8 months

Dear Bayley,
I can't believe you are already 8 months old. It seems like just the other day I was watching the ultrasound screen as you danced and wiggled and I couldn't sleep at night because you woke me up every 2 hours kicking my ribs.
You still wake me up several times a night to eat and cuddle, but that's okay because I'm sure when you finally sleep through the night a part of me will be sad and I will probably wake up wondering why you don't need me anymore. Another part of me will be rested, so that is good. I am trying to just drink up every second of every moment with you because you are growing so fast and I am loving every stage and every day with you SO much. You are so much fun and I can't imagine this world without you. You can't even talk yet but already you bring so much joy to so many people. Your eyes are so beautiful, your smile can cure anything, and your pudgy little hands and toes are little delicacies desired by all who see them. I can't wait to see the amazing little person in you grow and flourish. You have a wonderful soul little Bayley, and I love you more than you will ever know.
Love always,
Mommy

some things you are doing

jumping so seriously in your jumper, like it's your job or something
trying to talk/yelling/squealing
sitting perfectly but then lunging forward to try to crawl and getting stuck
trying to pull yourself up while sitting in your bath
eating more solids: avocado, rice, cauliflower (yucky), loves bananas, mango, soup, potatos, sweet potatos
wants to eat everything we are eating
loves the tv remotes and cell phones
wants to put everything in your mouth
stands and holds on by yourself
you discovered miss kitty and would like to chase her if you could
you love looking at yourself in the mirror
you love listening to Mommy sing "thumbkin"
loves peek-a-boo finally
you love splashing in your bath and trying to eat the washcloth??
you don't like to sleep in your crib for long periods of time
you go to bed at 9 or 10 and wake up at 10 or 11 (in between waking 2-3 times)
sometimes I have to jump/dance while rocking you to get you to sleep (you fight sleep bad)
you take 2 or 3 naps during the day
you love going outside
you love to eat your toes (they are delicious!!)
you get bored easily
you love your rainforest monkey
you are loved by ALL

We love you so much Bayley, keep on growing and being healthy and happy!! We are so blessed to have you in our lives. Hugs and kisses



and...

some nice prose with some nice advice:

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.


Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.


Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.


Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.


You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.


Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.


With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

-Max Ehrmann