Dear Grayson,

My sweet baby boy, you are 9 months old. 274 days (and nights!) I’ve had to learn all about you, and to memorize your sweet face. And yet, you change every day. Every day, you are looking less and less like a newborn baby and more and more like a little boy. But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves- you are still a tiny peanut, weighing in at 15 pounds, 2 ounces. We are a little concerned that you still aren’t packing on the pounds like you should, so we are going to see a doctor about that in a few weeks. I know, I know, another doctor. You’ve seen more specialists in 9 months than I’ve seen my whole life. But it’s only because we love you so fiercely, and want the very best care for you.

You’ve had a busy month. Daddy is home for the summer and you guys have been spending a lot of time together while Mommy goes to work. It has been so good for your relationship- I see your eyes light up when you hear your Daddy’s voice and you giggle when he makes silly faces at you. Daddy also taught you your latest skill- giving kisses. You are a very enthusiastic, but messy, kisser- you grab our faces and pull them into your open mouth when we say, “Give me a kiss.” Daddy just thinks it’s cute, but I recognize the beginnings of language, and you communicating with us. I’m thrilled (although I guess now we are going to have to stop cussing at Izzy in front of you!).

This past month, we’ve also introduced you to swimming! You look so cute in your surfer-dude swim trunks and floppy hat. At first, you weren’t sure about the water, but I think you are really enjoying it now. The last time we took you to the pool you were so relaxed that you fell fast asleep on my shoulder. I’m looking forward to watching you play in the water- learning to splash, kick, and swim. But if you want to nap in the pool right now, that’s fine with me.

I know I always brag about your mad sleeping skills, but if at all possible, you’ve gotten even better. You have started sleeping 12 hours straight through the night, from 6 PM to 6 AM. It’s not every night, and I am more than happy to get up at 4:00 on the mornings you do wake up, because I know you need the calories from that bottle, and you always go right back to sleep for a few more hours without any fuss. Every morning, I tiptoe into your nursery and sing, “Good Morning, Good Morning, It’s a Happy Morning”, and that it is. You greet me with the biggest grin and giggles and coos. Then we cuddle for a few minutes before we start our day. It’s quite possibly my favorite part of the day.

Your eating has improved drastically from a month ago. Solids “clicked” with you when I discovered the magic Grayson food- oatmeal. I am feeding you two solid meals a day- oatmeal mixed with fruit in the morning and oatmeal mixed with a vegetable in the late afternoon. You make a huge mess every time, but you’re eating, and enjoying it, so I don’t care one bit. I do wish you would drink more formula each time I give you a bottle, because it’s going to make you grow big and strong, little man.

You’ve got a big month ahead of you- this weekend, Mommy and Daddy are going on a weekend retreat and you are staying with Grammie and Grandaddy. This will be the first time I’ve been away from you for more than, well, half a day? Yikes- this is going to be tough on me. I’m sure you will do just fine and will be spoiled rotton by your grandparents (I just hope you sleep for them as well as you do for us!). Next week, we are going to visit your great-grandparents in Michigan for the 4th of July. This will be a very special trip- just like your trip in January to meet your other great-grandparents was so special. We will be riding on an airplane; the last time we did that you were only 3 months old- this might be quite a different experience! I am so excited for you to meet your Great-Grammie and Papap- they haven’t met you, but love you to pieces. I’ve been sending them pictures of you every month and they think you are the most beautiful baby in the world. Yeah, I know, Duh.

My sweet, silly, scrumptious baby boy- I love you more than words could ever express. Happy 9 Months Little Dude.

Love,
Mommy