8 Months

Dear Charlie,

Today you turn 8 months old.  You have two teeth, bright blue eyes and a smile that melts hearts.  You love to laugh.  You follow me around the house in your walker, kicking your little feet to propel you down the hall.  The cats are not fans of your mobility.  You're curious about crawling and have recently discovered how to move backwards.  You are sweet and kind.  I love it when you press your face to mine.  You also have a temper.  (Must be from your dad.)  You attend music class, library, and Gymboree. You love everything about music and you and your dad bond over guitar sessions on the living room floor.  You enjoy books, especially the way they taste.  At Gymboree your eyes light up when Gymbo the clown (a puppet) arrives.  Your little legs kick, kick, kick and you follow him around the room with your eyes patiently waiting for him to kiss your cheek.  The parachute and bubbles are also favorites of yours.  You become more independent each day.  You're holding your own bottle now, but sometimes prefer mom or dad to hold it for you.  You love anything having to do with technology and can't be fooled by "kid technology."  You'll choose the TV remote over your Fisher Price phone every time. You dive out of my arms to get your hands on my iPhone.  In fact I bribe you with it to encourage you to crawl.  You still love your feet and enjoy grabbing the socks off your friends Morrison and Thomas.  Your favorite word is Dadadadadadada which you and I both know means Mom.  Your feet smell.  No matter how often you're bathed.  You love to splash in the bathtub and are outgrowing your infant seat.  You'll have your first "big boy bath" tomorrow.  Your hair is still red, but lightening each day.  It's curly on the top and on the sides, but still too short in the back to curl.  You recently went through your first bout of croup.  You were a champ and slept in the swing for two weeks.  You weigh 17 pounds 10 ounces. You're in size three diapers.  You eat quinoa.  You love pickles.  You are able to sip water through a straw.  You get better at grabbing finger foods at every meal.  When a puff makes it into your mouth we cheer and you laugh.  You can smile on cue and often do when I bring a camera up to my eye.  You're never allowed to drive, date, or join a fraternity.  You're the love of my life.  Happy 8 month birthday baby.

I love you,
Mom