Nine Months

Nine months is a fairly big milestone.

Gavin has now been outside with us as long as he was inside.  (Though, if he'd had his way, chances are likely he'd still be inside -- our stubborn little boy needed pitocin, forceps, and three hours of pushing to come join us!)

41 weeks pregnant and SO ANXIOUS to meet Gavin

Before the party began...

Just minutes old

The phrase, "It took nine months to put the baby weight on, so give yourself nine months to take it off," now applies.  (My pre-pregnancy clothes fit -- thank goodness -- but this nine month deadline has definitely been looming over my head.)

We have had enough time to hit our stride as parents, factor in how a baby affects our schedules and budget, introduce Gavin to a substantial amount of friends and family, and grow in our marriage.

In the past nine months, Gavin has put on over twelve pounds, grown almost a foot, popped eight teeth, learned to crawl and cruise, started to (finally) sleep through the night with some consistency, and has charmed every person who crossed his path with those cutie pie dimples.  He has learned to wave hello and bye bye, saying "ba ba" as he does so, and has figured out how to put food in his own mouth.  He knows how to tell us when he wants something (a lovely high-pitched shriek) and also when he doesn't (by pushing whatever it is away from him).  He is precious and hysterical and has personality for miles.  

He has made Stephen and I love him, and each other, in such a way that I oftentimes find myself overwhelmed by the enormity of my love is for this little family.

It takes a village to raise a child, and I am proud to be part of the village that has been blessed with the joy of raising Gavin.  It has been the most challenging, most rewarding, most life-altering, most exciting, most tiring, and HAPPIEST nine months of my life.