Dear Bennett,

Today is a very special day. Nine months ago today, a group of NICU nurses placed you in my arms for the first time. I looked into your slate blue eyes and I knew I had to eat crow. You see, before you, I didn’t quite believe in love at first sight.

I guess the joke is on me.

The second I laid eyes on you, I was in love. So was your daddy. You have been our favorite gift that this life has given us. My hunch is that you won’t understand how much we love you until you have a child of your own one day. And that is ok. For now, I am relishing in the sweet moments when you lift your arms to be hugged; when nothing but rocking you will do; when you whine pitifully, ‘mama’ as if you know my name. I’ve taken each of these moments and filed them snugly in my memory for the not-so-easy days. I never, ever want to take my new role as your mama for granted. This has been my favorite job yet. You are my little boy and I love you so, so much.

But, as I said, today is a very special day. Not just because today marks nine of the best months of my life, but because today, you became an older cousin. And this little guy is the answer to so many of our prayers, and made his mommy and daddy fall in love for a third time. My heart could burst with love and gratitude today.

This month was filled with loads of good memories. We kicked off the month with plenty of trips to the park (PDK, Ashford, Brittany), two road trips (Savannah and Birmingham), two half marathons for mommy (one of which you waited for me at the finish line), and a few birthday celebrations for your cousin Taylor (Northpoint mall and a home birthday party). We also made our way back to mommy’s old workplace for a Thanksgiving feast. There is always a pang of sadness when I walk through the doors of CCHS; I do miss my co-workers and students and all the lovely people within the walls of that building. But I know I wouldn’t trade this time for anything. Ever. Not in a million years or for a million dollars, kid.

We celebrated Daddy’s birthday by giving him a taste of what we get to do every single day. We took a trip to the botanical gardens and to the High museum and ended the day at Ruth Chris Steakhouse. Your gift to daddy? You crawled for the FIRST TIME on his birthday. I’m starting to think he’s your favorite; after all, your first word was ‘dada’ too. But that’s ok. He’s my favorite too. 🙂

We also celebrated your very first Thanksgiving in Birmingham. You ate lots of mommy’s food (somehow, you have done a complete 180 from not wanting any solid food to wanting to eat just about everything . ) It couldn’t have been a more perfect holiday to wrap up your ninth month with us. We are so very thankful for you. Thanks for making me a mommy. I can’t wait to see what this beautiful month of December brings!

Love you,

Mommy