Mother

When I was pregnant with Luke, I would think about bringing him home to a cute crib, rocking him in a comfy chair, and changing cute little cloth diapers to lessen our contribution to the landfills of the world.  I would read him stories, tell him jokes, sing to him, and even review the day's mail with him.  I thought a lot about how I would want to raise him, how I would mold him into the most awesome little guy ever.

Let's just say, we didn't bring him home and put him in his cute crib.  He slept in his pack-n-play in our room.  The comfy chair was in the next room and I was too tired to walk across the hall to sit in it, so I'd sit in bed and rock back and forth.  The cloth diapers were too big when he came home so we used pampers.  And then some more pampers, and then...well, more pampers.  We still read stories, sing and dance and stack and knock down block after block.  I think we're doing a good job raising him, setting boundaries, and providing a comfortable home.  At least, I think that's what we're doing.

But since the day he was born, I'm a completely different person.  I never once thought about how he would mold me.  I'm more patient, kind, forgiving.  I see the world completely different than before.  I seek out advice on the web about what kids eat.  When should they try this?  When should they be doing that?  And I've come to realize, mothers don't know it all.  And I don't think I want to.

I love my little mister, and I'm so thankful for the joy he brings me, Chris, and everyone he comes in contact with.  He truly is a blessing in my life.

Letter to Baby

Dear Luke,

15 months and growing like a weed.  We've been so busy this past month that I'm late in writing this!

Your vocabulary sure is growing.  You now say 'mama', 'daddy/dada', 'assy' (for passy), 'asser' (for Baxter) and 'baby'.  You sign 'all done', 'more' and you clap.  You're pointing at things you want and initiating us in play more and more.  You also shake your head yes or no rather appropriately when asked a yes/no question.  It sure is fun to see your nonverbal communication skills growing as well as your vocabulary!

You toddle around everywhere.  You refuse to stay still for too long and you actually eat breakfast on the move.  I hold the banana and you come get a bite when you're ready for it.  You also like to walk around while drinking your milk out of the side of your mouth so that it doesn't block your view while you're walking around.

We experienced your first sleep-over when your cousins came to stay with us.  You had so much fun chasing Jude and Grant around and loved watching them throw the ball outside.  I know you'll be right in on all that action in the next few months.  They really wore you out, too.  After they left, you took a super long nap.  Maybe we should have them over more often!

This past month was also the first time we've been to the doctor because you were sick.  You ended up with strep throat and running fever, so we had to put you on a little medicine to help clear that up.  After a few days on the medicine, you were back to normal, which was great because we had plans to go visit your Grandma and Grandpa in NWA!

Once we were comfortable with how you were doing (and then mom got sick), we left for NWA for a weekend visit at Grandma and Grandpa's.  You, daddy and Grandpa went to a Razorback baseball game and you stayed for 7 innings!  The Razorbacks won and daddy and Grandpa said you were excellent and loved watching the players swing the bat and throw the ball.

Today is your 15 month check up so we'll see how you're progressing.  Who knows, maybe we'll get out of the 10th %tile!

We love you and can't wait to see what you do next!
Mom and Dad