Dear Weston, 12 months

Dear Weston,

Happy Birthday buddy!  One year ago today we were sitting in our hospital room staring at your sweet face, in awe of the fact that we just expanded our family by one sweet baby boy.  We are so incredibly blessed to have you as our second born.  Your content nature, contagious smile, and overall sweetness are beautiful gifts the Lord put in you.

We recognize these qualities and are grateful God allowed us a baby like you while continuing on the parenting learning curve.  You are a beautiful, sweet, healthy baby boy.  Such a blessing!

Weston, I absolutely LOVE being your Mom.  I've had the privilege of being with you for all your milestones and for most every smile.  We've shared lots and lots of snuggle time.  I think I may have forced you into becoming a cuddler, but you sure love it now.  You squeeze my arm tight and often find the nook of my neck for a long snuggle.  You pop your head up only to give me a big smile and then burry your head back down.

If you are upset, it only takes your Dad or I scooping you up and you calm down right away.   If you see one of your blankets on the floor you do your fastest crawl towards it and dive your head down onto your blanket for a snuggle.

You love to nuzzle your swaddle blankets and listen to your mobile lullaby song.  You really like your crib and usually fall right asleep when we lay you down.

You also enjoy your carseat.  This has been an added bonus!  You're all about car rides and love to try and get Luke to laugh at you by screaming "BA" over and over again.  Luke laughs and usually joins in the screaming.  It can get a little loud in there, but most of the time the laughter overrides any irritation the loud noises might cause me.

You have lots of tricks.  You love to shake your head back and forth as if you are saying "No".  Sometimes I think that's what you are saying :).  You crawl around the house shaking your head back and forth I have no idea what you are doing, but it always makes us laugh. You also like to do "so big' and scream from your high chair to see who you can get to mimic you.  You are pulling up on things and cruising.  You have even attempted to climb the stairs.  You love things with buttons and most of all like crawling after your brother through the house.  You still love jumping in your jumper, but I'm afraid we are about to hit the weight limit!

What a fantastic year it has been, I cannot imagine life without you, precious boy.  Weston, we pray your tender heart, content spirit, care and interest in others, and overall sweetness remain as you continue to grow into the person God's created you to be.  While I always get a little sad when my babies get older, I am learning to love each new season God brings.  You are a delight and I love you with all my heart!

Love,

Mom

Dear Weston, 11 months

Dear Weston,

This year has gone faster than I thought possible.  We are just a few short weeks away from your 1st birthday.  How can this be?  I cannot tell you enough how blessed we are to have you in our family.  Your presence alone brings joy to my heart.  Seriously, I just have to be near you and I feel happier.  It's the truth!

You have grown a lot in your abilities this past month!  You are crawling!  You love to chase your brother around the kitchen island.  Some of your favorite things to play with are the match game cards.  You love to open the box and throw all of them out all over the floor.  Then you put one in each hand and crawl all over the house with them like they are your friends.

You LOVE my phone and get very upset if I have to take it from you.  You notice which toy you were playing with and are not happy if someone takes it from you. :)

You are practicing some new sounds.  You say; mama, dada, buba, nana, and papa.  You babble often with your low voice and scream in your very high pitched voice.  Your pallet is proving to be a little more picky than your brothers'.  You definitely love to eat, but seem to be sensitive to different textures.  You make hilarious faces of disgust when something just doesn't feel right in your mouth and then push out the remains with your tongue.  

Let's see, you can pull up on things, get up on all fours and sometimes use your head to balance.
You can wave hello, scream with delight when you know you've done something good, drink out of a sippy cup, and you still fall asleep anywhere we lay you.  I think that's the best trick of all!

You have 2 teeth and seem to be working on 2 more.  You are in 12 month and some 18 month clothing.  People notice how big you are, but they also notice how sweet and content you are.  Several of our friends are having babies this month and they've all hoped to have a "Weston baby" because you are so easy!

Dad and I left for a few days to go see Aunt Joy and Uncle Scott in their new place in Knoxville.  Nana and Papa stayed with you and your brother.  You did great and had special bonding time with Nana and Papa.

Did I mention I've coerced you into snuggling?  I couldn't help it.  You are too sweet not to be snuggled.  You like to be held and hold on tight to my arm.  You give great hugs and kisses and have such a tenderness about you. 

