The difference a week can make

"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot." --Michael Althsuler

If you've actually read this blog, you'll know that I have a serious love-hate relationship with my baby getting bigger.

I couldn't love him one more bit than I do. He's the joy and every other good thing on this planet. He's exactly what I wished and hoped for. He's the BABY. Every milestone, every smile, every diaper change is nearly perfect and I'm enjoying every single moment and breath he takes.

I over looked so many things that the other two did, I waited for every new development - I learned my lesson though and learned to enjoy every single moment of BABY because it's over FAR TOO SOON. I savor his gooeyness (yes it is a word!) and his smiles, I savor his temper tantrums and his hair pulling. I just savor every moment I get to spend with him.

If there is anything that I've learned as a parent in 6.75 years it's that the time is gone in a blink of an eye. Soon, they are smarter than you and sass more than you like. Their hand is no longer small inside of yours and you need an excuse to hold it. You can no longer spell things like "candy" or "treat" because they know what that means. You never lose your memories but they do begin to slip away.

But, friends, it's that thinking I'm trying to let go of. I'm trying to embrace all I do have control over, hence the savoring every moment. I'm enjoying my moments and loving the opportunities I have to stroke sunbleached hair and the smoothest skin. I kiss frequently and try to laugh as much as possible. I don't get mad when Sawyer pulls and bends the HIDEOUS curain rods in our bedroom. I want the curtains and valances gone anyway, and even though they look even more ghetto - they were uglier than ugly to start.

That was a serious tangent. My whole point today was this -- a week can make a huge difference to an 8.75 month old baby.

Last week at this time, the baby could rock back and forth on his hands and knees with serious gusto. This week, he can crawl!

Last week, the baby could chomp down on cheerios that you put in his mouth. (Watch out for those small little teeth! He delights in biting flesh!) This week, he can actually get the Cheerios into his mouth himself! (He could pick them up last week - he just couldn't figure out how to let them go in his mouth!)

Last week, he found great delight in watching us use signs for certain words. This week, he's signing "more" himself! (True to baby form, he's signing his own version. But, it's actually very close to the real thing!)

Last week the baby was doing all kinds of babbling, laughing and screaming - including sounds like dada, googoo, baba, etc. This week, he's saying MAMA! (My heart SINGS!)

Last week, I was still using disposable wipes for diaper changes at home. Now I'm using a solution of water and baby soap and baby washcloths! LOVE them!

Hooray for the baby. Hooray for the momma that gets to watch and love this baby grow into a boy and then a man. I'm so very lucky.

{BEWARE OF THE GRAIN!}

Today Campbell is on a playdate and his friend Cameron's house. Then, this afternoon we are meeting my aunt Gini and they are spending the night with them. Gini is the sister and mom I never had, rolled into one. My kids ADORE her - they have a wonderfully special relationship. It could be that she is the fun/indulgent/giving/did I say indulgent Aunt/Grandma that they will never have - but it could just be her loving heart and giving spirit. We are all so very lucky to have her.

Am I a sap today or what?