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