things i've learned in 8 months

I've decided to put a mix of my fave pictures from the past eight months into this post...

1. I never knew that after a day of feeling exhausted and frustrated by you, Drew, I would still want to stare at you while you slept and I never knew that nearly every night your Dad and I would say to each other, "he is so precious!" and just be blown away by watching how adorable and still you are while you sleep... because, let's be honest, Drew, it's the only time of the day that you are still. And then pretty much every night your Dad says to me "don't wake him up!" as I kiss you incessantly.

2. I knew that once babies started eating Cheerios that it sort of got everywhere... but I didn't know that they exponentially multiplied around the house. I don't think I realized that giving you Cheerios destined me to sweep constantly behind you. Seriously, Drew, you have Cheerios stuck everywhere... I pick you up and Cheerios fall out of your diaper and your fat rolls.

3. I've learned that when people ask me what I'm doing staying home that the best response is "saving Drew's life". Basically, Drew, I feel like I chase behind you throughout the day trying to ensure you will make it to tomorrow alive. I bet all parents feel like this to some degree, but  you, well, you Drew, are a maniac (but the best kind, don't worry). You never stop moving, you have such an incredible curiosity and you never worry about getting hurt.

5. When you cry I would do anything to make you better or happier. We were at a race watching your Daddy today and you got so scared whenever people would cheer or clap, I hated seeing you upset but cherished, and I mean it, cherished, the time to cuddle you and whisper that it would be okay... you don't love being held, but when you are upset you like the extra TLC.

6. I never realized how much easier raising a baby would get by six months. You became so much more independent. It's been so fun watching you zoom around in your "car" (baby walker), start taking a bottle less and eating more solid food and learning to pick yourself up off the floor in order to bang on the coffee table or your toy box.

7. Most of all, Drew, I've learned how much I love you and how being a parent is so much easier than I thought, mostly because you make it easy and fun for me. I can't even handle watching you eating and listening to you making your hysterical noises, your Dad and I find that so funny. I love taking you for a walk and watching your eyes gradually close as you finally starting calming down from a morning of fun and play. I love when you try to give me kisses and I wind up with gobs of saliva all over my face... but I secretly love it even when I wipe it off (you know it's a little uncomfortable to have saliva dripping off of you even if it was from your son).

Drew... I'm crazy about you even if you do make me crazy some days. :) You have taught me patience, organization and most importantly, all about love, even when you were too little to show me you loved me back... but now I'll take those slobbery kisses that sometimes end in a bite any day. :)

xo,

Mommy (and I know Daddy feels the same way)