9 Months

Bug-a-Lug, 

I can't believe that you have been outside in this world for as long as you had been inside my body.  It is weird to think about.  I can vividly remember last year around this time.  I was getting bigger by the second, living in the church's gatehouse, feeling like the not so virgin Mary without the donkey.  And now, you're here and more amazing then I ever dreamed of!  You loved listening to Christmas music while inside me.  You would jump around and kick like crazy.  I can only imagine how mesmerized you will be with the Christmas lights!  Oh, the joy of the season.

You are crawling.  You are walking with assistance.  You are mobile!  You know you can't quite walk on your own yet so you reach for my hand before you move.  As soon as we are holding hands, you are off at rocket speed.  I give you to Thanksgiving.  Today, you very hesitantly let go of the couch and stood by yourself making noises that resembled Flipper.  You are very proud of yourself.  I am very proud of you.

I still, everyday, enjoy spending my time with you.  Lizzy was home the other day from school,  growing roots on the couch.  You and I were in the kitchen eating lunch.  I was so engrossed in you that I forgot she was in the other room.  I was singing, dancing, making up crazy words like scrum-diddly-umtious simply for the pleasure of hearing you laugh.  At night, I have to look at you about four times before crawling in bed.  Then I wait to hear your sleepy little sighs before giving myself over to sleep.  Being in your orbit makes me a happier, carefree, more hopeful person.  I will never be bored while you are around.  

In your 9 months, you have already experienced so much.  You were there when Michael was ordained, when Rebecca got into Grad school, when Lizzy started her medication, and when your dad made his safe return from Afghanistan.  You have petted horses, have been on three film sets and on two hayrides.  You have braved Times Square, are a stock holder, and have seen puppies being born.  You have brought so much joy and enthusiasm into my life that sometimes I feel as though my heart could explode.  You witnessed the first African American get elected to the Presidency.  You have already experienced more than most people do in a lifetime.  I think it is safe to say that we can expect many more great things to come.

I love you everyday,

Your Mama