paint. So thanks for that. : )

I hope you always keep your hilarious sense of humor and your thoughtful & kind spirit. And also, I love you more!

- mom

nine years

You are the coolest nine year old in town. You love to be silly, you're smart, and you have great friends. You also love your family - including extended family. I think that's pretty cool.

You've really grown up over the last year. You don't cry over things that don't need to be cried over (losing a game, not getting your way, etc). You explain yourself if you're getting in trouble for something you don't think is fair. And you really like to be with friends and family.

It's interesting to work things out with you. I sometimes forget how young you are because you really are mature and like to hang out with Andrew and his friends almost as much as you like your own friends. You'd love to be able to do everything Andrew does but I have to remind myself you're nine!! Thankfully you get it. You wish you could do it all but when I say "because you're nine" you totally get it. It probably helps that Andrew always explains that when he was nine, he did/didn't do the same thing as you. Or more commonly he tells you why you have it better than him at nine which always seems to seal the deal for you. : )

You're still kind and sweet and love to snuggle. I love it when you ask me to sit by you or when you ask if you can sit on my lap. Just so you know, the answer is always yes. I don't care how big you are. Yes, I'd love to sit by you. Thanks for asking.

Love you more,

Mom

eight years

I think this year is going to be a good one. You're really figuring out who you are and what you like. You kept telling me about different friends last year and I was worried that you were having a hard time making friends. And then I realized you kind of were, but it was your choice. You kind of just moved on if you found they weren't into what you're into or if they weren't nice. You have a couple good friends - one is our neighbor (Owen) and one is a friend from your baseball team (Josh). And then toward the end of the year you and a couple kids from class really clicked (Logan and Serena). You like people who are funny and nice. I like it!

You still like snuggle time and ask me to carry you downstairs in the morning sometimes. I'm happy to say I can still do it! I keep thinking we're coming to the end of that, but maybe I get another year before you're too heavy. 

Your medicine brand changed so we had to go in for an extra blood draw to make sure we don't need to make any changes. You chose to go on your birthday so that I could be the one to take you. I thought they didn't bother you but you told me that I help make it better (which was pretty much the sweetest thing to hear ever). I've done different little things over the years but lately you've been liking to look at pictures on my phone. This time they wanted you to sit on my lap and I didn't think to grab my phone. You looked a little worried so I pretended my hand was a puppet and joked around with that being even better than a phone. It wasn't, but it was enough to get you through with a smile. : ) 

You've grown enough to ride without a booster. You're a happy dude.

Thanks for being silly and sweet. You, my dear, are my very favorite eight year old in the whole world.

seven years

I tried to talk you into going backwards this year, or at the very least staying six, but you refused. You did offer to skip right to eight though which was nice...

You continue to have a sweet heart. You've gone to a few birthday parties recently and the cards you make are so thoughtful. You always say 'thanks for inviting me' and include a personal note that says how much you like being their friend. You also casually reference your good friends as 'one of my best buddies' and it melts my heart.

You told me you liked your birthday gifts from grandma and grandpa a lot but that you think you'll like the gifts from me even more. Because I know you third best. First is God (because he made you), second is you (because you're you), and third is me (because I grew you). I like your logic. Andrew then chimed in that he knows you forth best. I think he would've argued for a higher spot on the list except your reasons for the order were pretty convincing.

Thanks for being goofy and always up for joking around. It's still easy to make you laugh with a good ol' potty joke, but you're starting to like other jokes too. You love kids YouTube and find jokes and little magic tricks that you do for us.

You're a smart little guy. You think school is easy and you get good grades to back it up. You're still a rule follower for other people and like to push the limits at home. You still like to snuggle, you're starting to really like sports - both playing and watching - and you still like to take your time. The funny thing is you're the fastest runner I know. You keep up with Andrew even though he's older and quite a bit taller than you. You beat me (and I really try). It's amazing. You're crazy fast, but unless you're racing, you're not in a hurry with anything. ever.

This year should be pretty fun as you head into second grade. I'm excited to see what kind of stuff you come up with this year. I'm sure it'll be awesome.

My heart is full to the top.
Love, your mama.

six years

Well my sweet boy, you're six now. And you're pretty excited about it. The fact it takes two hands to show how old you are is kind of the icing on the cake.

You continue to be a sweet, silly, lover of jokes about privates or burps or farts. You also really like hanging out in the grey area - if there is any wiggle room in anything we say, you find it. Then you adorably explain yourself and we usually have to let it go, with a little clarification for the next time...

