TO MY SON ON HIS 9 MONTH BIRTHDAY. After 20 minutes of twisting + turning, trying to find that perfect position, you finally fell asleep. In the nook of my arm, against my chest — like always. It makes so much sense that you were breach + the doctor couldn’t turn you. You found your perfect spot, head to heart, and you were NOT moving. Until you were ready. 9 months and you still won’t be put down in your crib for a nap or bedtime. You must fall asleep first. On your time. I have my sneaky ways of speeding up the process, but really — you’re in charge. I thought for sure that daycare would get you on a schedule, but no. They said you “march to the beat of your own drum.” You wake up SO HAPPY. Like, giggly, smiley, ready to take on the best day ever, HAPPY. And I know this because we share a room + you are my alarm clock. You are anxious to get into your walker and do laps around the apartment. Crawling doesn’t happen much anymore. You’re obsessed with standing and holding on to whatever is close by. One month ago you pulled yourself up for the first time and now that’s just a normal thing. I can hardly keep up. You’re a little foodie that has yet to find a food he doesn’t like. Avocado and scrambled eggs are your favorite. Peas, carrots, corn, grapes, turkey, chicken. I could go on. I had no idea it would be like this! You grab the spoon from my hand + attempt to feed yourself. It’s messy + adorable. You love swimming. And bathtime. And playing with Charlotte. And being outside. And bedtime reading. ✖️You do NOT like being restrained (getting into the stroller or car seat). ✖️You do NOT like not knowing where I am (ie bathroom, kitchen or behind the fogged up glass called the shower). ✖️You do NOT like getting your diaper changed — so we are now wearing pull-ups As a first-time mom, I had no idea how quickly a baby could develop a personality and grow into his own... You are so curious + so, so smart. Every day I stare into your big blue, sometimes green, sometimes gray eyes + I think to myself... How are you mine?! How did I get so lucky? 9 months in. 9 months out. You truly are a miracle. Thank you for choosing me + trusting me to be your mom 💙