August 15, 2007
8 months of Ben
Ben, 8 months old, Canon Digital Rebel XTi
Dear Ben,
You have been very busy these days. You have been perfecting your army man commando scooch across the floor and getting alarmingly fast. You put your forearms under your chest and propel your body forward with your upper body strength. You haven't figured out how to get up on hands and knees or pull yourself up yet and for this I am grateful. When you are around other kids who are crawling I try to cover your eyes so you don't get inspired. I hope I'm not holding you back; it's just that we haven't even babyproofed the house yet.
We took you to a beautiful place on the coast just north of santa cruz last weekend called Costanoa. You got to see the ocean and go hiking with daddy. As usual you were less impressed with the landscape and more impressed with the pretty waitresses that pinch your cheeks. How can I blame you? You have always been a ladies man.
Likes: Bananas, the stereo cabinet, my friend's boobies, pretty girls in restaurants, your babysitter and crumpling up the New Yorker.
Disikes: Being on your back, getting your diaper changed, putting on clothes, avocado, bibs, water and bottles when you're not completely ready.
Did I mention you are a very busy guy?
When I pick you up and you spare a moment to hug me I just melt and grin and savor every last second that you stay in my arms. You usually have a lot to do (Rifle through cabinets, eat the book on the floor, chew on the caterpillar toy, push the stereo buttons) but I relish every second that you let me hold you in my arms. You have never been one of those super smooshy huggy babies, but more of the independent persuasion. I think that's why you love the Bjorn. You can face out and see the world. When you see something you like, you flap your arms wildly and kick your legs like you're jogging in place. You are ready to dive in to life.
I was away from you for a record breaking five hours last weekend when I shot that wedding with Kim at Costanoa. When I came to nurse you in the evening you hugged me so tight and for the first time in your life didn't want to go anywhere. I held you and held you and heard you giggling over my shoulder. It was like nervous giggles because you were so excited and relieved that I had come back. It was one of the sweetest moments of my life.
You were sleeping through the night for a while there, but now we're back to the old wake-up-several-times-a-night-mommy-is-a-zombie days. We need to have another heart to heart about that, but I also understand if you're growing and extra hungry these days and that's just the way it is.
This weekend is my retreat with my online creative posse. They are an amazing group of girls who will shower you with kisses. You will adore them... and you will get to see what slumber parties are like. This might be your only chance to see what girls talk about at slumber parties so pay attention!
Ben, I know I'm biased, but one look in your lacy blue ocean eyes and you can see what a good little man you are. Truly, you are pure goodness. I think this is what I will always be most proud of about you. A bright little light inching his way across my living room floor.
Posted on August 15, 2007 04:07 PMThis post brought tears to my eyes. I love the way you love him. You are all so blessed...and he's just gorgeous!
Posted by: Susan at August 20, 2007 08:26 AM"A bright little light inching his way across my living room floor" This is such a amazing passage, it's really haunting me. So lovely.....
Posted by: Meg at August 19, 2007 08:49 PMI couldn't agree more. He really is a special light. You are doing a fantastic job, congratulations all over again.
Posted by: Shelley Noble at August 18, 2007 12:28 AMGod, he is cute.
Posted by: Nicole (aka rubyslippers) at August 17, 2007 02:36 PMSuch a sweet post for an even sweeter baby!
Posted by: lainakay at August 17, 2007 11:08 AMAndrea,
I am still so thrilled to see Ben. I remember when you and hubby were trying. And now you have this miracle and it's GREAT that you celebrate him everyday. He's adorable;)
K:)
Posted by: creativelyselfemployed.com at August 17, 2007 09:32 AMThis post was just awesome!!
I love it that you write to Ben about his growing up moments and how you are feeling as his mother.
He will truly cherish your thoughts and letters when he is older.
Makes me wish I had begun writing letters to my daughter sooner.
The photos of him are just precious.
The wonder and happiness shines in his eyes.
How blessed and fortunate you are to have him.
How blessed and fortunate is he to have you and Matt as parents.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful, beautiful boy!
Blessings....
