Dear Will,

Happy five month birthday! Sometimes I find it hard to believe that you’re five whole months old. Next month, we’ll have known you for half of a year. And to me, that just seems like such a long time. The past five months have been a whirlwind of love, smiles, and a little less sleep than Daddy and I would like. But I wouldn’t change one single second of these past five months because they’ve been some of the best months of my life. I cherish every day with you, every second I get to spend giggling with you and marveling over all the cute baby things that you do. You make up such a huge part of my life and I no longer can even remember what my life was like before you came into the picture. You’ve changed our family and you bring your Daddy and I joy daily. When I think back on these past five months, bliss is the only word that can possibly describe it. Because all the bad times, all the difficult moments, and frustrations just seem to slip away when I see your gummy, crooked smile or hear your precious little giggle. Nothing else in the world matters anymore when you’re around. I’ve been drunk with happiness and love since you came into this world and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

I got to spend my 24th birthday with you and it was so nice to relax and have a low-key day at home. Daddy bought me a jogging stroller and we took our first run in it last week. I’m so excited to teach you how to lead an active life. When you look back on your life, I want exercise and activity to be something that is like breathing to you – automatic and something you can’t do without. So much of our world has become lazy and I never want you to have to fight that battle. I never want you to loathe activity…I want you to enjoy it and I want it to be something that is vital to you. You seemed to enjoy your first run and I really wish I would’ve snapped a quick picture. You looked so adorable in your A&M onesie (thanks Uncle Matt!), your blue Adidas shorts, and your sunglasses. I hooked a few toys around your harness in case you got bored, but you really didn’t play with them much. You looked all over as we ran through the neighborhood and then fell asleep on the way back. I’m anxious to log lots of miles and hours running with you in tow.

If I had to guess, I’d say you’re about 17 1/2 pounds right now and probably close to 28 inches long. You’re getting so big and growing so fast! But I love this age and stage you’re at. You’ve got so much personality and so much life, Will. You are such a happy baby and you smile at anything and everything. You totally love life and I love watching you learn and experience the joys of it. Your newest thing is to reach your hands out and place them on either side of my face when I’m talking to you. You grin and giggle (and sometimes pinch). If I had to pick one thing that I enjoy the most about you right now, I’d have to say that’s it. I’m not sure why that makes me so happy – maybe because it’s the first time you’ve been able to show your affection for me in an outward manner. I’m not sure…but boy, do I love it!

You’re still wearing your 3-6 month clothes, though some are getting a bit snug. You’re about to outgrow size 2 diapers and you go to sleep in your crib every night. You love it when Daddy gets home from work every day and you give him the biggest grins ever. It’s so fun to see you developing your relationship with him. It makes me think towards the future when you’ll wrestle with him, play catch with him, and learn what a Godly man is like from him. You’re lucky to have such a wonderful Daddy in your life. He loves to make you laugh and will do just about anything to hear that tiny giggle escape your lips. The newest thing you find funny is standing on his face. He leans back on the couch, holds you up over his head and lets you stomp your pudgy feet around on his face. You laugh and laugh and laugh! You also have developed a love for the dogs, especially Riley (because she’ll let you pet her). In the morning when we’re getting ready for the day, you sit in your bouncer and watch Riley and Sammy. You think it’s absolutely hilarious when Riley growls and shakes her toys. Your favorite food is probably still pears, although you are also a huge fan of apples.

Thank you so much for making me a Mommy, Will. It’s the most rewarding, exhausting, wonderful, exciting, exhilarating, and fulfilling job I have ever had. I just can’t seem to get enough of you. I love you so much and I am so, so proud of everything that you’ve accomplished in your five months on this Earth.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Will,

Today someone other than family watched you for the first time. We left you in the nursery during church for the first time…no more snuggles in the Mei Tai during church, because quite frankly, you’re one loud little boy! You love to express your joy with life loudly. While Donnie is preaching. And although little babies squealing in delight is adorable, I’m pretty sure it’s not that conducive to studying God’s word! :) You did great and acted like an old pro when I handed you off…but it tugged at my heart just a little bit to watch you clinging on to someone other than me through the window. I’ll be honest, I had a hard time concentrating during church! I kept waiting to see my number flash up on the screen because I knew how tired you were and how hard it is to get you to sleep when you’re overtired. I knew that you were going to need your Mommy to help you fall asleep. But my number never appeared. I even had to leave during the offering to pick you up just a little bit early because I was just sure you’d be missing your Mommy. Wrong again! You were snoozing in the swing, paci in mouth and blankie in hand. It made me smile and seeing your chubby little fingers grasping your blankie so tightly made me love you a tiny bit more.

You’re getting so big, Will! You seem to learn a new skill every day. You take joy in turning off lights (our own little energy-saver!), petting the dogs, and grabbing everything within reach. Your hand-eye coordination is much improved from your newborn days. You make such a wide variety of noises that I have a hard time keeping up! You love love love reading Where the Wild Things Are and you giggle when I say, “let the wild rumpus start!” I’m sure that book will be a much loved favorite for years to come. And I’m sure you’ll create lots of wild rumpuses and that I’ll call you “wild thing” and send you to your room. :) I love the way you’ve started sucking on your bottom lip again. It accentuates your chubby cheeks and your over-sized ears and is so stinkin’ cute! I love how curious you are about everything and I especially love your “yucky” face when you get a taste of something that wasn’t quite what you were expecting (like Grannie’s ice cold water on a metal spoon or the avocado I made for you tonight). I think some of my favorite moments with you are right after you wake up from a nap. You suck your paci, clutch your blankie, snuggle deep down into my arms, and look around with your big blue eyes. Just taking it all in.

I know I’ve said it before, but I can’t get over just how lucky I am to be your Mom. I never knew I could feel this way about someone, especially someone who can’t hold a conversation with me or someone I’ve only know for four months. These last four months with you have been the best four months of my life and it’s such a delight to spend life with you. I know God has huge plans for you and I’m so excited to see your big heart chase hard after him. I pray daily that He would teach me how to be your Mommy, that He would help me shape you into the person He wants you to be.

I am so glad to have you in my life, so glad to hug you, to kiss you, to smile at you, and to live life with you and your Daddy. I love you so much, Mister!

Love,
Mommy