Nine Months Old - My Sweet Matthew

Dear Matthew,
You're nine months old this week and changing so much with every passing day. I can honestly say you make my heart melt every time I look at you. You were quite a challenge to bring into this world, but from the moment you arrived, you have been nothing but joy. I praised the Lord when I first saw you and have been praising him every day since. You are a beautiful blessing in our lives.

I am grateful you have been such a good eater from the start. I've always enjoyed nursing my babies, but somehow I feel you may be our last, so I'm really trying to just soak up every moment I have with you. Those moments aren't too frequent, as I'm usually pretty distracted with the needs of your brother and sister. But, every day I look forward to those few times a day when for ten or fifteen minutes I get to be alone with you. I've been teaching you a few signs, so lately when you're finished nursing, you'll give me your version of the "all done" sign, smile at me and say, "ah doh".

You are crawling on your belly everywhere, and you're FAST. I mean, seriously quick for pulling yourself around on your belly army style. You're trying to pull up, but usually only make it to your knees. Sitting isn't your preference, but you will sit unassisted for a short time if you place you on your bottom. You would rather be on the move and have figured out how to open cabinets, doors, and love taking canned goods out of the bottom shelf of the lazy susan in the kitchen.

You're definitely not a big fan of baths. For convenience sake, we started bathing you in the shower with us from early on, so that is definitely your preference. I think it's just because you get to be held the whole time, which is your preference in general. You are definitely a cuddle baby and at this point in your life prefer me to hold you over any others. Although, you have been reaching for Daddy more often lately and during dinner time, when sitting in your high chair next to him, you spend most of the time reaching over for his arm and holding it close.

  Charlotte and Cy have been your most cherished play things. Wherever they are, that's where you want to be. If you're awake after Cy has gone down for his nap, you'll make your way down the hall to his closed bedroom door and start knocking on it. Charlotte does a good job playing with you and watching out for you, as a big sister should. She'll make sure you don't put small things in your mouth and always give you your toys to play with when you might be getting fussy. Cy talks about wanting to play trucks with you when you get bigger, but is having a difficult time sharing his cars with you even now. I know in time though, the two of you will be great play mates.




Matthew, I hope you always know how very loved you are. Most of all, I pray in time you will know the love of Christ in your life. I pray you would grow to be a godly boy and in time, a godly man; that others might see Christ in you and long to know more about him because of how well you represent him in your life. I pray He would use me to teach you about his love for you and you would never question its power to do great things in and through your life. I love you, my sweet boy. I can't wait for each new day to come and show me more and more about who God created you to be.

Love,
Mommy