Weston, I pray daily God would capture your heart at a young age.  I pray He would develop a deep affection and friendship between you and your brother.  I pray God gives your Dad and I the grace and wisdom to parent you well.  We love you so much, buddy!
Love,
Mom

Dear Weston, 10 months

Dear Weston,

Another fun month just flew by.  Summer has officially started and we have taken full advantage of the pool already.  So far, you are all about the water.  Laughing and splashing your hands and feet with so much joy.  You remind me so much of Luke in your little bathing suit.  (It's the one Luke wore when he was your age).  You two are looking more and more alike.

Your little personality continues to expand as you interact with us, giving us kisses and mimicking our laugh.  You are such a lover.  You love to nuzzle your head on things.  You nuzzle my face and give me open mouth kisses on the cheek.  It is precious!  You love Luke and love it even more when he lets you pull on him and tackle him.  You giggle and scream when you see Daddy walk in the room.  You love to be thrown high in the air and give your best belly laugh at the height of the throw.  You also love to try and give kisses to Grant!  I am so glad you guys get to grow up together!

I love watching you figure out how to crawl.  We are still waiting for you to figure out how to use those legs to move yourself forward! You are so close!  I have a feeling food will be the motivator.  I have already put some puffs a couple feet away from you and you've figured out how to roll and maneuver your way over to them every time :).

You can pick up both your feet from the sitting position and balance on your bum.  It is so funny looking and also pretty impressive!!

I haven't gotten a good picture of your teeth yet!  This month you've cute 2 teeth on the bottom.  True 
to form, we barely knew you were teething!  You had a few fussy moments, but really you were so brave, we didn't even know the second one was on it's way!

Your Dad and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary on the same day you turned 10 months!  Such a special day!  We have learned so much about marriage this year.  God is not allowing your Dad and I to stay in the same place.  He is calling us to grow in love, in service, in forgiveness, and I think even in laughter :).  Marriage is hard work, but it's the best kind of work.  I hope you are able to see God's work through watching how your Dad and I love each other.

You just continue to bring light and joy to our family.  I love watching you do anything, Weston because it's most always with a smile and a content spirit.  There's not much else to say except you are a true blessing in our home.

I love you so!
Mom

Dear Weston, 9 months

Dear Weston,

We've hit the "in my belly/out of my belly" magic number- 9 months!  21 lbs and 28 1/4 inches.  You are 75% percentile in height and 50% in weight.  Your weight seems to be evening out, although there are still plenty of rolls to be found (thank GOODNESS).

You have been doing lots of new things this month!  Your fine motor skills are coming along nicely as you pinch your purple puffs between your thumb and forefinger slowly finding your mouth.  You LOVE puffs and you LOVE to eat.  I believe there is a pattern developing with my children and their food.

MUST.  HAVE.  MORE.

Screaming fits always accompany your last bites of food.  You can tell when we are getting to the end as I scrape the spoon around the side of the jar.  When you see that happening, you scream.  You have a very loud very high-pitched scream sweet baby boy.  It's the kind that make dogs howl and animals run away.

We are trying to teach you signs for "more please" but just like your brother, you choose to sign by slapping your hand on the highchair.  You mostly eat pureed food because you still have that beautiful gummy smile.  No teeth and not too much "teething" going on yet.

You do this adorable thing when you are tired.  You rock your head back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, until you dizzy yourself into sleeping.  At least, I think that's what you're doing?  I asked the Doctor about your "head rocking" months ago because it made me a little worried.  She said it's just something you like to do, so I stopped worrying.  I can't remember when you started this, but you've been doing it at least since 2 months.  It's an adorable telltale sign for when your ready to go to sleep. I just LOVE that little detail about you, son.

You are still only eating lunch and dinner and are nursing 5 times a day (this information is more for me than you).  We will be starting breakfast soon, I've held off because I know it will take some extra effort for me to get out of the house on time.  (I struggle, a little...)  You are taking 2 naps a day and are on a great and easy schedule.

Although technically, we haven't literally pushed you down when you start trying to crawl, we're not exactly encouraging it.  You can push yourself backwards and walk your hands from side to side, but you haven't quite figured your legs into the equation yet.  Like I said, we are not hurrying you along  because at this point your almost 3 year old partner in crime is doing enough moving for the entire house.

You and your brother have such a sweet relationship. You light up whenever you hear Luke's voice.  You are so enamored with whatever Luke is doing at the moment.  Luke often brings you toys, shares his toys with you, hugs and comforts you when you are sad, and loves to make you laugh.  One of my favorite times of day is when I can get both of you in the car together.  Luke talks to you and you laugh at whatever he is saying, and then he laughs too, and then I can't help but tear up from the sweet sounds going on behind me.

