7 Months of Raising a Wildflower

As I sit to write this (realizing that somehow you are just days away from being my crazy EIGHT month old firecracker of a baby), you're on the floor in front of me, going back and forth between playing with my slippers, to slamming the remote control on the ground... I tell you "no", but you laugh, or make this sound that I call your "dolphin noise". You truly are a nutbar, and the older you get, the more obvious that becomes. I seriously wouldn't change one thing about you (other than your new tendency to spit your food out, which usually ends up all over me). This past month has been HUGE for you! Monumental even! You've done so many things, tackled so many firsts, and I could not be more proud of the energetic, immensely joyful, insanely lovable little girl that you are!

You CRAWL now (your excellent form is compliments of your absurd mighty baby planking skills), you said your first word, you zerburk everyone (strange little thing you are),  you bathe in the big tub, you ride in your stroller without the carseat, you have TEETH, you basically eat like a (healthy) real person, you pull yourself up, you attempt to walk while holding onto furniture, you're insanely clumsy as a result of your newly acquired mobility, you're truly hilarious, and I am beyond in LOVE with this tiny girl you keep blossoming into. You light up my life, Rowan Penelope. I look at you and still somehow can't believe that you're mine, even 8 months into this Mom gig, it still blows my mind. There is always something special about every stage of your life. Each month is somehow my favourite, and just when I think that "it can't get much better than this", it does, and you do, and you just don't stop. You're truly something, kid. I may never find the words to perfectly describe it, but I will never stop trying!

7 month stats for Lil' R.P.

Birth weight: 6 lbs, 11.5 oz, 19 inches long

7 months: between 17-19 lbs (I'm guesstimating since you eat a lot of actual food now, but move nonstop)

Eye colour: one that I, and most people, are envious of

Diaper size: still rockin' those size 3 diapies

Clothing size: 6-9, 6-12 at some stores, 9 in jammies, and I've already been buying you 12+ for Fall and Winter (what the heck!!!!!!!!)

Nickname: Gramma and I have been calling you "Roomba" because now that you're crawling you will find the tiniest speck of anything on the floor like a vacuum... "Nutbar" is also another one that I've been known to refer to you as (self-explanatory).

What Momma has observed

about you at 7 months young

Good lord, there is so much I have observed that can no longer mentally store it. I actually have to make notes in my phone that I add to until the next blog needs to be written. A whole month's worth of Rowan observations that need to be shared! You literally have not stopped progressing since you turned 7 months old. Literally 2 days later you began crawling. We all knew it was coming. There were far too many "almost" moments leading up to it. You relentlessly tried to maneuver yourself around, and though albeit, were frustrated in the process, once you did it you were so proud! You've only gotten better and faster throughout this past month, and now you're a force to be reckoned with around here. It began as this "spider-monkey-like" motion elevated on your toes. It was as though the ground hurt your knees, which led you to lift yourself and use your feet instead. Your knees are often red from surfaces, and at one point I had foam matts covering a giant area of the living room floor, which made it a little easier for you. In the days leading up to you crawling, we often tempted you with things you tend to gravitate towards, like the remote... I even bought you your very own toy remote that lights up and sings (but you still prefer the real one...) As I already mentioned, you have improved with your crawling immensely. You do use your knees now, and you're freaking fast. I can plop you down and you will follow me around, often crying because it's a lot of work on those little leggies! You're not a fan of Momma leaving the room. However, my favourite thing is when I'm sitting or standing, and you crawl to me, and either sit at my feet, or try to stand using my legs because you want to be held. You first did this on July 2nd. It's one thing to approach you and pick you up, but to be the one who YOU approach willingly is the best. You use your crawling to your own advantage too, like the day I was changing your diaper on the ground and you decided you'd prefer to be naked and crawled away with that little bum in the air before I could grab a new diaper. Though you're much harder to contain now that you're mobile, it's been fun to see you accomplish these crucial milestones in your development. You can successfully pull yourself up using anything at all (but are especially fond of the couch). On July 3rd I was on the treadmill as you watched Sesame Street, and suddenly your head popped up as you stood holding onto the couch and waved to me... You try to hold on and walk (sometimes forgetting that you have to continue to hang on...) I've had approximately 82 heart-attacks this past month because we've officially reached the bumps and bruises stage. You are a curious and fearless baby who stops at nothing to get to where you want to go. You have fallen a billion times now, including once off of our bed the day before you turned 7 months old. (It was a Saturday morning. Dad, Gramma and I brought you to the Emergency where they checked for any red flags and sent us on our merry way, reassuring us that these things happen. I cried just as much, if not more than you did). Since that episode, your falls haven't been as traumatizing, though you've managed to crawl off of the couch a few times, and recently smacked your head against the chest we have in the living room because you stood up, then let go. You got a nice little bruise on your brow bone, and a red spot by your eye. I'm slowly learning that the toddler years will be ones of holding my breath and praying to god that I won't see blood exiting anywhere from your body. Just the other day I posted a status on Facebook that said, "One day you have this delicate newborn baby who you're afraid to breathe too heavily around, and the next thing you know  it's like they're auditioning for American Ninja Warrior in your living room, falling and smashing into as many things as possible, while you experience a series of mini heart attacks throughout the day". That's now my life, thank you very much. It's all part of the process however. At this rate you will be walking in no time, and that makes me so proud of you!

