12 months

Dear Boone,

I don't even know where to start. As you turn one today, how can I begin to describe to you all that is rushing my mind and flooding my heart? I think only when you are a parent, will you ever really know. Years later whenever you read these words, you're just going to think I'm being gushy. Before you were born, I heard parents talk about their children and thought "Oh, that's nice. They really love their kid. How sweet."

I had no idea.

You officially entered our world on Labor Day. I had joked for weeks, ha ha, what if I go into labor ON Labor Day? Wouldn't that be hilarious. Ironically, this Monday, eight days before your due date, turned out to be the one that God had planned before the beginning of time for us to see your sweet face and hold your 8 pound body in our arms.

This past month has been one of my favorites of all, save a five-day span where you came down with a nasty fever/virus/cold/ear infection.  But even the sickness had a bright side - all you wanted to do was snuggle. The first day you were really sick, you were happy to be on my lap for SIX hours, straight. Besides the horribleness of the fever, it was one of the most fun days ever for me as your mom!

When your fever hit 101, we took you to an after-hours clinic where they told us you had an ear infection and prescribed an antibiotic. I wasn't thrilled about putting you on it, but wanted to do whatever I could to help you feel better. Over the next couple of days, your attitude was pretty awful. It was obvious that you were miserable and nothing I did seemed to help. I began to suspect that the antibiotic wasn't agreeing with you, so at your doctor's permission, we stopped giving it to you. Almost immediately you were back to normal. Probably won't be trying an antibiotic again for a while...

At the beginning of this month, we had to leave you behind when we went on an Alaskan cruise with Mimi and Aunt Abby and Uncle Adam. Up until a couple of weeks beforehand, we were planning to take you with us. But the more we thought through the logistics of it, the more we realized that we would be taking you for our best interest, not yours.

So, because we love YOU even more than we love being with you, we made the decision to let you stay with Gramma Beanie and Chip. You had a blast and never skipped a beat. Your dad and I missed you like crazy every second but were thankful you were happy and in a familiar place with people you love.

Lately you've been even more verbal, plainly speaking "dawk dawk dawk" (dog) and "uh-oh" as well as many other assorted gibberishes. Occasionally we'll hear "mama" or "bye" with a little wave of your hand. Although you may not be speaking a ton of words, we can tell your understanding is increasing by leaps and bounds.

Stuffed animals are the love of your life right now. Your biggest and most favorite (Sheepie, Mr. Seal, Sleep Sheep, Rabbit) are on a quilt on your bedroom floor, and you're quite content to roll around with them for 30 minutes at a time! And you like animals on screen too - Curious George (the movie) stops you dead in your tracks. The 3-minute lead in song is about all you'll sit still to see, but you love watching George interact with the jungle animals and bounce up and down to the music, giggling. You are so stinking cute.

Speaking of music, you have a beat in your blood. You absolutely feel it. The other night Gramma Beanie put some fun songs on for you and you were wiggling all over the place. We started dancing along with you and when you saw us you were horrified! You protested and whined and crawled behind the couch so you couldn't see us. Then you slowly crawled back out, slightly bouncing and refusing to look at us! Ha ha! You wanted to dance by yourself, you little stinker! Already embarrassed by your mom.

Peek-a-boo has always been a favorite game, but you've started initiating it a LOT, hiding behind your beloved blankie and waiting for us to notice and say "where's Boone?" I would play it with you for an hour if you wanted to. You're kind of irresistible!

Your Great-Aunt Sheryl gave you your first haircut about a week ago - you sat on my lap the whole time and did really well. She didn't have to cut much, just a little trim where you were getting a sort of mullet in the back. You are looking more and more like a little boy every day!

Walking is still to come, and we are just fine with that. I told your dad today that this crawling stage has been so fun - I will continue to relish it until you decide you'd rather move on your feet than your knees. It's enabled you to move yourself but you're still limited as to what you can get into. Walking is bound to bring significantly more bumps, bruises and messes.

