Saying "I love you" without words

There are some things that I am better at than your Daddy, but one of those things is not transferring you sleeping into the car. That crown is for who I lovingly call "The Transfer King".

However you were asleep in my arms, so I decided to give it a shot. But of course you woke up, and you had only now slept for a few minutes so I was sure you would become very upset in the car.

Although you were clearly very tired, you didn't cry. Instead you held your hand out to me, and I reached out expecting you to playfully tap my hand or pull away.

Yet, again you surprised me by holding on tightly to my hand for the entire car ride. The warmth of your soft little hand holding on to mine made my heart melt. A moment in time I never wish to forget. 

The time I unsuccessfully transferred you, but you showed me you loved me despite my failings. 

Blossoming friendship

Over the past few months you have been developing a lovely friendship with a little girl named Melody. In a world where everyone makes very different parenting choices it is amazing to find other families that make all the same choices as you. Yet you and Melody have many things in common thanks to your parents.

This means you both have similar favourites when it comes to food, you both use the potty and often sit together on the potty which is very sweet. You both enjoy playing with "non toys" and being outside getting grubby in nature.

Melody gets very excited when her parents tell her you are coming to visit, and you get very excited and will happily get dressed or go in your car seat if you know we are going to see Melly. 

So it's unsurprising that the other night when we were babysitting Melly you were very excited. Sharing bath time together, splashing each other and swapping ducks and blocks. Melody even helped wash you.

Once we got into bed together, you on one side of me feeding, Melody on the other side snuggling her "wawa's" (koala bears). For a moment I dared to think how easy this was to put you both to sleep....until you sat up and started chatting away hilariously to Melly. It was then I realized that even if you are only ten months old, it is still super exciting to have a friend sleep over and you will want to chat and play well into the night.

Eventually you both did get to sleep. I hope that your friendship with Melly continues to blossom. But she will always be your first true friend. 

Daily rhythms

It's here! Spring has sprung. Though we still wake to chilly mornings, by mid morning we are stripping off jumpers and socks as the sun has taken the chill off the earth. 

Our days have a rhythm to them now. We wake to the sound of birds singing and after some milk and playtime on the bed our rumbling tummies insist we leave our comfy haven.

Before breakfast we visit the chickens to say good morning and have a quick look at the garden, the grass still wet with dew so Mama won't let you down to roam just yet. The fairy wrens that have taken up residence in our garden sing and play, flying across the adjoining backyards. 

Then, we enjoy breakfast most days on the patio so that we can feel the warmth of the sun and you love watching the birds flying above and trying to spot planes.

From there our days are mostly spent in the garden playing. Throwing toys for the puppies to chase. Finding a patch of dirt to sift between your fingers and taste. Pulling the leaves off the snow peas and carrots, or anything you can reach. 

Eventually you tire and Mama will feed you to sleep, still sitting outside as you snuggle on my lap. I love these special days, and the promise of many more beautiful days like this one fill my heart with excitement and hope. 

Full bloom

Your here! Of course you have been here for the past nine months but suddenly you seem so much more present in this earthly realm. It's difficult to explain.

It's like you have been slowly unfolding your petals gradually showing more and more of yourself, then suddenly you are in full bloom. 

You crave interaction. You instigate games like peekaboo. In a crowd you will call out and roar until you get the person of your interests attention.

Everything is fun and a wonderful adventure. You have mastered the stairs both up and down. You confidently climb off the bed. You crawl off outside to see the birds playing in the trees and explore the garden eating dirt and rocks. 

You recognise people you love like your Mama and Daddy. When your Poppy arrives at the door you will stop anything you are doing to go answer the door jumping up and down grinning from ear to ear. The mere mention of your best friend Melody's name makes you happy and seeing you two together is the sweetest sight. 

Everyday is filled with endless possibilities. Seeing the world through your eyes is amazing.

When it rains it pours

It's been a very challenging week. Most likely the hardest week we have ever had. But as difficult as this week was for me, I know it was even harder for you.

Every time you had to get dressed or undressed your world fell apart. Laying down to have a fresh nappy put on was torture. Sleeping was a distant memory. Even eating was not satisfying for a little boy who normally eats more than Daddy. 

Perhaps it was your teeth? Perhaps it was a developmental leap as you transition through a wonder week. Perhaps you were just overstimulated from too many activities lately. 

All I know is I am so very grateful for many things. I am grateful this was your Daddy's week off so I had someone to share the load. I'm grateful to have the means to provide you food and clothing for you to reject. I'm grateful for Gracie for being tolerant enough to allow you to pat her which helped calm you at your most stressful moments.

I'm grateful to have maternity leave so I can be at home to be there for you during your toughest weeks. 

This morning I woke up very early to the sound of pouring rain. The droplets splashing on the roof and the road outside washing the streets and nourishing the gardens. It was the most peaceful moment I have felt in a long time. 

I looked down as you snuggled in the crook of my arm, and you too were at peace. Looking like a gum nut baby, content. I am grateful for the rain. 

The wake up journey

The sun is starting to peek through the cracks between the blinds. Another beautiful winters day has begun.

The birds are happily singing outside our window and their shadows can be seen on our blinds as they dance along the balcony.

Little specs of dust are floating in the air as I look at the ray of Sunshine filling our room. I can't wait to show you this when you are older to tell you the fairies have been busy sprinkling fairy dust in our room while we slept. 

Though I am awake you are still enjoying a morning sleep in. I watch as your chest gently rises and falls with each soft breathe.

Till suddenly you begin to stir, your body stretching, twisting, your eyes still firmly shut. You reach out and begin nuzzling searching for the breast. 

You latch on, and begin drinking like you have been out in the desert for days. Though you have been cluster feeding since the early hours of the morning.

These hurried sucks soon turn to long drawn out gulps as the milk begins to flow freely. After a few minutes the sucking turns to comfort sucks, then stop, as you drift off into another dreamland.

A few minutes later you again stir, eyes still yet to open, as you search madly again for some more milk, maybe one more drink will be enough to help you face the morning. Your 'coffee' pick me up. 

But again you fall back into peaceful slumber. This cycle continues a few more times until finally you stretch your arms up high above your head, rubbing your eyes as if they need the extra encouragement.

Finally they open and our eyes meet, and your face instantly beams as a smile creeps across your face. You let out a trill, your new funny sound. And that's it you are a ball of energy sitting up ready to start the day.

Well, after you've had some more milk of course! 

My little ray of Sunshine

The little whisks of hair at the nape of your neck are long enough now that they often roll into a string of curls. 

Your eyelashes so fair but so long fluttering away as your eyes dance around taking in everyone and everything.

Your legs are getting stronger and more balanced as you confidently pull yourself up to stand, walking along furniture, climbing stairs and people alike. 

Unsurprisingly your feet are growing at a rapid rate, the only part of onesies that don't fit you are the foot holes. But I guess it was inevitable you would inherit your Daddy's feet.

You really enjoy the rhythm of the day, dancing to your own beat as you explore looking for new adventures. 

I love watching you grow and change, seeing you glow with pride when you accomplish a goal. 

Nine months of happiness you have given me. There's not a day passed since you were born that I haven't been able to find joy in my life.