Here you'll find current musings, as well as the archives from two blogs of yesteryear: YoungMarriedMom and What I Learned While Writing a Novel. Please comment and share. We love well when we are in conversation with one another.
Dear Jacob,
You are maturing in leaps and bounds these days! When people ask what is new with you, I have a whole litany that often surprises them. You sit up, you crawl, you’re eating solids, you have teeth. And then once people see these things in action—even after I’ve elaborated on them—they are still awed. It all happens so quickly, they say. I can’t believe that we’re already at seven months and starting to hone in on celebrating your first year.
At the same time, though, you are still little. You are just staring to be able to get to a sitting position on your own. Your crawl is still like the motion of an inchworm. I can count the number of solid foods you eat on one hand. And I can only really see your teeth (all one and a half of them) when you laugh; otherwise, your tongue takes up all the rest of the space in your mouth. I wonder if it will stay that way when you have more chompers to get in the way. Only time will tell.
You are growing up quickly, yes, but not too quickly. I am beyond grateful that I get to spend each day with you, that I get to watch these new milestones happen for you. I am so proud of you, and I fall more in love with you every day, little man. You are just so much fun.
What’s wonderful about visiting with friends and family that we see only every couple of weeks is that they are even more astute about some of the more gradual changes in you. For example, I don’t notice that you have more and more hair each day, but all of a sudden, your scalp is starting to disappear under those brown locks. Because I spend so much time with you, I don’t realize that you turn your head when you hear my voice, more than you do when you hear other, less familiar voices. It takes being with other people to see you have a smile that you keep just for me, and another one just for your dad. And your grandpa has studied your YouTube videos to see that you keep your eyes on me when I’m talking to you, and more often than not, you seem to follow my instructions. How old are you, anyway?!
Even for your grandparents, who have raised a combined eight kids, your achievements are new, special, and absolutely incredible because they are yours. It is wonderful to see how much you are capable of, and to watch who you are show more and more.
Jacob, you are loved. You are so very, very loved, and I hope you always know that. You are a happy, sweet, and fun-loving little boy. You are very relaxed and chill until you decide you want to be somewhere, see something, or touch something (with your mouth), and then you are incredibly determined. I think this bodes well for your future, this agreeable disposition combined with an unshakable resolve to accomplish what is important to you. It reminds me of another guy I know (your dad!), which is a very good thing.
Being your mom made my Easter extra special this year. Being your mom makes every day extra special! You surprise me, you wow me, and you make me want to be a better person.
I love you, little Jacob man. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for me today!
All my love,
Mom