Things I should record:
 - 20 pounds (9th %)
 - 29.5 inches (43rd %)
 - have two bottom teeth
 - eat breakfast, lunch and dinner - mostly finger foods with a few purees
 - three bottles: one first thing in the morning, one around lunch or before afternoon nap, one right before bed  = 18 ounces
 - wake-up: 7-7:30 am / bedtime: 8-8:30 pm
 - morning nap: 9:30 am / afternoon nap: 2:30 pm (1-1.5 hours each)

After an unbelievable 12 months with you, your dad and I love you fiercely, sweetheart. Beyond reason. Without condition. "More than most of all whole universe." Nothing will ever, ever change that. This is love for a lifetime. Happy one year birthday!

after a year

I haven't done the greatest job of staying current on this blog. It's about all I can do to write a note to Boone every month. I admire so much all of you parents out there who are so consistent and organized with your posting. I aspire to be that someday (still have high hopes of doing a blog book), but I may never get there. And I know that's ok.

The past two years have been soul-stirring, foundation-rumbling kind of years. They have been the most challenging, emotionally charged, draining, sweetest times of our lives.

After it all, I know these more than ever...

God is good, all the time.

He does not forsake His children.

His promises endure throughout all generations.

He can be trusted.

He has a purpose for all things. His timing is impeccable.

He gives us more than we could ever handle so that we will fall on Him, instead of on our own understanding.

Life is made up of seasons. Everything comes and goes. He gives and takes away, blessed be His Name.

Each good thing I have comes from my Father, and I don't deserve any of it, namely: being wife to an incredible husband, mommy to the dearest, healthy little boy and daughter/sister to an unbelievably amazing family.

When all is said and done, loving God and loving people is what it all boils down to. I want to be so much better at both.

Oh, and I sure am grateful for coffee. :)

Thank you, Lord.


Huge thanks to my brother - here's the post I should have made 364 days ago.

11 months

Oh buddy,

where has this month gone? Is it possible that your FIRST BIRTHDAY is staring us right in the face? I am going to cherish these last few weeks while I can still refer to your age in months, rather than years. My baby is growing up.

Your little personality delights us every single day. You are just so sweet! And opinionated. And animated. And loud. And funny. And all boy.

You've become much more verbal lately, often speaking entire sentences of gibberish! When you're eating something you like, you say "mmhmmm"and when you see something you like - the iPad, your blankie, the vacuum cleaner, one of your beloved balls - you do the most adorable little close-mouthed giggle. It seems that you're also recognizing more words we speak - some you consistently respond to: mama, dada, boone, no, drink, blow, stryder, annabelle, blankie. Tonight I think I just might have heard you say bye as you gave a little wave to Gramma Beanie and Chip as they headed out the door...

You also absolutely search for things to laugh at. Sometimes you look at me and start fake laughing, like you want me to do something funny. So I'll start tickling you, or doing something silly, making you genuinely laugh. You make my heart swell. You've also started clapping on occasion, and you're simply delighted at yourself when you do it.

Although you pull to a stand on everything taller than you and often walk along an object or with us as we hold your hands above your head, you have yet to show a desire to step out on your own and walk. We're totally ok with that, knowing that life will be even more crazy once you start running around the house at will. :)

A few weeks ago at your buddy Raef's first birthday party, I sat you down to play in the middle of a bunch of kids and toys. I settled down on the floor across the room to eat - I could still see you but you weren't watching me. You did great for quite a while but then I saw you look up and around, a little distressed. As soon as you spotted me, you smiled and crawled straight for me and up into my lap, where you contentedly stayed for several minutes. Later your dad told me that you did the same thing with him. It's a very rare thing for you to sit still anywhere, especially on our laps, so this behavior totally made our nights.

Speaking of lap-sitting, incredibly, you seem to be growing more snugglier than you have ever been before! In the mornings or after naps when you wake up, you are pretty content for minutes at a time to sit with paci in mouth and blankie clutched tight. This is monumental and your dad and I are soaking. it. up.

Meals are hit and miss. You still don't love to eat, but at least you've stopped crying when I feed you. :) I give you your beloved finger foods at all three meals, and in between the bites you feed yourself, I sneak in nutritious purees on a spoon. You go crazy for scrambled eggs, pancakes, diced peaches and your rice mum-mums. That stubborn second tooth finally broke through a few days ago, which has to help as you're chowing down. I think you're growing tired of your bottle, but we're at an in-between phase where I don't trust you enough with your sippy cup to completely let the bottle go.

