Dear Aeris

You are 9 months old! This is hard to believe for so many reasons. For one, you're still so little. At the pediatrician's office yesterday you weighed in at an astounding 13 lbs 6 oz (a loss of 5 oz from your 6-mo check-up). You must know I am a penny pincher and can't stand getting rid of things before they've been properly used, because you are still wearing your 3-6 mo size clothes. I have brought out the 9-mo size because the calendar says they should fit, but truth be told, you drown in them. But now it's time to grow. I'm giving you my permission. In fact, I'm going to help you along in any way I can. The doctor told me to add as many calories to your diet as possible. You are about to find out about one of the true pleasures of this world... fatty foods!

Rolling is still your favorite way to move. This method doesn't take you around objects though, so you quickly get frustrated and even angry when something is in your way. I admit that I'm glad for those obstacles. It means I can actually leave the room and know you can't go too far. I know someday it will take a lot more than a couch to keep you in one place.

Your voice is the most beautiful sound. I keep working on mama, but for now your favorite is nanana, dadad, and ssssss. When we're in the van together I turn the radio off so I can hear every word you try to get out. Your brother and sister love to tell me what you're trying to say.

You love the camera. When I got it out to capture you at nine months, you couldn't help but smile. You were upset with me at first, probably because I'd already tucked you into bed with a kiss good night when I remembered I'd forgotten to take your picture. Then, after dragging you back out of bed, I sat you on the floor BY YOURSELF! You immediately began to weep. As soon as you saw the flash and realized I was taking your picture the tears dried and all that was left was your perfect face.

You have learned what it means to have stranger anxiety, and Daddy anxiety, and OH NO, MOM HAS LEFT THE ROOM anxiety. When you're in my arms and someone approaches us you bury your head a little further into my shoulder. As difficult as it makes life for me, I wouldn't give up this stage for anything. I secretly love being the center of your world. It won't last forever.

Oh Captain

Just over a year ago I decided that Logan, being THREE years old was ready to move out of the crib. Why was Logan still in a crib at THREE years old? Simple... he hadn't climbed out of it yet. I wasn't about to give up the fantastic benefit of having my child TRAPPED at bedtime and naptime everyday. Unfortunately, Nate kept commenting that it was probably about time he move into a bed. Actually I think it was more like, "This is ridiculous! You have got to move that kid out of the crib!" Yeah, Yeah. So I gave in. And within a few short months he had already started growing out of his toddler bed.
So, we chose a new bed for him. And since I'd left the poor kid in a crib for THREE years we picked out the biggest bed we could find, complete with built in drawers on one side for all his stuff and a totally cool hiding spot on the other side. We surprised him with it when he came home from preschool today. When Nate told him it's called a "Captain's Bed" he decided it was just about the best thing ever.
Speaking of captains. It's my dad's birthday today. When I was a kid, my mom gave him a captain's hat to wear when he drove around our ski boat at Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge. On more than one occasion it flew off when he'd hit a big wave or catch a major wind gust and we'd all yell at him to turn the boat around to fetch it. I wonder if he still has that hat. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

Silver Linings

Life has blown in a few more storm clouds than usual, so in order to lighten my mood, I thought I'd mention a few of the silver linings.

Helping in Logan's and Jade's classes
I learn so much about my kids by watching them interact at school. I always come home feeling pretty great about who they are growing up to be.

Going to the temple
There's no better place to find peace.

Logan, Logan, Logan
Today he insisted that Aeris come in his room with him. He wanted her on the floor right next to his train track. When she rolled over and attacked Thomas he laughed and laughed. "Mommy! Aeris is playing trains with me!" I had to put off her nap for an hour because every time I mentioned that it was time for her to go he wouldn't allow it. That boy has the sweetest personality!

Piano Recital
Mainly it's just nice to have it over with, but also there were a few kids who surprised me with their last-minute preparations. Jade, once again, performed beautifully.

Cleared Garden
I cleaned out what was left of last year's plants and Nate tilled and fertilized on Saturday. After our successful harvest last year, I can hardly wait to plant again. Oh, and there's no morning glory... yet!

Tulips
Those bright yellow blooms are so pretty, even if they're sprouting out of a layer of snow.

Friends and Family
Adult conversation is so great when you're surrounded by kids all day... even if some of those conversations take place on the www. Never underestimate the power of a "How are you?" or "What's new?" It's nice when you know people in your life care.