9 Months

Dear Lucy,

You are 9 months old. You’ve been in this world as long as you were in my tummy. That’s kind of crazy to think about.

A lot has happened this month. You are ALL over the place. You crawl like a race car driver. You love leaving me in the dust but stopping just long enough to turn and smile at me with such pride and joy in your face at your new found mobility. And you pull up on everything. You still prefer standing on your tip toes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything cuter than your dainty but chubby toes holding up your chunky, rolling legs. You are such a curious little cherub.

You are also, dare I say, a little dramatic at times. When you cough it’s like watching a full on theatrical performance, complete with a little smirk at the end waiting for applause. Or when you’re really tired or hungry, you start your crawl towards me but stop half way and collapse flat on the floor and fold your face into your arms whimpering because you are now too weak and just…can’t…make it.

You were also sick for the first time. And though looking back it really was very, very minimal, it was still the worst week of your nine months. Not because of you, but because of the helplessness I felt. I wanted to absorb every ounce of pain and discomfort from you, but I couldn’t. It was a glimpse of what I know there will be more of. But it was also a reminder to be thankful every day for your health. You are such a healthy, happy baby and I will never take that for granted.

There is something else special about this month. It’s Christmas!! You have already been a part of some pretty amazing festivities, and there are more to come. And as excited as I am about this, your first Christmas, I realized something. You are my Christmas all year long. Yes, you are my most favorite gift. But that’s not what I’m talking about. Christmas is a time when ordinary, regular, every day things, become extraordinary and magical. A tree is no longer a tree, but it twinkles and sparkles. Houses light up and look straight out of story books. Even a sweet, simple carol becomes more than a song; they are recognized and sung by people all over the world. Even more remarkable? A baby was born in a barn, and changed the world forever.

So you see, you are my extraordinary. YOU make my ordinary day extraordinary. I love more deeply and I celebrate with more joy. My special girl, you are full of magic and light.

You are Christmas every day.

Merry Christmas Lucy Pearl.

Love, Mama