You are a treasure, sweetheart. Tonight as I gave you your bottle, I looked at you and with tears of gratitude thanked God for the gift of you. He tells us that every good thing we have comes from Him, and you are one of the best things in our lives. I wonder every day how I can be so blessed. 

Our Father is gracious, indeed! You are a miracle.

current preferences

MAKES YOU SQUEAL WITH DELIGHT:
- stuffed animals
- real animals (Stryder and Annabelle)
- your blankies
- your pacifier
- rice or yogurt melts
- pirate's booty puffs
- music, especially when kids are singing
- peek-a-boo barn iPad game
- rolling and chasing balls around on the floor
- chasing Dad's remote control car
- long tubes, cords, wires, necklaces
- the vacuum cleaner
- books

MAKES YOU SCREAM WITH DISGUST:
- diaper changes
- getting your face wiped clean after meals
- having your clothes changed
- this awful heat (Mommy doesn't like it either)

(Mommy giggles with delight at your bed head)

10 months

Little stinker,

this past month has absolutely flown by! Our days have been full - from playgroups with friends, to swimming, to a trip to Kansas City to visit your Aunt Lesley while your dad was in Ethiopia, we have been on the move!

You continue to be all over the place these days. You're standing a lot, pulling up on everything you can. A few little steps here and there - along the couch, behind your push toy - no real walking yet, but I know it's coming soon. You've even tried to climb the stairs a few times or pull yourself up onto the fireplace hearth. I've constantly got to keep my eye on you!

This month has certainly witnessed a marked increase in your verbiage! You babble constantly, experimenting with all kinds of different noises, including screams in a very high pitch (much to our chagrin amusement). You also think it's pretty fun when you run your hand back and forth across your mouth and yell. Whenever we pat your mouth, immediately you'll open up and say "awwwwww," just like a little Indian. :)

One of my favorite achievements this month: we're pretty sure you've been saying "mama!" You've seemed intentional about it several times, looking at me, reaching your hands up and saying it. Sometimes when you're upset or tired you say it over and over. You also continue to experience a bit of separation anxiety from me, especially when you're in an unfamiliar place.

Nearly everyone who sees you remarks how much you are looking like a little boy, and it's true. Your hair is getting thicker and longer, you're growing taller and sure enough, a big boy is starting to emerge. Of course, I have very mixed emotions about this.

You're so smart, Boone. You inspect everything, constantly trying to figure things out. You can't get enough of anything electrical or mechanical (mostly things you shouldn't be touching). Cords, tubing and wires are the things that most hold your attention! We wouldn't be surprised at all if God calls you into a career involving detail and precision. You're also totally into books right now, slowly turning the pages, opening and closing the front and back covers. Pulling them off your bookshelf onto the floor is one of your favorite activities, a mess I get to clean up multiple times every day. :)

When you were around five months old, your first-time parents were convinced that a tooth was on its way. Five months later it has finally decided to make it's debut! It barely pushed through a couple of weeks ago, but is present enough for a bite on my finger yesterday to really HURT (and even leave a mark)! The tooth is also the source of some funny new faces - your bottom lip pushed way out or pulled way in as you chew on it.

We've experienced a little more of your independence this month as you currently despise eating from a spoon. You prefer to feed yourself! However, your one little half-tooth doesn't allow for much variety in big-people food. I'm trying to give you whatever I can think of that is soft: little puffs, melts or raisins. Then I have to sneak purees into your mouth in between the bites you feed yourself. You're eating three solid meals a day now, with a schedule that goes something like this:

7 - wake and 6 oz. bottle

8 - cereal, puffs, raisins/peaches, egg yolks scrambled, little pieces of bread

9ish to 10:30ish - nap

10:30 - 5 oz. bottle

12 - lunch - only finger foods (cheese, puffs, fruit)

1:30ish to 3ish - nap

3 - 5 oz. bottle

5 - dinner - vegetables, cereal

7:30 - 6-7 oz. bottle

8 - bedtime

I'm still pumping bottles for you but am looking forward to ending this ritual later this month, as there is over a month's worth of frozen milk to last through your 12 month mark. I made it significantly farther than I ever thought I would and am happy and thankful, with all this year has held, to have been able to give you milk this long.