Your giggle, your smile,  oh Weston.  They light up the room.  Your twinkly eyes, long eye lashes, wide grin, and round cheeks bring so much joy to my heart.  I can see contentment in you,  I see a little guy who loves being with people, but doesn't have to be the center of attention.  I see silliness and real toughness in you.  These are such gifts.

I love that you and your brother made me a mom.  One of the BIGGEST blessings in my life. What a gift.  I am so glad I get to Mother you.

I love you baby boy!
Mom

Dear Weston, 8 months

Dear Weston,

Hold on, how did you become 8 months old already?  While the months are flying by, I am enjoying every bit of baby time I have with you, precious one.  I am happy to report you are becoming just a little more cuddly each month.  I've coerced you into letting me rock you for a little while before I lay you down at night.  You rest your head on my shoulder and pick at my sleeve as I sing "Doxology" to you.  While I do not have a good voice, you still love it when I sing to you- which is too sweet for words.  Luke will sing to you when you are upset and you most always calm right down.  It's really special to see your brother care for you in that way.  He is attuned to your feelings and wants to help you when you are sad. Also, he is still the best at getting the most genuine laugh from you.

 You've found a new noise this month.  If only when you read this you could hear my imitation scream. 

"AAAAHHHH!...... AH!...... AAAAHHHH!"  

It's a deep, serious, come from the gut, make your face red, scream.  It's loud and it comes with such force it makes your arms poke out from your sides like sticks on a snowman.  It seems as though you might be mad or irritated at something when you do it, but you're not.  In fact, half the time it comes with a great giggle at the end of it.  

You "perform" this scream at random times, like during meals at a restaurant, when you wake up from your nap, while you are waiting for the next bight of food... etc. Now I'm wondering if it's your own way of getting some attention?  Hmmm, maybe.... :) 

Often, you wake up from your afternoon nap before your brother, so we get some treasured alone time together.  I use this time to snuggle you, talk to you about what's going on, read with you, and point out your little hands and your cute button nose.  Everything about you is so special to me, Weston.  I delight in uncovering all the little pieces of your personality.  So far it seems to me, you are a laid back kind of guy.  You love to watch and join in the fun, but don't necessarily have to be the center of it. You love being with people and want to be where everyone else is hanging out. You are a chatty little guy and like to try out all kinds of noises.  You have the sweetest disposition and a very content nature.

You are sitting up pretty well now, as you can see from these pictures.  Sometimes you kick your legs in excitement and fall back, so we often place pillows behind you to catch your fall.  You are saying, "Da Da Da" and sometimes we get "Ma Ma", which I Luuuurve :).  You continue to eat very well and have gone with whatever concoction I throw together- even peas mixed with oatmeal :). Not unlike your brother, you are not happy when the food is gone.  You'll be glad to know, since you are now having lunch and dinner with us you are getting more baths.  Due to the obvious aftermath left all over your face and usually hair, I am finally getting with the program.

oh that profile... I love it so.

"Michelin Man" arms and kissable cheeks..... 

Easter came and went during your 7th month on this earth, though, this truth we celebrate is for 

every

single

day.  

His grace washes over me everyday and I am so humbled, so grateful.  Weston, my deepest prayer for you is that you would understand your desperate need for Jesus.  I pray His truth takes root in your heart and you learn to commune with the God who created you.  What amazing love He has for you.

All my love,

Mom

Dear Weston, 7 months

Dear Weston,

You are so lovable.  Aunt Joy got one of the few true snuggles you give and I'm not gonna lie, I was slightly jealous. While you only give long snuggles on special occasions, you continue to be the most content little baby I have ever met.

You are such an observer yet still want to be right in the mix with everyone.  Dad and I have taken you along on many dates because you just hang out in your car seat quietly watching the scene go on around you.  This easy going personality is wonderful, but it seems to cause you to be a little behind in some ways.  For instance, you are still not rolling over.  You are so content to lay on your back and watch what is happening that you could care less if there is a multitude of toys on either side of you just waiting for you to grab.  All in good time buddy, I am in NO rush for any of your "babyness" to hurry along.

When you're at home with Luke and I your number one favorite place to be is your jumper.  You are all about that jumper. It doesn't have the best shocks on it, or best bounce for that matter, in fact it makes a squeaky noise every time you jump!  None of that matters to you because you LOVE to jump.  Ever since you tried out that toy you think you can jump anywhere anytime.  

