Its All White...: September 2013

"gotta problem? i like sucking on my bug antennae- deal with it."

"check out my newly sprouted bed head!"

Dear Matthew,

I am ashamed to have let 7 (almost 8) months go by and I have yet to do a single post about just you and your countless milestones, quirks, memories, loves, and dislikes... But better now than never! Where to begin...

We have affectionately named you Chubbabubba and Captain Chunk for the obvious reason... you are a precious plump little butterball, and your rolls are something we adore. Truth be told, I am sad to notice them already thinning out as you become more active (as I write this you are attempting to start crawling)... I am not in any hurry to have you crawling or walking just yet, both for my convenience and to make those rolls and pudge stay on your little bones a little bit longer. But while I'm at it, you have become quite good at rolling over and scootching across the floor to explore your surroundings (your nana has nicknamed you Scootch). This past month you started sitting up on your own for long periods of time -until you get bored and plop over to roll to the next eye catching distraction, or until your sister decides its time to smother you, pick you up, or help you roll over. You just started pushing yourself up to sitting. You prefer to be on your feet- we have a feeling you might be walking shortly after crawling (if even then!)
August 28, your first bottom tooth finally poked through (you have been teething for weeks!) I am praying the rest of the bottom three come through soon so you (and I) can get a full night's rest again... You started sleeping through the night around 3-4 months, but those teeth have created havoc and many restless nights for us (while I am sleep deprived, I do enjoy middle of the night cuddles with you which I know won't last forever)

You came out of the womb with strong lungs (enough so that your not-so-little cry could be heard down the hall), and you apparently intended to keep them strong as you started out the first few months colicky (not sure if that was it or if it was my diet- I cut out coffee and chocolate for you- that's how much this momma loves you)... by 6 months your little crying fits lessened in frequency, but rest-assured you still have those strong lungs ;-)

You are a simple little man... you are pretty much easy to please and one of the happiest and smileyest (its officially a word in my dictionary) babies I have ever known. In the past month you and your sister (who adores you to death- sometimes a little too much and smothers you with her affection) have become fast friends and you love to laugh and play with her... it melts this mommy's heart and I'm not gonna lie- its convenient to have the distraction so I can get my chores done or dinner made. We all LOVE your little laugh and your quirky facial expressions... especially when you quickly go from a very expressive serious look to ear to ear smiles in a second. You are becoming a ham for the camera just like your sister (apparently you and her get it from the Smith side- before long you will understand the cue "normal" :)

You have a way about you that makes each person who holds you feel special and loved... I honestly don't know how to explain it other than- you have this super-power ability to melt hearts already, and as your personality continues to blossom, this power only intensifies.

You love bath time and water play (much more than your sister)... you especially love the bumbo in the shower with me (super convenient). You love food- just as long as it doesn't involve mommy having coffee or chocolate- and you are ready for bacon, steak, and hamburgers judging by the drool and stare-downs when they are anywhere in your line of sight (or smell).

You are a momma's boy (daddy refers to you as my "prince") and I am savoring every second of your affection because I know that won't last forever (enter sad face)... I have mastered (9/10 times) your cries, your routine, and I admit- you have me wrapped around your little finger (you insist on being hummed and bounced to sleep, you let me know very clearly when you are not happy about being set down in a particular place or with particular toys, and you light up when you hear my voice enter a room- which I know will probably be replaced with groans at some point, but for now I adore the smiles)

I realize there is so much more I am probably leaving out of this long overdue update, but where I lack in updates, I made up for in pictures... Its bitter sweet looking back on these 8 months that have felt more like 8 weeks or less as you have grown from our little 8 lb bundle, to our plump little 21 lb butterball!

I am savoring every moment, and while it makes me sad to see you grow out of your baby chub, it is such a joy to see your personality blossom.

Love, momma