• On May 28th you unmistakably and enthusiastically said your first word: WOW! I'd like to credit myself for that one since I often say "wow" to you when you babble or do anything really. Though I would have loved for your first word to be mama, wow is MOM upside down, so I will still take it! The funniest is the context in which you choose to use this word in. It's perfectly placed 90% of the time. The other day I put this rabbit face filter on you with my phone, and you watched yourself for a second, then said, "Wowwww!" It's often exaggerated like that. We were in Starbucks last week and you kept saying it, like three times in a row. Just these last few days, saying it once just doesn't suffice. You're now saying, "wow wow wowwwww!" Sometimes it's directed at anything, and other times it's towards nothing at all, yet it is ALWAYS hilarious. You make so many noises now that another word is bound to pop out sooner or later! I told everyone on May 28th that you said wow. I KNEW what I heard. Thankfully you let it slip again so that I had proof on my phone! I wish so badly that I had taped you the one night we got home from doing groceries. You were sitting in the bath tub and Gramma handed you these three little plastic boats we had just bought you. As soon as you grabbed them, you let out a very sophisticated, "wow". Gramma and I looked at one another and just started laughing. You have no idea how funny you actually are!

• On July 2nd we officially retired your tiny baby bathtub and you began using the big tub! I cleaned it out really nice for you and laid down your slip-proof whale mat. You have your bath toys that you love, and though you weren't totally keen on the whole sitting up in water alone thing, you now love to do "splash splash splash", and have just realized that being laid down to have your hair rinsed and body washed is, dare I say it, relaxing! It only took many nights of hysterically crying!  

• Speaking of bath tubs, you had your first experience in a really giant one when we swam in Uncle Frank's pool on Canada Day! You FINALLY got to wear the watermelon bathing suit that I had bought you long before summer even started. I had also bought you this floatie that looks like a boat to use, and I was so surprised that you weren't afraid of the water at all! You weren't overly enthused either; rather, you sat there kind of taking it all in. You probably asked yourself why everyone was in this gigantic bath tub together. Later in the day you also got to sit in a giant tube floatie with your cousins, Matteo and Johnny.

• I'm not sure where you learned this from, but you sometimes stick your tongue out, but from the side of your mouth, then smile or laugh like the goofball you are.

• Lord help me, because you are clearly aware of what the word "no" means and already loathe it. You have this habit to go after wires and cords. I have had to hide all of them, or move furniture so that they aren't accessible to you. You've also began to open cupboards, like the one that the TV sits on. The one day you opened it and began taking out anything that was inside. I wish I had videotaped you sooner, because as I calmly told you, "no", you began to pout and hold that look longer and longer. I finally started taping you just in time for you to pout again, except when I said "no" this time, you burst out into tears! Oh my heart! I wasn't even talking loudly or in a stern tone, so I can't fathom ever punishing you for anything!!!!!! I'm sure we will have our fair share of disciplinary moments in the future, but I'll just talk to you with my eyes closed so I don't see that horribly sad pout of yours.

