9 Months

Dear Gage Man,

I am behind on writing this month's letter. Probably because it has been your busiest month! You my child are the move!

You now love to run like crazy in your walker. If you are on hardwood or tile you can go ninety to nothin'!  It's so fun to watch you be so mobile. You like to chase Grumps in his wheelchair and you are an extra at turning and going in reverse to get where you want to go. You like to try to get into cabinets if your little arms can reach that far.

I tease you saying that you must have know the day that you turned 9 months because all in one day you started saying "dada" AND waving your hand at everyone and saying "hiiiiiii". It was so funny, I had to go into town to buy a wedding gift and you started waving around the whole store and saying "hiiiiiiii". It's so cute how you say it, it comes from way down deep and comes out so loud! I can't explain it but it cracks me up :)

You like to go swimming outside in your pool now. You know what "splash" means and you love to do it! You love outdoors and can make the "brrrrmmmmmm" sounds when you see your wagon, Grump's Big Red ATV, our fourwheeler, or lawn mower. Your Poppy Keith and Papa Kenny have introduced you to taking rides on the fourwheeler and you LOVE it. You reach back for it and cry (sometimes) when they take you off. I know this is the start of many rides!

We have had some great family adventures this month!!! We went to Dogwood Canyon Ranch and rode bicycles. We pulled you along in a little cart behind us and you were so content! We rode 8 miles, I believe and you loved to take in all the sites! We saw waterfalls, fish, and all sorts of beautiful scenery. Once we looked back and you had grabbed a leaf off a tree or bush as we had drove by! You were chewing on it & I freaked out!!! You are into everything, son!

We also went to Turpentine Creek zoo and saw all the lions, tigers, and bears. You loved the big brown bear. We took the walking tour, you in the stroller, and I didn't pack sunscreen because of the canopy on the stroller, but it was right at noon and your legs weren't shaded. I was so worried you were going to get burnt, as it was a very sunny and hot day, but NOPE you just tanned. You are our little brownie for sure! You have tanlines on your fat rolls on your wrists and ankles- it's so cute :) You get compliments on your tan all the time!

After the zoo we got ice cream. I bet so far this summer you've had at least a gallon of vanilla ice cream! You take after me. And crazy enough, you HATE watermelon!! Your daddy can eat a whole one all by himself he loves them so much, but you make a horrible face and gag! You are continuing to eat more table food and love to try new things.

You are pulling up still, and with that comes a few bumps on the noggin. No major ones, because we're always right there with you, but I dread this part of you learning to walk. I'm a scaredy cat and hate to see you fall!

Your personality bloomed this month! You used to be pretty laid back, but now you are more giggly and you smile all the time! That smile with your two bottom teeth just melts my heart. We love the little man you are becoming. You love exploring and seeing new things. You get so excited when Daddy comes home from work. You definitely are very attached to your mama! When anyone else holds you, you fuss and lean towards me. Sometimes I just want you to be nice to your aunt, cousin, etc. that's holding you but I know this is just a phase and I love that you want me. I'm your safe.... and I love that!

I celebrated my first Mother's day with you on my hip. You made me a mama & you will always be my baby. It wasn't a day about me, but about YOU. Without you I couldn't celebrate and without you life would be meaningless. You have changed our hearts completely. I feel like for the first time I'm learning what it means to be selfless-- I feel like I was so selfish before. You have changed me in so many ways by making me a Mama. I love you more than words can say.

Three more months until your first birthday. Get the tissues now.

We love you Bubba!!!!!