Father's Day and Sage's Birthday

Thinking of four special fathers I know . . .  Papa, Opapa, Grandpa Faulkner, and Uncle Levi.

And today (on his birthday), remembering your brother, Sage, with love. . . 

Nine Months Old

Hello, little love.  You are nine months old now.  You are becoming more independent every day, and you seem to really want to be a big boy.  

You would rather push the stroller than ride in it.  You like to brush your teeth when I brush mine.  Papa's tools are far more interesting to you than your toys.  You also have started dropping pieces of toilet paper in the toilet and watching it flush (may this bode well for future potty training!). 

                   We took you to the beach for the first time last weekend.  When we got there, it was gray and cold, but we decided to persevere and have our picnic anyway.  Soon after we arrived, the clouds parted and sun peeked through.  It turned into a beautiful day.  You loved playing in the sand, finding rocks and seaweed, and watching the waves. 

One thing that has changed in the last month, is that Papa and I have decided not to have you go to an outside childcare provider.  Papa works in the evenings and I work in the mornings, so we are able to take care of you at home (with help from Grammy!).

This feels like absolutely the right thing for our family and for you.  You cried every time I took you to childcare and every time I came back to pick you up.  It is so much easier for me to go to work, knowing that you are with Papa or Grammy.  You and Papa are forming such a close bond, and Grammy is definitely your buddy.  And when I come home, you practically jump into my arms with a big smile on your face.

The biggest news for this month is that your Auntie Sarah is pregnant!  Sometime next January, you will have a new little cousin.  Sarah and Oceana just left yesterday for a month-long trip to Spain.  Oce will be staying with her dad's relatives, and Sarah will be making a pilgrimage by foot on el Camino de Santiago with her best childhood friend, Sarah S. 

I am so excited to watch Sarah go through this pregnancy and to meet the lucky little baby who will be her child.

Is Forever Enough?

My dear Teo,

When I wrote my last blog post, I totally forgot to include your 8 month photo.  So here it is!  Usually I take a bunch and choose the best one, but this time, you only sat still for this one shot and then you were crawling all over! 

Your development seems to have taken some major leaps this last month.  Not only did you start crawling, you have stood without help for about 10 seconds at a time, and the other day you actually took a little wobbly step.

AND you are talking.  You now regularly call me "Mama," and you call your papa "Bapa."  You make the sign language sign for milk very clearly.  In fact, once I came home when Grammy was watching you, and you were snuggled up with her and signing milk in your sleep! 

Hearing your little voice say "Mama" fills my heart every time you say it.   

Last night, I was at a Head Start teacher appreciation dinner, and part of the presentation was a slideshow of children from the classrooms set to music.  One of the songs was "Lullaby" by the Dixie Chicks.  I didn't expect this, but as I listened to the lyrics, I felt tears on my cheeks.  It really moved me, as I thought about both you and Sage.  There is nothing in the world like the love a parent feels for a child.  Sometimes it leaves me totally speechless and in awe.  

Loving you forever,

Mama

"Lullaby"

(listen)

They didn't have you where I come from

Never knew the best was yet to come

Life began when I saw your face

And I hear your laugh like a serenade

How long do you want to be loved

Is forever enough, is forever enough

How long do you want to be loved

Is forever enough

Cause I'm never, never giving you up

I slip in bed when you're asleep

To hold you close and feel your breath on me

Tomorrow there'll be so much to do

So tonight I'll drift in a dream with you

How long do you want to be loved

Is forever enough, is forever enough

How long do you want to be loved

Is forever enough

Cause I'm never, never giving you up

As you wander through this troubled world

In search of all things beautiful

You can close your eyes when you're miles away

And hear my voice like a serenade

How long do you want to be loved

Is forever enough, is forever enough

How long do you want to be loved

Is forever enough

Cause I'm never, never giving you up