You're brave and adventurous and still do whatever Andrew does without a second thought. You guys have fun together for the most part and you're even sharing a room right now at your guys' request. And not only are you sharing a room, but your beds are right next to each other so it's basically a slumber party every night. Also at your guys' request.

Unfortunately, you have pretty much lost all of your little kid words for the most part. The two things that seem to be lingering are "gooder" and (my favorite) "darng it". The g at the end of of 'darn' has been my favorite for a while and it makes me smile every time you say it.

Dancing is one of your favorite things and you have some awesome moves. You also love working out and doing American Ninja Warrior moves. You like girls and claim to have girlfriends, and apparently you broke up with Emily and now Brooklyn is your girlfriend. How you even know those words is beyond me. We had a little talk about how we don't need to have girlfriends in elementary school, but that you're more than welcome to have girl friends and even have a girl over for a play date if you wanted to. For some reason after I said that you looked at me with a huge smile and kind of laughed and said "really?!". Not sure which part was surprising but I'm glad you're happy with the new plan. : )

You had an awesome year as a kindergartner. You liked school, you made friends, you didn't have any trouble learning all the kindergarten stuff, and you rocked at being a respectful kid (or doing things the Wildcat Way) :) Your teacher had a program where you earned stars by being a respectful, hard working, good listener and you were at the top of the chart. You were the only boy at the top - it was you and two girls all the way up to genius level.

It's hard to believe you're six, but I guess that's how it works. I'm pretty sure you're going to have another awesome year of being awesome!

I love you more.
Your mama

five years

When I found out that I was going to have you in the summer, I assumed you'd be starting kindergarten when you were six. You, however, had very different plans and are so ready to start school it's not even funny! So, at the tiny little age of five, we're getting ready to start you off on your school adventures. I can't believe it!

You're very excited to be five. Any time there are five of something you say 'just like how old I am' and if I give you 3 or 4 pieces of candy, for example, you ask to please have 5 since that's how old you are. It's cute and it works every time.

You are figuring out who you are and it has been fun to watch your personality grow. You love playing with your friends, you definitely know who you like to play with, and like always you just kind of go with the flow. You have ideas of what to play but also jump into games that others are playing without missing a beat.

Thanks to the preschool you go to, you have learned a ton of stuff. You can count to 100 by 1's, 5's, and 10's. You can do simple math. You know letters and the sounds they make. And you even know about different authors, about the earth and sun, and you have a very clear understanding of right and wrong. You're not as interested in making sure you're only doing the right thing as some other people I know, but you definitely know the difference.

I think something that comes with your laid back attitude is the amazing ability to not comprehend what it means to need to hurry. You just don't do it. You have no interest in being rushed - you'd rather lose out on things (most of the time) than to have to go fast. The only time you'll speed up is if you'll miss out on something important to you. You won't hurry to get your pj's on because you don't care if you miss the night time show. If it's movie night, you might go a little faster. You get going in the morning now because I found out that if I tell you you'll have to have breakfast at school instead of at home if you're not ready in time, you don't mess around because you love having Mini Wheats with Andrew. Although you do ask about every other day if you could please have breakfast first and then you promise to go fast to get dressed. The problem with that is, I'm on to you. You don't have it in you to hurry, so even though I'm sure you have great intentions (I'm pretty sure you don't do it to drive us crazy, I truly think you just don't understand why we're so wound up about this whole time thing) you just don't have it in you.

I'm working on letting you take your time when it's not important to be moving. I would love it if you'd buckle up right when we got in the car, but if we're not in a hurry, it's not worth the argument. You'll get to it after you get situated, decide what toy you want to have once you are buckled, ask me a question about what we'll be doing at whatever place we're going, and have a drink of water. It's fine - and to be honest, when we're not in a hurry, it's actually pretty cute. It's 100% who you. And since this basically started while you were still in my belly, I'm pretty sure this laid back, why-is-everyone-always-in-a-hurry personality you're showing is here to stay. Also, I'm pretty sure that's how I was when I was little, so there's that... :)

You're still the sweetest little guy and you love to be with me when you're tired or feel like snuggling. I love it. And I love you around the stars, around the planets, to the moon and back and then a little bit more. And if you think you love me more than that, just know I love you all of that plus one!

Love mom.

four years

You're so handsome! And completely hilarious.