Julia :)
Oh I LUV this one, Andrea! I just get such a warm feeling from the words and light and sweet images in my mind of your adorable little babe! You could really feel your heart pouring open so much on this one!
Posted by: Michelle at August 16, 2007 12:12 PMcute baby. cute mommy. thank you for sharing. i love the first photo of him pulling on his socks...so sweet!
Posted by: maile at August 16, 2007 11:02 AMi love this post so much i can't stand it. blessings, blessings, blessings!
Posted by: jen lemen at August 16, 2007 10:25 AMHe is adorable. My little guy is a month younger than yours. I laughed when you mentioned his arm flailing and kicking. It's like they are trying to take off and fly around the room. And I'm right there with you with lack of sleep. He's up at least 3 times a night. Anyway, he's a real sweetheart,, I loved you letter to him.
Posted by: Heather at August 16, 2007 08:35 AMI really need to start writing letters like this to my children.
Ben is positively adorable, and lucky to have you as his mom! His light shine bright because of you!
Wow, this is so great - just such a beautiful post. He's so cute!
And you - you look amazing!
i know exactly what you mean. even just a little affection, anything at all, and you melt. i'm in love with a kid myself. though he isn't mine, i feel as if he's my son. and i love him just the way any mother would, maybe even more.
Posted by: christine at August 15, 2007 10:40 PMso, so sweet:)
Posted by: tricia at August 15, 2007 09:03 PMthat made me cry!! ben sure is lucky to have parents like you and matt!
sending you love and hugs, celisa
You make me want to have a baby!!! :D Your letters to Ben are the best! I'll make sure to do the same when I have my own child. I'm sure he will appreciate reading them one day. Have fun in your retreat! xo
Posted by: Alex at August 15, 2007 06:42 PMCould he be any yummyier?
Posted by: Amy at August 15, 2007 06:09 PMA bright little light indeed. Can't wait to meet this handsome young man at Glide someday. He'll no doubt have everyone eating out of the palm of his hand... ;) Have fun with the gals.
Posted by: Marilyn at August 15, 2007 06:07 PMWow, I can't believe the little man is 8 months old already - that just does not seem possible! I think that is in part due to the fact that he has never really looked like a baby to me. I mean, I think that if you had pasted his head on to the body of a 5 year old months ago it would have fit, if that makes sense.
Posted by: Jennifer at August 15, 2007 06:03 PMBen is the cutest little dude ever. And you write the awesomest letters. Your blog is a delight, thank you for sharing it with us :)
Posted by: Geninne at August 15, 2007 05:57 PMHe is a cutie-pie and he may as well pinch those boobies while he can get away with it.
Posted by: jen at August 15, 2007 05:18 PMAWWWWWWWWW! Can't wait to see my nephew next week!! And my beautiful sister, of course ;)
xo
Posted by: Caroline at August 15, 2007 05:05 PMSuch happy eyes!!!
Posted by: Melissa at August 15, 2007 05:04 PMHe really IS the prettiest baby...
Posted by: blackbird at August 15, 2007 05:00 PMAw,how sweet- he is such a doll!
Posted by: Angie at August 15, 2007 04:38 PMOh I love that second picture!
When did you start using the front carrier? We have one and I'm not sure when I can start using it, but my "little guy" is getting too big for the sling...but isn't quite holding his head very well yet!
This is the best post for the cutest little guy I've seen in a long time.
Posted by: Toni at August 15, 2007 03:47 PMHe is gorgeous, and I love that first picture of him. It's perfect. I have a flirty little boy, too. I always catch him making eyes when he's in the shopping cart and then turn and see some woman swooning under his charm. :)
Posted by: Rae at August 15, 2007 03:44 PMI haven't even met him, and I'm charmed already.
Posted by: Lindsey Alyce at August 15, 2007 03:40 PMOh wow, I never noticed that his eyes were blue before...look out, Mama! He's going to be working on that Blue Steel look like his dad before too long. ;)
Posted by: Michelle at August 15, 2007 11:36 AMWe miss Ben! He looks so different!
Love,
VDog & Little Man