Nine Months Old!

Today Max is nine months old!

Max,

We can't possibly imagine life without you! These past nine months have been more than we could have ever hoped, or imagined, or dreamed. You, sweet boy, are amazing!!

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

Bed Head

Max woke up to a serious case of Bed Head this morning. Let me explain further.

Since Day 1 Max has always slept in the same position - on his back, with hands stretched above his head. Not moving an inch. Which means, his hair is perfectly in place every morning. No need for a brush!

However, lately [since his Crib Parties!] I find him every which-way. On his back, his side, his belly. Bottom in the air, bottom not in the air. Legs crossed, legs not crossed. In the middle of the bed, by the bumper, sometimes body parts even on the bumper. You get my point. The only thing that's consistent anymore - his blankie. No matter where he is in his crib, the blanket is snuggled right up next to him.

Ok, back to Bed Head. Which I cannot explain through typing. I must show you pictures.

Good Morning Sunshine!

Notice one side perfectly in tact.

The other? Bed Head.

And a side view.

Just because it's funny.

And one more while eating breakfast.

I just couldn't stop taking pictures!

My New BFF

The Dum-Dum

Max at the grocery store!

Oh sweet Dum-Dum. How I love thee. Let me count the ways:

1. You keep Max's attention throughout the entire. grocery. store.

2. You are colorful and taste wonderful to little Max.

3. You will not be dropped on the floor [a fun new game Max likes to play with mommy] because you are so yummy and the little man cannot bear the thought of parting with you.

4. You are good to the very last lick. And oh, it sure does take awhile to get to the very. last. lick!

5. You make my little boy so very happy. Which, makes me so very happy!

Blessed Baby

I just wanted to give a shout out to my sista-friend and Max's Auntie - Becky!

This girlfriend of mine loves to shop and is one of the best gift-givers I know. She doesn't rest until she finds the perfect gift. 

For Christmas, she found the most adorable T for Maximus.  That's right, it says Blessed Baby on the front! [Check out the Web site at www.blessedbaby.com.]

Now, I am just looking for a matching T that says Blessed Mama on the front!

One Year Ago

It amazes me all that can happen in just one year. 

Take a look at this post, exactly one year ago...

"The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, 

for His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; 

Great is Your faithfulness.

The Lord is my portion, says my soul,

Therefore I have hope in Him.

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,

to the person who seeks Him.

It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the Lord.

Lamentations 3:22-26

On January 15, 2008 our world changed. 

Forever.

In just one moment our dreams and hopes sprung to life.

God's promise. 

Fulfilled.

And, of course, I could never forget the next day... 

Emily confirmed that Yes Indeed! she was choosing us to parent the precious baby boy she was carrying.  

Oh God. How overwhelmed I am. 

By Your goodness. Your grace.Your lovingkindness. Your faithfulness.

Thank you for that one moment.

That changed our world. 

Forever.

Sweet Maximus, your are God's promise fulfilled to us.

Snow Day!

It has been snowing all day, and it doesn't show any sign of slowing down. I decided Max needed to experience snow for the first time so I bundled him up and we headed outside to explore. He loved it! Lots of smiles and giggles. In all honesty, I am not sure who had more fun - Max or me?!

And no first snow day is complete without a sled ride. Since we did not have one, I decided I MUST track down a sled so Max could take his first ride. We tramped around the neighborhood and knocked on a few doors. And low and behold, a generous neighbor gave us a sled that worked perfect for Max's first ride! 

See video below of First Sled Ride - he was a bit unsure at first, but soon got the hang of it!

Our Boy is Growing Up

It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the fact that Max drank an entire 4 ounce bottle in one sitting! [oh how far we have come in these past few months...have I mentioned the boy likes to eat?]

Then, we accomplished yet another milestone. Holding the bottle by himself!

Today was another day of "firsts" for young Maximus. Meet The Sippy Cup. We have been working on it here and there, but we got serious about it this week. His afternoon nap is usually followed by a leisurely bottle. This week, we started replacing the bottle with a Sippy Cup [still filled with his beloved formula]. It took a few days, but he finally mastered the art of the Sippy. 

Way to go Max!

Waiting for the Rain

This song moved me to tears when I heard it. It is my story. Not long ago, I was in the waiting room. Waiting for a promise to be fulfilled. Waiting for a dream to become reality. Waiting for a mountain to be moved. 

So this song is for you. If you are waiting for a promise, this is your new mantra. Have hope and be encouraged. And God, let it rain!

Song: Waiting for the Rain by Misty Edwards

Crib Party Update

I am sure all of you faithful blog followers are wondering how successful the night shift was last night on our new midnight plan.

Well...

Mama got a great night sleep.  YIPPPPEEEEEEEE!!!

Little confession here. I woke up at 7:45am this morning and the house was quiet. So very quiet [keep in mind Max usually gets up between 7 and 7:30 every morning]. I went to peek in on Max and he was sound asleep. I mean snoring logs sound asleep.

I have a feeling the little man had a wild & crazy night at his crib party and then had to sleep in this morning.

Thanks for the great night sleep last night Mr. Max!

Love,

Mom

Crib Party

First off. HAPPY 2009! May you be blessed beyond your wildest dreams this year.

Now back to the purpose of this post. 

Mr. Max has a new nighttime routine. And it is not one I like. 

For the past several weeks, he has decided it is cool to wake up in the middle of the night. Since this is completely out of character for him, Sam and I were very compassionate at first. 

What if he is teething? Does he need rocked? Some Tylenol? 

Uh, nope. Not it.

What if he is hungry? Let's make a bottle. OK, truth be told. The little man actually acted famished when offered a bottle in the middle of the night. But, let's get real here. The boy has never [ever] refused a meal. And do you think this is a midnight habit I want to keep up?

Uh, nope. Definitely not. 

What if he has a dirty diaper? Who wants to sleep in dirty pants? Lets go see. Is that it?

Uh, nope. Checked it.

What if he turned on his belly and can't roll back over? Should we give him a little assist? Roll him back over on his back where he is much more comfortable? 

Uh, nope. And bellies are cool to sleep on too.

So what is the little man doing in the wee hours of the morning?

Having a CRIB PARTY.  

He talks. He coos. He talks more. He coos more. He rips the bumper off the side of the crib. He plays with his blanket. And talks. And coos. And keeps these shenanigans up for way too long. 

So mama has a new bedtime plan:

1. No more night light [sorry buddy]. Max's room is officially going to be pitch black. I don't want that pesky little night light giving him any ideas that it could be morning.   

2. No more monitor. Max's door will be open. Our door will be open. The only noise I will be able to hear is a cry. I won't be able to hear the baby bed babble. 

So, sweet dreams Mr. Max. Enjoy that crib party. Live it up! Have fun!

As for me? I will be getting a good night sleep tonight.