• Okay, the weird dolphin noise... Again, not entirely certain where this came from, but it's comparable to someone trying to clear their throat. You do it to be funny when you're perfectly content, you do it as a forewarning when you're angry that you're probably going to have a meltdown in 3, 2, 1..., and you do it when you want to get our attention. We just laugh because it's a ridiculous sound. Depending on why you're making the noise, I'll say, "the angry dolphin is back", or, "hi dolphin baby!"

• When I was a baby, Gramma says that I would stand in my crib, with the back of my hand on my mouth, and continually move it so that it would make a funny noise as I babbled. Well, she showed you how to do this (literally only a couple of times), and now you use it as one of your many party tricks. Just like that. Of course you adapt something so odd and unexplainable to others, without any hesitation, but me trying to teach you how to blow a kiss, or say "mama" seems impossible. It's my goal for this next month!

• You underwent a jogging stroller upgrade! We've now removed the car seat from the jogging stroller, and instead, you sit like a big girl in the stroller itself! It's great because it reclines back when you want to sleep, and maneuvers forward for when you're awake and nosey. Other times, when we are out and about sans the jogger, we use the umbrella stroller, or you sit in shopping carts. Anything to avoid carrying you in a car seat is great because it's heavy now. It's the best of both worlds though because as easier as it makes life for me, you love it too with your sense of freedom not being so confined.

• Not ONE, but TWO teethies! You FINALLY got your bottom teeth in, and they're oh-so-stinkin'-cute! We knew it was coming because let's face it, you've been teething for five months straight. The drool, the tears, the rosy cheeks, the constant chewing motion like you had a wad of gum in your mouth, all led to these two adorable little chompers that popped up just a day or two apart, on July 9th! At first they were just little white buds that you could see when you opened your mouth, but now they are very much so two clear freestanding teeth that you use to bite me, that appear in every open-mouthed grin photo, and that you use to tear apart pieces of food from my hand. My little beautiful shark baby. I already think your top ones are coming in because you've been chewing on your fingers more than usual. I am certain that by the next blog post I will be confirming that you do indeed have your top teeth.

• The zerburking. Oh my god, how your Dad and I laughed and still laugh whenever you do this. It can be nice and quiet at night time, as we all sit on the couch watching TV before bed, and out of no where you will put your mouth on my arm or leg and make the biggest farting noise possible. You do this to everyone, and then you look at them like they're the crazy ones when they start laughing.

• Your hair... It's just so fluffy and bouffant-like in the back and on top now. You have fly-aways that simply brushing down does not fix. I rely on using wipes to dampen your hair before I give it a good brush down, but who am I kidding? Moments later they're back up saluting me. I get a kick out of your bed head and think it goes hand-in-hand with your spunky personality. Needless to say, the bald line you had at the back of your head since you were born is gone. I try to imagine what kind of hair you will have next year at this time and it remains to be a mystery.

• Fact: if placed in your playpen (which we don't really use much), you will 110% press your face against the mesh and stick your tongue out so that you look deformed and deranged.

• Every morning I try to get you in the habit of saying hi when you wake up. Whether it's in the mirror as you stare at yourself, or looking into the camera of my phone so that you can see yourself, you often let out an enthused squeak and wave frantically (sometimes with both hands...) I swear that you try to say "hi" sometimes, by letting out a loud, "iiiiiiiii!" A couple of nights ago I took you to the mall with me so that I could look for a dress to wear to Tyler and Christina's wedding. You had decided that you were done sitting in your stroller, so I took you out and let you sit on the floor of the change room while I tried things on. You took it upon yourself to crawl to the opening under the door and start waving to people, or yelling, "iiiiiiiiii!" As difficult as it has become, how is shopping with you still so much better than ever before?

• Baby jail, the cage, the pen... All names that I won't use because I feel too bad (hahaha). I like to call it your "fort" because 1.) it sounds much more humane, and 2.) one day when you're old enough, we are definitely throwing a blanket over top of that bad boy and it WILL be the best fort ever. Even my childhood self is envious of it. I had to rely on couch cushions and sheets. We broke this out after your bruised head episode. It distracts you for about ten minutes a day, but  it successfully blocks you from accessing the TV area. You will sit and play, but like it even more when Momma gets in there, sits and plays. You still cry when we leave the room even though you can see us. It will just take some time to adjust to. In the meantime, all of your toys are confined in it and some of my OCD sanity has been restored as a result.

