Eight Months Old!

Charlie, you are eight months old!

Actually, you were eight months old about three weeks ago, but let's be realistic - you're the fourth child in this family, and not many things seem to get done on time for you. You don't seem to mind, and we sure do appreciate your patience, buddy.

You're a big boy... at least for our family of munchkins. You weight almost seventeen pounds - Chloe didn't even weigh that much at 15 months!

You're a crawling, exploring, man on a mission. We can't turn our backs on you for a moment.

You had your first trip to the Urgent Care over the weekend. What we thought was teething was actually a nasty cold that had developed into bronchiolitus. You started wheezing and Mommy almost called 911... pretty scary. You had a few breathing treatments at the Urgent Care and they sent us home with a breathing machine, which thankfully we haven't really had to use much since. Three cheers for modern medicine!

Your brothers and sister can not get enough of you. What a joy you are to each other.

I could write pages of the sweet things they do for you, but this morning Sam is on my heart. When he hears you cry on the monitor, he alerts me as if the smoke alarm has just gone off in the house. I always insist that I'm going to try to get a few more minutes out of the nap, so Sam goes up to your room by himself. He sits by your crib and I can hear him chattering to you over the monitor. He tells you stories, "reads" you books in his chirpy little voice, and brings you toys. By the time I go into your room to get you, half of the playroom is up in your crib. Sometimes it's hard to find you among all the toys and animals he's brought to keep you company!

You're growing up before our eyes, Charlie. We can't remember life without you, and at the same time we can't believe eight whole months have already passed since the day we first laid eyes on you. Keep dreaming, bright-eyed boy. You are so dearly loved.

"And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him."

Luke 2:40