You don't often sit on our laps anymore, you need to stand up and jump.  When I hold you walking around the house you move your body up and down just waiting for me to put your feet flat somewhere.  During tummy time you crank your legs up and down showing off your best "air" jump.  However, this motion has you moving backwards instead of forwards.  We've got jumping down, but crawling still seems to be quite a ways off for you... (I couldn't be happier about that btw :)

Part of why I love the baby stage so much is because I can hold you and squeeze you whenever I want.  You are so tender and sweet that it makes me just want to eat you up!  Your little hand often reaches up to gently touch my face and hair when I hold you.  You smile when anyone looks at you.  You give your loudest and longest laugh to Luke. When Dad gets home from work not only does he get a running jump-hug from Luke, but he gets huge smiles, jumps, and squeals from you.  I know it makes his day just as much as it makes mine.

You were dedicated to the Lord on Sunday February 24th, 2013 along side your cousin, Grant.  What a special day it was.  What a blessing it is to have family and friends who are doing life with us on a weekly basis.  What a blessing it is to have family and friends who love God and who are attempting to live their lives for His glory.

You are such a gift to us baby boy.  We want you to know, our goal is not to raise Godly children, but to be Godly parents.  We know more of life is caught than taught, so we pray God teaches us, shapes us, and gives us all the grace we need to be Godly parents for you and your brother.  We've already failed miserably in so many ways but God's story for you is to be redeemed back to Him.  We know He has the ability to use us despite our mistakes to get right to your heart.  I pray you are able to see His love for you always, no matter how bad your Dad and I mess up.  He is your Heavenly Father, Weston and no one loves you more.

I love you!
Mom

Dear Weston, 6 months

Dear Weston,
You had your 6 month appointment this week.  You are 18 1/2 lbs!  Surprisingly, you are lighter than what I thought!  You are 26 and 3/4 inches long.  At this rate you are well on your way to being quite a bit bigger than your brother.  Your brother is really into tackling lately, but I think you'll be able to hold your own :).  You had to get some shots this month and true to form, I cried longer than you did.  You are one tough little guy!

I love watching you and your brother together.  Luke gets you to laugh more than your Dad or I.  Although I think you save your best smiles for me.  You two boys have my heart!

We started cereal with you this month and you are doing great!  We've been at it about a week.  Each day you are getting better and better at swallowing it and not just pushing it out with your tongue.  You are very interested in the spoon and try to grab it with your little hand.  We can't tell if you are going to be a foodie like your brother yet, but you have cried when the cereal ran out so..... we'll see! (oh boy)

Something special we've noticed about you is your voice.  You have a song in your heart, little buddy and you are not afraid to sing it out.  You are constantly talking, screaming, razzing, and humming.  Seriously, a lot of it actually sounds like you are singing!  Your range is incredible.  You can get so very low and so very high all in one breath.  We are all super impressed with your ability to chat it up and sing where ever you might be.  You're in the right town my friend, we might have a breakout star in the family :).

I love how you look at your hands like they are so delicate and breakable. You hold them in the air and spin them from side to side looking over them with curiosity, like you are just figuring out they are attached to your body. You put everything in your mouth these days and are chewing on your fingers all the time.  You are doing much better with tummy time, but it's still a work in progress.

We are now working on sitting up and standing.  As you can see from this picture, you still need a little help :).  You seem to be very content laying on your back or hanging out in your exersaucer watching all the action going on around you.

Bedtime routine with you is a breeze.  When it's time for you to go down, we just lay you on your back in the crib.  You wait for me to turn your mobile on before you grab your blanket and nuzzle it into your face.  You fall asleep so quickly and sleep through the night most of the time.  thankyouverymuch.

You know what else I've really enjoyed about you, Weston.  I can take you anywhere, no problem.  I have taken you shopping with me for several hours and you just hang out in your car seat like Target is your favorite place, I mean, how could it not be?!  You've gone to the zoo and park and haven't made a peep about being in the stroller for sometimes well over 2 hours.  We just started to put you in the church nursery because up until about a week ago you slept in your car seat through the whole service.

Sometimes when I hold you, I have to bite the back of your paci to prevent myself from squeezing your little body too hard.  This is called a "cuteness attack"... seriously... it's a thing.  It happens A LOT.  I cannot get over your sweet disposition and beautiful smile.  You bring so much light and joy to our family.  I thank God for you every single day.  We love you beyond measure Weston Lee.
Love,
Mom