• It is truly impossible to bring you anywhere without having at least one person comment upon your beautiful eyes, how happy you are, or how cute you are in general. I just humbly say thank you, because of course I already know those things, it's just funny how often I hear it from others. You light up any room that you are brought into, and I have said that from the beginning.

Things you absolutely love

You LOVE being wherever Momma is, whether it's in the bathroom while I get ready (you sit on the floor playing with your bath toys),  or in the kitchen as I cook or clean (you sit on the floor with random spoons, Tupperware, and even a little pot that I give you to occupy yourself with). Ever since you started crawling, you can often be found at my feet, as I try my best not to step on you. If I'm on the couch, you're usually beside me, and we've been totally guilty of taking afternoon naps together lately under a cozy blanket. We're a package deal, kiddo. You rarely see one of us without the other. Though not entirely playing shy yet, you do cry out for me and have been known to stop the second I hold you. You're a HUGE Momma's girl, and I love it as much as you do! (Probably more). I hope you stay this way forever!

Your morning oatmeal is no joke. Though you will try other things and eat them, your oatmeal has become a comfort staple that you enjoy starting your day off with. I like to change it up for you by adding in different variations of fruit, but so far you've yet to meet a bowl of it that you haven't demolished.

You're a big fan of yourself. You thoroughly enjoy watching videos that I have taken of you, and as you sit there watching them, you're either smiling, laughing, or clapping. You go girl, keep that self-love and confidence and allow it to define you always! If a baby can look at themselves and think, "man, I deserve some self applause", then maybe us adults should be taking a page out of your book and learning a thing or two about the way things should be.

Last weekend, you, Gramma and I were in St. Catherine's at the Ikea pick-up location because I had ordered myself a pink desk. While we were there, you spotted this stuffed pig. Of course, Gramma bought it for you, and we ever-so-appropriately named him Panchetta (Italian bacon). Somehow I am not surprised that of all toys, you took a liking to a stuffed pig. Panchy is family now!

I can easily hand you a stack of paper cups and you will play with them as though I fail to ever buy you toys, you poor deprived child. Just like last month, you rather enjoy "toys" that aren't toys at all.

Other honourable mentions: you like to wake Momma up by crawling all over me, are still very much so Sesame Street-obsessed, being around people and creepily staring at them, being out shopping with Momma, drinking water from your 360 sippy cup, still pulling people's hair and earrings, whenever Daddy plays with you and throws you up in the air, when Gramma reaches back and tickles your head when you're in the car, being a big helper and holding (quite literally) anything while we're out shopping or you're having your diaper changed (else you roll over and are way too against laying still for more than five seconds), taking toys along with us when we go out (you chose to bring Cookie Monster and a stuffed banana with you once), dogs SOMETIMES (you loved Bryce's dog, but were terrified of Lenix's dog), stealing Momma's food when it's shareable, finding new ways to destroy things (like when you flipped your ball pit upside down and then sat under it like it was a tee-pee), your little grocery basket that your plush foods go in, seeing your tiny tot pals, good ol' bubba, but more so FOOD, you have an obsession with fruit, falling asleep on your own all curled up on the couch, when people clap with you, still a fan of Momma singing ("head, shoulders, knees and toes!" Or, "yum, yum, yum, dum-dee-dee-dum, how many cookies are there today?"), seeing Gramma on FaceTime, throwing out "wow, pulling every book off of your bookshelf, blowing air out of your pursed lips, splashing in the tub, and probably more (that I am forgetting because I have major mom brain).

Things you aren't so fond of...

This one is rather easy. You HATE whenever I leave the room and you can't see me. Instead of just crying, you now try following me while crying, then get mad that you have to hunt me down (although I am never very far). As a result, you dislike when I put you in your crib, or in your fort because you know that it means I have things to do. Trust me, I do almost everything with you in one arm. Accommodating you and trying to prevent meltdowns is my specialty, but sometimes a girl has just got to pee in peace, or cram some food in her mouth, or step aside to breathe deeply and recollect yourself. One day you will understand!