Please don't ever learn how to say 'your' or 'yogurt' (okay, maybe eventually you should figure it out...) I love it when I hear you say 'I like yours shirt' or when you ask for more yougurt. : ) Other than that you're pretty much grown up. Your personality is starting to shine, you know what's funny, you know how to be a good friend and you are definitely starting to appreciate what it means to have a brother!

You refuse to smile - only silly faces. I recently took a family picture and had to bribe you to take a nice picture by telling you we'd do a silly picture when we were done. I can't remember who started you on silly faces but I do remember the day you knew what it meant to make a silly face and you haven't stopped since.

You don't really have any favorites. Anytime I ask you your favorite color you change your answer or answer with "all of them". You still like tattoos, music & dancing, and picking your own clothes. You like superheroes and movies although you don't have any real favorites there either. You always just have fun with whatever is going on. It makes it hard to buy you gifts, but it makes life pretty easygoing for you, so it's pretty cool.

You are silly and brave and kind and ready to rock age four. I think you're really going to like it.

xoxo,
mom

three years

And just like that, you're three...

You are one adorable goofball! You are really into superheroes, espeically Spider Man. You love to sing, sit in my lap (or 'sit in yours wap' as you say) and you love to see your name spelled out. You've even recently started showing an interet in writing the letter 'M'. You switched your favorite color from blue to red; you still love to play any game that involves a ball. You love to laugh and make other people laugh. You love Andrew (and he loves you back).

Rigth now I am one of your very favorite people. You also really like 'pompa' (you'll take either one - you love them both). You're starting to like dad more and more, and I'm sure one day he'll be your favorite. Just in case that happens, I'm going to soak up all the time that you pick me!

Sorry your name is so common. I picked it (in high school, actually) because I love it. I've only known one person with the name, until recently. It was also my childhood pastor's last name and I thought that was an added bonus, making the name have some special meaning to it. Then a famous person had to name their son Mason and it skyrocketed to the 2nd most common name in 2011. Sad. Okay... just wanted to make sure you knew I picked your name way before it was trendy! And even though I still love it, I am bummed it's so popular!

Thanks for being awesome. Love you to the moon and back! Love, mom.

two years

I remember taking you out for your first birthday breakfast as if it was just last week! It's hard to believe how quickly another year has gone by - time is flyin'!

You have really grown up over the last few weeks. You and Andrew both do that around your birthdays so I guess I should've been ready for it. You're interacting more with your friends at school, you sleep in your bed as if it's something you've always done, you can jump, and you've got a few new words. Basically, you're turning into a two year old.

You still love your brother and he loves you right back. Now that you can play a little more, you guys are spending more time together and seem to have the most fun outside. Speaking of playing, you still seem to love balls the best - especially small ones that you can hold in your hand and carry with you. You also still love to swing, you've picked up a little climbing and you like slides now. You love to color, and just recently (since your birthday party) you've seemed to really like a couple cars you got from the movie Cars. It has nothing to do with the movie though because you still don't seem to care about TV at all.

I can tell all your teachers like you, both at school and at church. They always smile when they see you and always have a cute little story for me when I pick you up. Your teacher at school said they've decided you're going to be the captain of the football team and voted valedictorian. I'm not sure how they decided on that, but I thought it was pretty cute of them. A couple of the teachers have also started calling you Mace. It seems weird that someone else has decided it's okay to give you a nickname, but I kind of like it. Andrew said he just 'loves Mason too much' so he plans to still call you Mason. : )

It makes me happy that you're a happy kid (although if you're tired or hungry and you don't get your way, you do tend to cry. for a really long time). You love to laugh, your nice, and you're independent! You love doing things for yourself - it's great, but I sure do wish you'd let me help you sometimes. After all, you're only two, you know!

Thanks for making me smile everyday. I love you! Your mom.

month twelve

I love that you turned one today. You're happy, healthy and the cutest little guy I know! And although it's hard for me to think that my baby is growing up, at the same time it continues to be more and more fun as you get older and can play and try to do things on your own.

You have added so much to our family in the year you've been with us and I must say it is very much as I imagined it would be. And, you've confirmed that our family is complete - there is nothing else we are looking for or hope to find by adding another family member. We're perfect!

I was so excited when I found out you were a boy - I instantly thought of how cool it was going to be to raise brothers. You have a built-in best friend and I'm already seeing the start of that relationship. You love Andrew and he definitely takes care of you and is looking forward to the days you can really play with him.

