As you lay here in my arms drifting off into sleep, I am mesmerized by how peaceful you are. Although you are growing and changing so much, I still see my newborn baby every time I look at you but especially when you are asleep. Your chubby cheeks and silky soft skin are just two of the many, many things I’m going to miss as you transition into a little boy. I feel my eyes tearing up as I write this because motherhood is so raw and unlike anything I have ever experienced. I wish the time would slow down and you wouldn’t grow so fast, but I am so fascinated by all that you are becoming.

I never knew just how quickly our days would pass us by and how quickly my newborn would become a 3 month old, and how quickly that 3 month old would be my now 9 month old. 9 months. What? How did that happen? It feels like just yesterday I was walking all around our neighborhood trying to get labor started so I could finally meet you. You have taught me more in these last 9 months than I would have ever imagined, but one thing in particular is to slow down.

“Stop and smell the roses” they say. Man, has that saying never applied so much to my life as it does right now. I want to soak up every single minute of you growing, changing and learning. I promise to always hold you tight and give you all that you need and so much deserve.

As of right now, you have two bottom teeth and three coming in at the top. You love to pull yourself up on anything you can get your hands on and love to stand. You are so proud of yourself! You are such a fast crawler and are constantly on the move. You just recently started to clap your hands and clap at everything! You also love to wiggle and dance when music comes on or when we sing to you. I just can’t get enough.

You weigh 22lbs and are 29 inches long. You’re still exclusively breastfed with some puréed foods in the mix. You’re not too sure how you feel about different textures just yet but we’re getting there!

We had your dedication ceremony this month at church and it was so sweet to be surrounded by family while dedicating you to the Lord and vow to raise you by His word. We were asked to choose 5 words to pray over your life, and after your daddy & I praying for guidance, we were led to pray for you to be {Humble, Kind, Courageous, Giving, and Compassionate}. We promise to always point you to our Heavenly Father for wisdom that only He can give and for us to be an example of these things, while living them out in our home.

Things you’re loving:
{Playing} of course. You love being on the floor surrounded by all of your toys and love to crawl and roll all over the place!

{Your puppies}, Bentley & Nala. You think they are so funny! You laugh every time one of them walks past you and are always trying to pull their hair. (Sorry, pups!) you make the funniest face when they give you kisses and you’d rather be on the floor playing with them over just about anything. They are so gentle with you!

{Tags} Who knew? You have all the toys in the world and yet you’d rather play with their tags. I swear if a tag was a mile away, your eyes would catch it! Thankfully your Mimi bought you a toy that had tags all over it and you can’t get enough of that thing.

{Baby wearing} Being strapped up to mommy or daddy’s chest is clearly your safe place. You love being at our level and seeing things from our perspective! I love it so much, too, and hope we can make it last as long as possible. Until my back gives out, of course.

{Being outside} That’s one thing that hasn’t changed, and I don’t think ever will. Stepping outside soothes you immediately and you could be pushed around in our jogging stroller for hours (Great exercise for mommy!) and I love seeing the way your sweet face lights up as you become aware of your surroundings.

Not a fan of: 

{Your car seat} We even switched your infant seat to a convertible one in hopes you would be more comfortable, but you just hate to sit still and be strapped. Who doesn’t?

{Putting on clothes} Every. Single. Time. Naked baby for the win.

I’m finding it pretty awesome that I can only think of a couple things that you don’t like! You are the happiest, sweetest, most joyful soul and I am forever captivated by your happy little spirit. Thank you, Jesus, for such a perfect angel.