Letters to my son

[dearotto-blog]

New site

Hi love,

I'm moving all these notes to a new blog website. The new address is...

http://mydearchase.blogspot.com

[dearotto-blog]

Today is your 1st birthday. You are growing bigger, getting stronger, and learning new things every day. We love you so much, little man, and we are so proud of you!

[dearotto-blog]

First Birthday Party

We threw your 1st birthday party yesterday. You had a lot of friends and family there, including Grandma Bert! I think you were a little overwhelmed by all the people there, especially when they were singing, "Happy birthday" to you. I know you won't remember that day, but I will. It was so special to celebrate my little man. I love you, boo boo!

[dearotto-blog]

Tonight I was watching video clips of you when you were 2, 3, and 4 months old. I am in shock that you are going to be one year old in one week. Where did the time go? You went from being a tiny little baby that barely moved to a big little boy who is always on the go. I feel so lucky to be able to watch you grow every single minute of every day. You've changed me in so many ways. One of the ways is that you've made me slow down and savor each moment. You've helped me live in the moment. I love you so much and I love that you have taken over my life and my heart.

[dearotto-blog]

You got your first haircut today!

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A couple weeks ago you started clutching onto your blanket in the mornings when we would get you from the crib. You've grown pretty attached to it. So much so that when Dad took it away once, you started to cry. We now bring it downstairs with you every morning when you have your bottle. Dad and I find it amusing that you've all of a sudden become so attached to your blanket.

In other news, your 4th tooth came in yesterday. It's your top right tooth. We also see the outline of the tooth next to that one coming in as well. Perhaps you'll have five teeth by the time you turn one!

Speaking of turning one, we're planning your birthday party. I know you won't remember it, and you may even sleep through the entire thing, but at least you'll have pictures to look at when you get older. We just think you're a rock star and we want to celebrate your first year of life. You're a great kid! We love you to the moon and back.

[dearotto-blog]

Your 3rd tooth

A 3rd tooth came in! It's your top left tooth. We knew that your top teeth were coming in because a.) you were drooling like crazy (a sure sign you're teething); and b.) we could see the outlines of your top four teeth on your gums. Today when I was feeding you breakfast I saw something white sticking out of your gum so I checked to see what it was. Sure enough, it was jagged and sharp. Another tooth!

You're growing so fast, boo boo! I can't believe you're turning 1 year old next month.

[dearotto-blog]

You're starting to crawl with your tummy off the floor. You did it for the first time yesterday when we were on Ryan and Ashley's driveway. I thought it might be a fluke, but then you did it again today in our bathroom. I can't believe how quickly you are learning things. I wish I could freeze time and have you stay a my little baby forever.

You also did the bear crawl today in our backyard, just crawling with your hands and feet. Dad and I have it on video. You're growing so fast!

[dearotto-blog]

This is how you fell asleep during your nap today.

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You were pretty mad at Momma today because you didn't want to take a nap. I had put you down because you hadn't had a nap all afternoon but you apparently didn't want to sleep. When I finally got you from your room, you were standing in your crib, with tears of anger streaming down your chubby cheeks. I felt so bad seeing you like that. So I brought you downstairs and we hung out together for a few hours. I took this picture of us when you were still sort of mad at me. I was trying to calm you down and talk to you.

[dearotto-blog]

This has been milestone week for you. You've learned to do so many things in such a short period of time. You can now go from a lying position to sitting up by yourself. Yay for that! You can also climb the stairs. You climbed to the 3rd stair all by yourself! And last, but not least, you are now able to pull yourself up to a standing position. One morning I looked at you in your crib via the monitor and you were standing. You figured out how to pull yourself up by grabbing your crib rails. You are really keeping Momma on her toes!

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I love watching you while you sleep. Call me crazy, but I especially love your chubby thighs! I just want to squeeze them!

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You are 10 months old today! Time is flying by. It's hard to believe that in two short months you will be a year old. Momma loves you, boo boo!

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I got you from your nap and your hair looked like this! It was too funny.

On another note, you are moving so quickly. You are able to pull yourself up from the main living room floor to our foyer! You even crawled back down to the living room on your own too, even though you sort of bonked your head on the way down. You're growing way too fast, love!

[dearotto-blog]

Check out your bed-head (and your glowing face!). Momma couldn't stop giggling at it.

[dearotto-blog]

And the "Best Baby" award goes to...

...you!

Momma dragged you around in your stroller all day today, from a long morning walk, to having lunch with Auntie Robyn, to strolling through the mall. You could've screamed, thrown a tantrum, been fussy, but you did none of that! You were all smiles, so patient, very content. Momma was so proud of you today. I love you so much, boo boo!

[dearotto-blog]

Big brother

Today we found out that you are going to be a big brother! We heard the heartbeat of the newest edition to our family. Both you and Dad were there and it was really special. You had no idea what was going on, but when Dad handed you to me and said, "Tell Momma congratulations," you came to me with the biggest smile. My heart melted. You're going to be a great big brother! I can't wait for you to have a little sibling to play with.