It seems that you've fallen in love with your stuffed animals lately - you are always grabbing them and squeezing them. You also try to do this to Stryder and Annabelle, and they are incredibly patient and tolerant with you. We think its hilarious that you have been giggling when we lay you in bed for your naps and give you your pacifier and blanket. You just love your bed.

Oh buddy, I've been starting to think about your one year birthday party and I just can't even believe that it's really almost here. In some ways this year has been very long, in others, it's gone so fast that it makes my eyes well up. Can't imagine life without you, sweet boy.

9 months

Yaaaaayyyyy Boone!

That's what we've started saying this month as we clap for you when you accomplish something, and boy, do you love it!

This month has been momentous! Where to begin...

It started with Mom and Dad leaving you for TEN DAYS to take a trip to Hawaii for an orthodontic convention. I cried so hard all day long before we had to leave you that I literally made myself sick with a head cold and was completely congested with a headache the first half of the trip. :) You split the time between your grandparents and were thoroughly spoiled the entire time we were away. We had a great time but missed you so much I could physically feel my heart aching. Coming home from a vacation is never easy, but it was actually fun this time, knowing you were at the other end. When we arrived back to our house you were taking your morning nap. As soon as you woke up, we came in to get you from your crib, and we were rewarded with one of the biggest smiles I've seen yet. That image is something I'll never forget!

While we were away, you became an expert crawler. Never would have guessed it, but the ability to crawl has given you an entirely different demeanor! Some parents bemoan the achievement of crawling, as it requires a baby-proofed home and even more constant supervision. Not us! Now that you can crawl, you are sooooo much happier! Most of your fussy whines and loud demands over the past months were born out of frustration and boredom. Now that you can successfully move yourself, you can entertain yourself! Crawling has made you a much more pleasant baby to be around. :)

Another welcome change is your ability to reach for us! It's so fun and melts our hearts. I've yet to say no to you when your little arms go over your head in my direction. I think you're smart enough to know you're milking it but I don't care. I'll pick you up as long as I can, knowing these days of holding you won't last forever. You've also been a little more clingy, a little more cuddly and a little more prone to separation-anxiety when I leave the room. These first expressions of your trust in us and your love for us are amazing to witness.

No teeth yet, but we've started you on really soft finger foods, like cheese, small pieces of soft bread, avocado covered in wheat germ. Although most of the morsels never make it to your mouth, you're getting better every time you practice. Your palate has expanded with several new foods this month: beets, hardboiled egg yolks, russet potatoes, cherries, peaches, turkey. I'm still making all of your food and freezing it into ice cubes, a system that is working out great so far.

You're out of size 2 diapers and onto size 3. We've also started putting you in overnight diapers because, guess what... you're finally, finally, finally sleeping through the night! Like from 7:30-8ish until 6:30-7ish. No more middle-of-the-night pacifier requests. Hooray! Yaaaayyyy Boone! We dropped your third (4 o'clock) nap and so now you have two fairly solid snoozes every day, the first at 9 a.m. (usually 1.5 hrs) and the second at 1 p.m. (1 to 1.5 hrs).

Your 9 month doctor's visit is later this week, so I'm not sure of your current stats, but the last I checked you were around 18 pounds. While in Hawaii, you outgrew your baby tub (sniff, sniff) and are sitting in the big bathtub now. You can't kick your legs like you used to, but instead you can splash your hands. Most baths end up with you, me and the floor sopping wet. It's great!

