eleven months

I can't believe Im writing this right now. My newborn is eleven months.

Adventures in the 11th month:

-We are busy bees! We are always on the go! I have to PLAN to have a slow day at home.

-You've started swim lessons. Not the biggest fan but getting better!

- We said our tearful goodbyes to family in MS. Until next time!

-We celebrated July 4th and you showed us your camera grin! Its the funniest thing ever!

My sweet baby,

I feel like I won't get to officially call you that much longer. You are growing everyday. I'm amazed at what you know already. You are QUICK! You still use that left knee and right foot to cruise around. You are so happy and love socializing. You love to be out and about. You love people. You think all eyes should be on you. You're my little extravert. 

Our big word is "eh?". Its like your a little Canadian. All day long.. "Eh?..Eh?..Eh?". You babble non stop. You make so many noises, I can't even count. My favorite is when you poke out those lips and say "Doh Doh Doh". You fake laugh to get peoples attention. You REALLY fake cry when you want me to pick you up or I tell you to leave something alone. 

Again, sleeping is going well so lets not even talk about it.

You crawl out to our patio and play with all the fun things out there. Rosie is coming around and liking you more and more. She wags her tail overtime you come into the room. We are learning to be gentle with her (and other babies). You get so exited and flail your arms around and hit things. We are working on that too. Especially when its my face.

You eat everything. I still can't believe you only have 2 teeth. That doesn't hold you back at all. Thats our go to when I need to clean the kitchen (or have 5 seconds). You drink from all kinds of slippy cups. You can chug some water. We nurse 3 times a day since you are so good with food and water.

You wave bye bye and when I say "where's Carter?" you put your hands on top of your head (you missed the memo of putting your hands over your eyes) and you keep them there until I say, "There he is!". Bath time is still a great thing. I have to keep the washrags away from you since you suck the water out of them..so gross. Im a water snob and bath water makes me want to gag when you drink it!

I love your from your head to your toes. This past year we have learned so much. I'm not the person I was a year ago. I've learned to function on little sleep. I've learned priorities and that I can say no, and that a simple life exceeds an extravagant one. We take one day at a time, especially through the more difficult ones. Also, naked babies are happy babies. Mostly Ive learned what it means to sacrifice completely for another human being. I wouldn't do it for just anyone. It makes me that much more thankful for Jesus. The pain he endured for me was more than I will ever bear. The way a baby will break your heart is a feeling a can't explain. I love you so much it hurts. It hurts to think of you getting older, more independent. It hurts that you love me so much. But its the best hurt that Ive ever felt. Eleven months ago, my heart released feelings and emotions that I didn't know I had. I love you because you are you. You're my favorite baby.

bath time

Like most mamas, bath time is used for play time. A lot of times, its more than once a day. Sometimes I even get to do an extra little devotional while Mister splish splashes. I keep Jesus Calling on top of the toilet for when time allows. I've been wanting to capture some photos of Carter man in the bathtub so I can frame them for the bathroom. I got out my big camera (this is a task sometimes) and bubbled up the tub. I love how they turned out and plan on framing them this week. But which 4 to use???

ten months

Carter is the big 1-0 months!

Adventures in the 10th month:

-Spent much needed time in Mississippi.

-We survived the heat.

-You began eating everything that I do.

- You gave us your first belly laugh. Your great daddy was the first to get it and it was the most wonderful noise!

My most precious boy,

I can't believe we are in double digits. They have brought new meaning to our life. 

Your personality is shining. You love people. You are so happy when we are out and about. You grin at everyone and still will go to anyone that wants to hold you. If you do cry as I walk away, its because you are overwhelmed, which means you are probably tired. You are my loud talking baby boy. We say all kinds of things..Da Da, Ma Ma, La La, Na Na, Ba Ba. But mostly Da Da. 

You eat everything. Cheese toast, graham crackers, most vegetables, most fruit (blueberries especially), turkey burgers, chicken...you name it. Most meats I pinch off, but other than that, you are a champ at chewing. I never even flinch at what you can eat. You love yogurt! I would say its the last thing Ill ever feed you with a spoon though. You'd rather feed yourself. And you normally always take a poop break during your meal. Always a show. We nurse 3-4 times a day and you can go a very long time in between now, thanks to food!

You pull up on everything. We still have the one knee- one foot scoot going on. You've stood by yourself a few times, but you didn't know it. You climb up my legs to stand up most of all. Ill be fine if you wait until after a year to walk, but I don't think that will happen. You are a mover. From the time you wake up to the time you nap or sleep, you go 100 miles an hour. I play by yourself great. I try not to disturb you when you do that. I think its healthy for children to learn to play alone. Builds that imagination. 

You love bath time, though now you just stand at the side and throw toys out. Apparently the noise I make is hilarious when you do that and worth testing. You are a dream in your stroller. You are so curious about this big ole world and you just take it in. I love watching you learn. Our favorite thing is bouncy balls. You squeal when you play with them. You chase them all over the house. Thats what got your first belly laugh too. 

Lets not talk about the sleep because its actually going well. Ill leave it at that.

Carter, you are so special. I know that I'm your mom, but you amaze me. You are so smart and have such  sweet and social spirit. I have a feeling you have an extrovert side to you. I look at you and wonder what I did before you. Its a love I can't explain. I love the family that you have made us. You give us so much joy. I feel the bond we have and Im so proud of it. Even those whiny tugs at my legs pull on my heartstrings. We are in for some fun times as you grow. This age is so demanding, but its so joy filled and fun. You understand things. You have begun to know what no means and stop when I tell you to stop. You give me that little mischievous smile and I just try to keep a straight face while my heart flutters. I love your outstretched arms as I scoop you up. I love your huge smile you give me for no reason at all. I love how much you love me. Its a confidence builder for sure. I would say stop growing, but there has been so much joy that comes with each new week. I think you are pretty wonderful. Ive never known exhaustion or love like this. They kinda go together and the love cancels out the exhaustion. You make me love your daddy even more than I thought I could. He loves you so much. You light up every time you see him. I can't wait to see what kind of little boy you will be! Remember how much we love you. I don't think we will ever let you forget.