I love how happy you are. People comment all the time about how much you smile. However, there is another side to you... The side that doesn't like to be away from me. If you can see me, you want me to be close by. If I'm not around you do fine without me. I love that you love me, but I sure wish you'd also love other people - namely your dad and grandparents at least! I'm sure it's just a phase. And when you're over it, I'm sure I'll miss it. That's just how it works.

You had a big hypothyroidism checkup a couple weeks ago and I think I'm finally hearing and processing what the doctors have been telling me since you were born. And that is that you're healthy! The medicine you take is a complete replacement for your thyroid so really your body doesn't even know you don't have one. I think it helps that your first year went so smoothly - you hit milestones, you weren't sick, you didn't have any rashes and your growth rate was right on track. In fact, I think I had less to worry about with you than I did with Andrew (thankfully!).

I hope you grow up knowing the importance of family and loving God. I hope you understand that confidence and humor will get you farther than you might think. I hope to raise you knowing you're loved and that we're always here for you, but also giving you the freedom to do things for yourself. Most of all I hope you're happy in life, whatever you chose to do. I will do what I can to help you get there!

I love you with all my heart! Love, your mom.

month eleven

How can someone so cute be so feisty?! You have learned that crying loudly makes people respond faster. You also know what you want and it's not that easy to get you to change your mind. If I try to give you something to replace something you shouldn't have (which you have a crazy knack for finding things you shouldn't have...) you take what I gave you and you throw it. At this age, you shouldn't be throwing things when you're mad!! It makes me wonder what the toddler years will be like - and I must admit, I'm a little nervous! :)

I guess you know that you can get away with things because you have such a charming little smile. And so far you seem to be right. In fact, most people have no idea that you pack such a powerful punch when you're upset. Maybe it's because you really don't get upset too often. Thankfully.

One thing we need to work on is getting you to sleep through the night. You're not going to like it. And I don't like having my boys feel sad, so this will be tough on me too. However, if I want you to be able to ever know how to sleep at night, I think we need to work on it. So, here we go...

I'm having fun watching you and Andrew play together these days. You love it when he plays with you, and since you're starting to play more (you like to play with balls, you like to be chased, you like to play with instruments) you're getting a lot more attention from him. I hope you guys always remember to take care of each other like you do now.

Thanks for being my sweetie pie. And thanks for having your own cute personality. I love it!

month ten

You're saying mama! You win. Anything you want - you got it! :)

This was a fun month. You're starting to feel less like a fragile baby, which is (for the most part) nice. It means Andrew can play with you a little more. This is hit or miss since you, I'm pretty sure intentionally, like to play with specifically the item he is playing with, and he likes to push you over. But you have fun together too.

It also means we can do more stuff. You went to your first Mariner game - you did a little people watching then slept. You went on your first bike ride - you seemed to enjoy it but you were also tired, so you got a little upset when we had to stop and fell asleep on the way home.

You also got sick for the first time. It was a bummer for you, and it was a bummer for me. You might think from this update that you're a great sleeper, but really, you're a great sleeper during the day and then you suck at it at night! Being sick has made it so you wake up even more often, and since you're sick (and adorable) I can't help but cuddle with you (aka, not sleep well - ever). Oh well. It's something I secretly love. All I can think about is how you'll soon be 12 or 8 or 5 ... I don't know... and you won't want me snuggling you. So, I'll take it now, and love every minute, minus the puke.

(Your cute little feet)

Love ya. Your mama.

month nine

I have to admit that I don't know where the last couple months went. It's like all of a sudden you're 9 months old and I am not keeping up. I still need to buy you a toothbrush! Luckily, it doesn't seem like you care if I keep up or not - you fully intend to keep growing up. You can pull yourself up to stand, you're starting to eat real food (I think you prefer it), and you are learning to explore the house now that you have perfected your crawl. AND! For the first time in your life, both numbers came back in the normal range for your hypothyroidism check!

One thing I am happy to report is that we finally made it to the dedication service at church! This is something I've wanted to do since Andrew was a baby, but we just finally found a church we love and wanted to become members of. The dedication was a nice service. It is a time for us to commit to going to church regularly and praying for you every day. At the same time, our church 'family' commits to setting a good example and supporting us in the journey. It's pretty cool!

