Oh, motherhood.

I remember, when I was pregnant with Jude, I thought I would never forget every little precious detail.  Every moment, every fear, every symptom, every joy.

Oh, how quickly we do.

I've been freaking out concerned the past day or two because I couldn't feel little G2 moving much... if at all.  I know, anterior placenta, blah blah blah.  But when you had felt the babe, and then... nothing... you can't help but be concerned as a mama.  

I prayed and prayed that I would get some sign that he/she was still wiggling about in there.

Still nothing yesterday.  I feel like I was awake most of the night because I didn't want to miss the slightest movement.  That, and insomnia is one of my lovely pregnancy symptoms.

Then today.  This kid won't. stop. moving.

And I remembered.  Jude had similar patterns.  He'd be kinda calm and quiet for a day or two and then be a crazy man.  I usually grew a bit at that time too.  I always thought it was a growth spurt.  And eventually, I got used to it and stopped worrying if a day passed where he seemed to be sleeping a bit more.

Motherhood... keeps you on your knees, that is for sure.

* * * 

On another note, we've been having nap battles over here.

One nap, or two?  That is the question.

My boy has always been such a good sleeper, and he is such a happy boy.  Honestly, if I didn't have a video monitor I'd think he was sleeping like an angel.  But, thank goodness for the video, I realize that he is not sleeping, but rather standing in his crib, walking around the edges over and over.  He's also sitting down, throwing his blankie around and trying to give his stuffed giraffe his paci.  Not making a peep (aside from the occasional squeal of joy)... and this went on for an hour and a half this afternoon.  I went in a few times to lay him back down and every time was greeted by a tremendous smile.  I kept at it thinking surely he would give in soon.

Nope.

So, today was a one nap day.  We'll see what tomorrow brings.  But I feel like my baby 10-month old can't possibly be old enough for one nap?!  Can he?

Oh, motherhood.

Look at this after-bathtime hair.

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Dear Jude :: 10 months

My sweet crazy boy,

You clearly are a busy boy!

You are no longer in the single-digits, but such a big boy at 10 months old!  And what a monumental month it has been.

Let's start with the obvious.

You are sitting up, pulling up, standing up by everything.  And badly badly want to walk.  You sometimes forget that you can't (without support) and will just let go and take a tumble.  I think the days are numbered before you actually do take those first steps.  Life is different now with such a mobile baby!  We've had to up the baby-proofing to keep you safe.  You are actually a pretty obedient baby so far (knock on wood).  You understand "no" and will often listen without a fuss.  Sometimes you get really sad when Mama has to get stern with you, but overall, you listen great.

You are still taking two naps a day, but have started to show signs that you might be ready for one nap before long.  Your naps are usually at 10am and 2/2:30pm.  You go to bed around 7-7:30pm and wake up at 8am most days.  You get three 6-8 oz bottles a day!  One at 8am when you first wake up, one around 2pm, and one around 7pm before bed.  You are no longer eating any purees, but basically eat what we eat.  I pretty much just have to share my lunch with you every day. :-)  I don't mind.

You still love playing with Daddy ("ah-da!") and Macy (Doggy, aka "dugg-uh").  Lately you've enjoyed chasing Macy around the house... which basically looks like you squealing with joy while Macy runs in circles around you.  You love your Touch and Feel books and legos you got for Christmas.  Oh, and let's not forget Praise Baby.

The world stops for Praise Baby.  This continues to be the only TV show that grabs your attention.  It has been a life-saver for me, as I just plop you in your jumperoo and put it on for 10-15 minutes so I can grab a shower.  And it is the only time you will sit in my lap and snuggle.  I usually put it on for 10-15 minutes to wind down before naptime and get a few extra snuggles from my boy.

I'm not sure how big you are.  I'm guessing at least 21lbs and close to 30" if not more.  You don't have another doctors appointment until 1 year (what?!?!), so it'll be awhile before we get fully accurate measurements.

You are finally getting over a cold that was hanging around for the past month.  Luckily, it seemed to be just a cough, but it has prevented us from going to church for the past 3 weeks!  I'm eager to get you back to church and used to the nursery, since we have only had one successful Sunday in the nursery so far!

You clap when you are excited, or when you copy Mama and Daddy clapping.  You have started signing "More" and "All Done", although only on your own terms. :-)  You will point to things when asked.  Light, cup, doggy, kitty-cat, Mama, Daddy, etc.

It is just crazy to me that you are basically a toddler.  This huge transformation from baby to little boy is happening right before my eyes.  We love you oh, so much, little boy!  Happy 10 months.

Love,

Mama

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, two of my favorite boys grow up a day.

The bigger one will leave his beloved twenties behind and take on the responsibility of a thirty-year-old! 

I tease him about it, of course, because I have to, being that I am 3 years younger.  But I have a feeling that our thirties are going to be some of the best years yet.  Raising our family.  Our kids starting school.  Hopefully adding more kids to the mix somehow.  Maybe moving.  Maybe a new career direction for Jordan.  Who knows.  I'm excited for this new era in my hubby's life.

 

And I'm SO happy that it is him that I am doing life with.  He's such a servant.  His actions convict me to be more giving.  He's an amazing father.  Regardless of the kind of day he's had at work, he pushes it all aside and gets down on the floor with Jude to spend every moment he can with him.  Family comes first with this man.  

He's passionate.  About our marriage.  His family.  Music.  Politics.  History.  Truth.  Christ.  Discipleship.  The Church.  Reading the word every day.  Get him started on any of these topics and you'll know what I mean.

He's quirky.  Spontaneous dances in the kitchen are not unheard of.  Crazy nick-names for everyone in the house (I'm surprised anyone knows their real name).  The goofy voices he uses when reading to Jude.  

He knows who he is.  In Christ.  As a man.  And that is super attractive.

Then there is this little guy, who will be 10 months old tomorrow (although these beautiful pictures were taken when he was 7 months old).  I'm savoring his last day as a single-digit baby.  But we'll have more updates on how crazy much he's grown in the past month tomorrow.  Just looking at this picture it blows my mind how much a baby can grow in a few months.

All of that to say, I love my little (growing) family.  I'm so excited for what this next season holds for us!

Happy last-day-of-being-29, my love!

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