An Open Letter to My Son, or The Best Six Months of My Life

Charles, I'm not one for using cliches often, but this one is apropos: Where has the time gone? Weren't you born five minutes ago? Wasn't I pregnant yesterday? (I look like I was pregnant yesterday.) How did six months pass in the blink of an eye?

You went from this:To this:

This:

To this:

This:

And this:
To this:
And this:

I told Tony this morning that in 20 years, we'll wish we could live this all again. And it's true. Every day that I get to hold you in my arms and rock you to sleep is a blessing - and I know you won't let me do it forever. Gosh, you used to fit so well in the crook of my arm, over my shoulder, and on my chest. Now, you are so big that it is difficult to position ourselves on the couch for a nap. When you come into bed with us around 5 am each day, you take up a third of the bed, your arms sprawled out to both sides. We love it, and I will be sad when you are truly too big to sleep with us. As much as I will be ecstatic when you finally sleep through the night in your crib, I will miss our cuddle time in bed together, dozing in the early hours of the morning to the sounds of your sweet breath.

We do pretty well together, huh, kid? I manage to get us both dressed by 9 am most days, and even the dog gets fed on schedule. You have loved food up until this weekend, and now you seem to hate everything but bananas. I can't understand why you don't like blueberries, but there you have it. Your personality is coming to light, and when you don't like something, you let us know. I wish I could capture your funny faces when you eat green beans or peas. You pout when I leave the room and light up when I return. Your favorite part of the day is when Daddy gets home (mine, too), and you always squeal in delight at his arrival. It is your biggest sadness that the dog won't let you bury your face and hands in his fur, but you are grossly happy just to watch Buster walk around and wag his tail. You love anyone who doesn't smell too much (perfume is ucky) and are especially intrigued by other kids.

I must say, baby, I couldn't have planned for a better son. You light up my life and you challenge me. The fact that I hand you off to your Daddy when he gets home and frequently leave the house alone to clear my head only goes to show that our days are intense, and filled with fun. You've grown so fast, my mind boggles. You won't remember this time we had together when you were little, but I will, and I will cherish it forever. I love you more than you will ever know.