You still prefer to be with me. You like other people, but if you see me, you choose me (thank you!). You also prefer to be with me, rather than alone. I've done a bad job of getting you use to sleeping in your room. Basically, we both sleep better if we're snuggled in our bed, so that's what happens most of the time. That has to end soon. Seriously - you're NINE months old!

I've overheard a couple people talking about how cute you are recently. Both times they didn't know I was there to hear. It makes me smile because I know how cute you are and it's fun to hear others agree. :) I love you to the moon and back. Love your mom.

month eight

Another month cruised right on by! You keep learning new things and you keep growing up. So much has changed this month for you. You crawled today, on your eight-month birthday! A real, legs and arms moving together, crawl! (Thanks again for saving the cool stuff to do at home - dad and I both got to watch as you took your first crawl steps!).

You moved out of our room, your carrier car seat and your baby stroller. You seem to like the new freedom and better views!

You're still pretty easy going. However, if I try to take paper (your favorite thing in the world!) or a cord/string (your second favorite) out of your hand, you instantly cry harder than you cry for anything else. I first found this out when you were grocery shopping with me and grabbed for my shopping list. You dropped it a while later and cried so hard that I thought you had hurt yourself. But nope - you just really wanted that list back!

They say babies don't really notice other babies around them. I don't think that's the case for you. At daycare they've told me a few times that you love it when your friend Vera gets there. And I have a couple pictures of you grabbing a friend's hand! I guess that goes along with being charming. You charmed the nurses at your last checkup and they all fell in love with you. And the way you reach over and touch my cheek when you want my attention is done in such a charming way that I can't resist but to stop what I'm doing and play. You're going to charm yourself out of trouble - I have a feeling...

I'm loving all the changes and continue to look forward to what the next month brings!

Love mom.

month seven

What a fun month! You're doing something new every couple days - it's hard to keep up with all your new stuff. To list the technical stuff... you have sitting and rolling mastered (and just yesterday when I sat you down, you wanted to be on your hands and knees! - it only lasted a few seconds but it's a sign you're interested in crawling). You're taking a bath with Andrew now - sitting up in the bath chair. You have 2 bottom teeth and I think the top 2 are going to be showing up any day now. You're sitting up in the stroller and you ride in the cart - you love both of these! You are enjoying food, but I think you want more. You're losing interest in bottles already and since you're a big boy (already in 12 month clothes!) you need to eat. I asked daycare to start feeding you twice a day and I was told they started doing that earlier this week. I guess they could tell you like food too!

You continue to be a cutie. You've started to do a little squeal/giggle thing that is so fun to listen to. It's funny though because you do it at random times - I guess you're good at entertaining yourself! You also like to snuggle. Sometimes you'll be standing up on my lap and you grab some of my hair in each of your hands and pull yourself close to me and snuggle into my face. It might not sound cute, but it's adorable.

You're always happy and smiling. I love how easy it is to make you smile! And you continue to love Andrew. He can make you smile and laugh too. Maybe even easier than me or your dad can.

The next big step in your life will be moving out of our room. And even though you're a good sleeper, if you're anything like Andrew, you'll sleep even better in your own room. It's hard for me though. I love, love having you in our room. And if you're not sleeping well I love to pull you into bed and snuggle. You like it too. When I pick you up you instantly get into cuddle position and rest your head on my shoulder.

Thanks for being such a wonderful, easy going, fun little guy who likes to eat, sleep, smile and snuggle. And even though I am trying to remind myself that babies learn new things at different paces, thanks for being on track with your milestones so far...

Love, your mom.

month six

Merry Christmas my little six month old baby boy! You are so much fun these days. You love to be held, you love playing with toys, you love food (you had your first veggie today - squash) and you love tags. You have been doing a lot of talking lately. I swear you say 'hi' and we've heard 'dada' and 'mama' a few times, although we both realize it's not being said to us, just at us. And just lately you have started to talk using a lot of little 'words' instead of just cooing. Then you'll stop using sound but still move your mouth like you're talking. I've decided it looks like a movie with subtitles. :) It's adorable.

I'm going to try not to compare you to your brother, but there is one thing I'm excited about and it is that you seem to like food, just like he did. It was such a relief to not have to worry about making sure Andrew had enough to eat and I'm hoping you continue along that path and continue loving all the food we start introducing you to. It only gets better!

You're starting to drool quite a bit and you put EVERYTHING in your mouth so I wonder if you'll be showing us your first tooth before long! I guess I'll just have to wait and see what kind of good stuff comes this month!

Love you more every day. Your mom.