Blake

Blake- month 6

By Andria ⋅ May 7, 2008 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Dear Blake,

Today, you are 26 weeks. Half a year. It seems like days; yet, I feel like I have known you forever. You are such a pleasant person, and I love watching you grow. Yesterday, I ran into the open door of the dishwasher, just watching your face as we walked about the house. Now, I have a bruise. But, if anyone asks, we will just say that your Daddy kicked me. Proficient lying- it’s a skill I hope you pick up from me.

You are captivated by everything around you. Sights, smells, sounds, textures. I study your face, as you look at objects. Watch, as your tiny eyebrows raise in puzzlement over things. The way you flick your eyes, when you are startled. How, you will turn your head, and lean your body away from mine, if something catches your eye. Your are interacting with the world, learning as you go. Sometimes I wonder what you think about “stuff”. Things that we may take for granted every day, but you are seeing for the first time. Like, when your Daddy grilled. Seeing Daddy cook must have thrown your limited world off kilter.

You have developed “stranger danger”, and separation anxiety has kicked in full force. The only place you want to be is in Mama’s arms. While I delight in this, it’s hard when I need to get things done. You still love people, and love to watch Daddy and your sister. During the day, while Ailane is at school, you seem to forget about her. But, once she comes through that door, you are all smiles and start flapping your arms, signaling me to follow her. She loves you so, and I know you two will have a special bond for years to come.

I have been working on sign language with you, and so far, you seem to understand the sign for “milk” more so than any of the others. You have figured out how to signal your wants to us; one way is by clicking your tongue. When your Daddy or I have a drink in our hand, you start clicking your tongue against the top of your mouth, and will do so until we give you a sip of water. Little stinker.

During the past month, I have fallen in love with you all over. Mainly, because all of the sudden, you decided that YOU LIKE TO SLEEP. For over three weeks now, you have slept completely through the night- only waking to nurse early in the morning. We snuggle in the night, with your body curving into mine. The way we slept, before you were born. I finally feel as if I am rested. And, a rested Mama, makes for a happier house. Have I mentioned how much I love you? You wake up in the mornings, stretch, and search for my smiling face. You smile back, and I get the warm fuzzies all over. Such a happy little man, you are.

Last week, you started trying to crawl. You get into the position, will move one hand, and then collapse. I think you are still working out the logistics of coordination, and I know you will master it very soon. A couple of times, you stuck that little booty up in the air, Mowgli style, and tried to move yourself that way. I’m tempted to push you down, for while I delight in your milestones, I feel as if you are growing up way too fast. Is binding legal in the United States?

You have found your true love this past month. I see you, searching with those bright blue eyes, looking for the one thing that can make you happy besides your Mama- ahh, the remote. You love to push the buttons, and change the channel when Daddy is watching ESPN. I think you are looking for Lifetime Movie Network, but, we will keep that our little secret.

We have spent a lot of time at Ailane’s Softball games and tournaments lately, and you have definitely become accustomed to the sounds of screaming parents and the shrills of the girls. Your Daddy and I get a kick out of the way you will smile at those dressed in orange- our team color. And the girls, oh Blake, the girls. Every tweenie there wants to hold you. Kiss on you. Tote you around on their hip. One day, when you are going through adolescence and in that awkward-geeky stage with acne and braces, you will remember all the girls who loved to hold and play with you. Then, I will knock on the door, asking why it’s locked, and where my expensive lotion is. And you will scream back at me, that I have ruined your life. And only then, will I know that I have done my duty as a parent.

The other day, as I was looking through your closet, you spied the yellow Tonka dump truck that your Granddaddy bought you when you were 3 weeks old. I put you down, and you started playing with it. Then, I put you in the back, and zoomed you around the house. Now, you start squirming when you see it; so, I put you in the darn thing. You especially like it when we chase after the dog. Your Granddaddy gets a kick out it, and is so proud of you. Even if you are half Yankee.

I love that your Granddaddy finally has a little boy to teach to hunt and fish. He asks about you all the time, and it’s such a delight to see how his face lights up when he sees you. A couple of weeks ago, while you were squealing in laughter, and kicking your legs, your Daddy commented that he wished that his Father was still alive to see you. A Grandpa that you will never meet, but definitely will know about. A lump catches in my throat, when your Daddy speaks of him. Your Great Aunt Laura recently told me that your Grandpa Larry’s brother had plump cheeks like yours when he was a baby. Next week, when your Grandma Mary comes to visit, I will have to ask her what your Grandpa looked like when he was a baby, and if you resemble him. I’ll also try to send your sister’s Guinea pig home with your Grandma Mary, because I STILL CAN’T BELIEVE THERE IS A PIG/RODENT IN MY HOUSE.

Happy Half Birthday, my sweet little blue-eyed boy. I can’t wait to see what this next month brings.

Love always,
Mama