Last weekend we took a short trip to Colorado - your first time to the mountains! We stayed at the cabin in Buena Vista with your buddy Raef and a lot of other family friends in order to attend the big bunkhouse reveal and dedication to your Pops. You had a great time the day we were there but the car rides were extremely long and tiring for all of us. Ten hours in the car both ways was a lot for you (and us) to handle! It didn't help much that you had a terrible cold with severe congestion the whole trip. You could hardly breathe, so we had to introduce you to the infamous nose sucker contraption and I haven't heard you scream like that since you had colic. But somehow we all survived. :)

Your little personality is already so defined, sweetheart. You feel things deeply. You are either completely happy or completely upset, there is zero in-between with you! Lately you've started joking around and "fake laughing" - looking at us and grinning and then making noises that sound like little coughs. You do it all the time - it's hilarious and usually it makes us genuinely laugh which in turns start you genuinely laughing and then we all have a good time together.

Oh, and as seen in the pictures, you can pull yourself up to a stand. No stepping yet, but I'm sure that's coming soon.

You continue to bring joy to our days and light to our lives. Love you lots, little dude.

8 months

I'm bummed. The draft that I spent a couple of days working on disappeared when it auto-published while we were out of town on Boone's 8 month day. I'll try to remember what I said...

Buddy, it has hit me over and over this month how nothing is going to stay the same with you! That reality is so exciting and yet soooo difficult for Mommy, all at the same time.

After weeks of pushing yourself up on your knees and rocking back and forth, you finally figured out how to crawl! I caught those first few scoots on video and it's hilarious. Since then you've been practicing as often as you can and you're getting to be pretty quick. Gone are the days when we could step away from you for a minute!

This month, you had your first taste of swimming and Daddy and I couldn't be prouder (pics and more details to come in another post)! By the fourth lesson, you didn't cry at all when we dunked your head under water and by the time the eighth lesson was over, you were keeping up with the two-year olds in your class! Your teacher was very impressed with you, especially in your ability to kick. We kinda think God made you to be a swimmer... guess we'll see someday!

You have also started giving "kisses," though they don't come nearly often enough for my taste. You'll lean forward, open your mouth and devour my nose or my cheek for a few seconds. Usually I have to wipe my face off afterward because you've covered me in drool. I absolutely love it.

Praise the Lord, we also survived your first tornado this month! We watched the weather all afternoon and it ended up coming within a mile of our house around 10 pm. About half an hour before it hit, we decided it was time to bring you from your crib to the basement. We set up your pack n play, turned on the noisemaker and as stealthily as we could, picked you up and carried you downstairs. You never even woke up (Daddy and I were pretty proud of ourselves)! As it was starting to get pretty nasty outside, I realized that if the electricity went out, your noisemaker would too. And you would probably wake up without it. And that would not be good for any of us. So we turned on the white noise app on my phone and put it next to you. Sure enough, a few minutes later, we lost power. Yet you continued to sleep and only woke up briefly when we carried you upstairs after it was all over. We thank God for protecting us and our home!

You transform before our eyes every single day. For someone who isn't entirely comfortable with change, I've realized that your childhood is going to be a stretch for my emotions. I look forward so much to all that is coming, but my heart pangs when I think about all that is already behind. You'll never know until you're a parent how Daddy and I cherish these days.

For that reason, it was pretty difficult when we had to leave you behind for the first time this month. We went to Colorado Springs for a weekend conference with some friends and we put you in the best of care at Mimi's. Daddy and I both cried, missing you. Mimi sent us lots of pictures and videos, but nothing comes close to the real you.

By the time we returned from Colorado, you had already gone down for the night and we didn't want to wake you. But we just couldn't stay away any longer, so we came over to Mimi's and tiptoed in as quietly as we could, just to watch you sleeping. I can't tell you how badly I wanted to hold you!

The next morning when I came to pick you up, you were different. Changes only a mommy would notice, but you were four days older and it showed. You smiled a shy little grin when you saw me, but when I tried out a few of our old jokes, you didn't think they were quite as funny. That was tough for me at first, but then I realized that we can always find new jokes. And that's ok with me, because there's nothing I'd rather do than try to make you laugh!

I think the Lord is already teaching me to hold you with an open hand and a willing heart. You are after all, His first. He didn't design you to stay a baby forever. It's a beautiful, wonderful thing that you're growing up, and it's my deep, precious privilege to witness it.

You are so special, sweetheart. We love you more than words can ever say!