Dear Bennett,

I have a feeling I will be in disbelief at all of your milestones, but…are you really half a year old already? This has been the fastest six months of my life. It has been a whirlwind: falling in love instantly and watching you grow day-in and day-out. Sure, we have had our moments. I’ve thrown my hands up in surrender when I just couldn’t make you happy. There have been nights when I wondered if I would ever sleep again. But with every tough moment, there have been hundreds of smiles, coos, and giggles which makes every bloodshot eye and every single tear totally worth it.

I won’t know until tomorrow morning, but if I had to guess, you weigh somewhere between ‘mommy and daddy have to take turns holding you in public,’ and ‘it’s getting really had to throw you above my head.’ I do know that I kept you in 6 month clothing a liiiiitttle too long. I ordered much of your fall wardrobe in 12 month because you have been growing so quickly. We are so thankful to have a healthy and growing boy, either way.

This month has been a lot of fun. We hosted our first party at our home since you arrived and it was a success. You got to visit a few Atlanta landmarks: Stone Mountain, The High Museum of Art, and The Beltline. We got to go visit your Nana and Papa and ride on the boat again. We got to celebrate your friend Aiden’s first birthday. We were busy with lots of friends and lots of fun. You are such a joy to have around and a blessing to all who know you. I am so proud to call you my son.

I’m not just proud because you’re healthy and growing. I’m proud because of your silly personality. You’re such a goofy little guy and you often bring mommy to hysterics. Your current favorite ways to make me laugh include looking around while eating, talking (really loudly) in the backseat of the car, giggling when anyone tickles you, and wiggling yourself all the way around in your crib. You love your dad and you smile any time he walks into a room. You’re a cuddle bug; I think you would just snuggle all day if I let you, although we have to change scenery often. You like to see new things and hear people talk. When people talk, you look intently and listen. It is quite possibly, the cutest thing I have ever seen. I realize I am biased, but it is true. You’re sensitive and alert and calm and sweet. A lot of newly married or soon to be married women call you ‘dangerous.’ You make them want to have a baby. If I knew we were going to have babies just like you, I would have another one.

Or maybe I wouldn’t…because, like your dad says, we already have you. You are one of the biggest blessings in my life. As I type this, you’re wiggling in my lap because you woke up too soon from your nap. But I don’t care. I guess that’s where you get it from. I could snuggle with you all day!

Milestones this month include: sitting up by yourself, eating (or attempting to eat) solids, and attempting an army crawl (although mommy does most of the work…and I don’t mind you staying in one place!). Your favorite things include: rocking outside on the front porch, taking walks in the baby carrier (you’re ok in the stroller…it isn’t your favorite), swinging on the swings in the park, being tossed over our heads, being in your jumper, your pacifier (I’ve had to get some extras to keep everywhere), being naked (a surefire way to calm you down), being around lots of noise and people (like the mall/public parks…etc) and quiet places (oddly enough).

Keep growing! I love you more with each passing day…so I guess I’ll let you get older than six months. 😉

Love,

Mommy