I'm Good at Loving You

Blog Every Day in May: Day 2, Educate us on something you know alot about or are good at. 

Dear Jack, 

It's been a while since I've written just for you. I think there are a lot of things I do well, but the thing I do best? Love you. I may not be great at discipline or patience. I may not always be the best playmate or chef. Sometimes I fail you and I can only imagine that this will happen more and more as you get older, but just know that the best thing I do every day is love you. 

There really isn't much baby left on you. Other than that buddha belly you stick out with pride, any trace of baby fat has given way to little boy limbs and big boy attitude. Still, there has not been one day where you do not bring a smile to my face. 

There may be some days where I throw my hands up and say, "Today, I will not win." Days where tantrums and naughtiness fill up the hours and my frustration level exceeds my ability to see past the moment. But despite our bad days, little boy of mine, you never fail to make my heart grow with more love for you. 

This morning you climbed into my lap. You rested your head on my shoulder and tucked your legs into a tiny little pretzel shaped nugget of snuggles. We talked about our big trips coming up. You asked where Da-Da was. Then you pointed to me and said, "Mommy!" and pointed to yourself and said, "Jack!" I excitedly exclaimed "good job!" and "smart boy!"and you smiled and puffed out your chest a little in pride. I live for those moments. I hope to make you feel that way the rest of my days. 

I may not be the best at parenting - but I am the best at loving you. 

Dear Bubba

Dear Bubba, 


Today you are 10 months old. You are such a big boy! 

In two short months you will be ONE YEAR OLD!
I feel like so much has changed this month... every day you learn something new.You have two new two front teeth that add just the cutest bit of cheese to your drool filled grin.You wave like a mad man (even when it doesn't make sense to wave...)
We've also started to teach you the word, "no".At first I started saying it to you three times in a row before removing you from the "no" activity.It became pretty obvious that you understood when you started shaking your head "no".Sometimes you tell yourself "no" by shaking your head before I even have to say anything.
You are officially real "crawling" and cruising around the furniture all day every day!Everyone says you'll be walking any minute, but I'm in no rush for you to start!
You are such a sweet boy.You are the happiest little ray of sunshine and I love your laugh!You are so playful and it takes A LOT to make you mad.
You are also strong-willed... I have NO IDEA where you get it from (coughdaddyandicough)It is a hilarious combination with your sweet disposition.
You babble from sun up to sun down.The sound of your voice is the sweetest music to my mama ears.I love all the noises and sounds that you make, you are quite the conversationalist!
I am astounded that another month has passed us by. I wish I could freeze time and speed it up all at the same time!I cannot wait to watch you grow, hear your first words, and watch your first steps.At the same time I crave those first few teeny tiny months...
Oh Bubba, I love you so! You have your Mama's heart - and you always will!

No Really, They Are Obsessed With You!

Dear Bubba, 


I want to tell you about how lucky you are. 
I mean, not only do you have your Dad and I for parents, 
but you have MY parents for a Grandma & Papa.

Seriously, kid, you are so blessed to have their unconditional love.
They spoil you rotten - and I fear it will only get worse! 

You are the apple of your grandparents eyes, and they cannot get enough of you!
Your mama feels so lucky to have all of their love and support for our little family..

They are always willing to offer a helping hand and are so hands on with you!
Your grandparents are so good at following the "what the mama says goes!" rule..I am grateful for this! But you should know that I call your grandma at least once a day for suggestions/advice.

Mostly, I just want you to know how happy it makes me to see you with your grandparents. 
I cannot wait to see a relationship between all of you grow as you get bigger and bigger. 

I am so blessed to be close with my parents and have them be able to be a big part of your life!

Like I said, little man, you are one lucky boy!
Because really, your Grandma and Papa are TOTALLY obsessed with you - and so am I!

A Letter To Da Bubba

Dear Jack, 

Today was just a normal Monday, but I took out the camera for the first time since we've been home from DC and snapped a few pictures of you. It got me thinking about just how much you have changed in the past 8 months. Not only do you look completely different with your grey/blue eyes (just like Mama's!) and your honey hair, but you are learning so much each and every day!

I love the way you curl your little monkey toes. When you play with your toys, you aren't just playing with your hands, but ALWAYS with your feet as well. This makes me laugh and I call you my little monkey boy. 

You're an easy going guy, who doesn't ask for much more than some room to army crawl and to be allowed to yell loud "bah bah bah"s wherever you go. You also like to say "Ah Da!", "Mamamamama", and a WIDE variety of other noises and syllables you manage to string together at any given time. Your little voice is so sweet and I love hearing you talk. We have whole conversations where all I have to say is, "Oh really?" and "what else?" or "How interesting!". You've also started responding to you're name. When I say, "Jack!" or even, "Bubba!" you stop what you are doing to turn around and look at me, usually with a mischievous grin :) 

You amaze me with your curiosity and determination. In the past couple of weeks you have figured out how to pull yourself up on the stairs, then the coffee table, what next?! Lord help me, your mama is not ready for all of this mobility and independence! Today you discovered the doors on our entertainment center, and provide entertainment, it did! You were opening and shutting those doors for an hour. 

You'll be walking and talking before we know it, and I cannot wait to watch you grow more and more. You're daddy and I feel so blessed to be your parents. The other night we broke down and broke the rules, getting you out of your crib and placing you between us in our bed. We snuggled you and kissed your sweet cheeks while you slept and your daddy whispered, "we don't deserve him". It's as simple as this my sweet sweet Bubba - we love you every second of every minute of every day, no matter what! 

Love, your mama!