As I have already mentioned, you do not like hearing "no". You hate when things are taken away from you, you hate falling when you've put forth so much effort to stand, you hate going into your car seat half of the time (other times you're super good about it), you do not like when something you're eating is finished (like your popsicles), and you aren't a fan of staying still! We've recently retired your farm and Jolly Jumper to the basement because now that you can move you find no need to be trapped in anything. You're also tall and the Jolly Jumper had reached it's max for how high up it could be moved. We've officially reserved those things for your future sibling one day!

Eating Habits

Leaps and bounds, Rowie P! You are an eating machine! Thankfully you haven't been picky, and have had zero issues with anything you have tried. You're on a very healthy diet of fruits, veggies, oatmeal always, lean meats and proteins, and nothing with seasoning or unnecessary sauces, or additives. I've moved you past purees, and onto whole foods. This month you've tried: blueberries, broccoli, pumpkin, lentils, lean pork, whole wheat tortilla, pasta and bread, quinoa, couscous, homemade clean pancakes (that I add spinach and fruit into), and the biggest deal, natural PEANUT BUTTER!  

On July 8th we finally did the allergy test before giving you peanut butter. This involved putting a dab on your cheek and waiting to see if the spot turned red or irritated. It didn't! We waited about 15-20 minutes just for good measure, then watered down some natural peanut butter in a bowl and spoon-fed you some. You thoroughly enjoyed it! Since then, you've had peanut butter and banana for a snack, you love it spread on tiny bits of whole wheat tortilla, and we've even tried it mixed into your oatmeal. Thank goodness you aren't allergic to it, because in this household we love peanut butter!

Speaking of oatmeal, you and I have been having breakfast dates in the mornings and they are my favourite! I'll make you your baby oatmeal while I cook some oats on the stove for myself. Then I wash a bunch of berries, slice up some banana, mix it into our matching bowls and we sit at the table eating together. How cute! Your Daddy would never eat oatmeal and fruit, so I am taking full advantage of having a like-minded eater in the family!

I've also made you pancakes with a mushed banana base, egg whites, and whatever healthy add-ins, like spinach, or berries. You LOVE them, and on July 3rd you actually held one and fed yourself. Mind you, a lot of it ended up in your high chair, but some made it into your mouth! It makes me so happy to know that you're eating actual wholesome and nutritious food. Of course I have let you try little bits of treats here and there... For instance, you tried some of my strawberry gelato one night when we went to the Fonthill Supper Market. You have also had a few licks of a popsicle (then cried when I took it away), and most recently, tried vanilla frozen yogurt. You not only pressed your wide-open mouth into my cone, but held onto the scoop of frozen yogurt with your other hand (dear lord). I can't even blame you. I love it so much too that I'd probably eat it the same way if I could.

98% of the time, however, you are eating very well. You've also started mooching from me, which keeps me in check because if I'm eating something healthy then I have no problem sharing with you.

One of my favourite snacks is plain 0% Greek yogurt with sugar free jam. I was eating this just last week when you crawled up and opened your mouth. Previously we had tried Greek yogurt, but it was plain and you were not impressed. This time, however... You sat there repeatedly opening your mouth for more. Since then, whenever I eat it I make sure there's enough for two!

Whenever we go out to restaurants, I make sure that whatever I order is Rowan-friendly, which means a lot of grilled chicken breast, steamed veggies, and plain rice. At this rate, you will be someone who looks past the kid's menu and wants whatever the grown ups are having.

Since you're eating a lot more actual food throughout the day, your bubba-intake has decreased. I went from making 30-32 ounces in a 24 hour period, to winging it and making 20 ounces one day and  24 the next, just to see approximately how much you're still reliant on. You don't even require a bedtime bubba to fall asleep anymore. Some nights you bathe so early that you end up crashing before you've drank. That little belly is kept full with yummy food now, so I don't feel so bad about the bubba playing a less prominent role. As long as you are growing healthy and strong then I remain to be one happy Momma!

Sleeping Pattern

You still sleep through the night, you still nap during the days (shorter ones lately), you're still very much so in Momma and Daddy's bed (so close to me that it's like you're sleeping IN my ear), BUT every day I lay you in your crib in an overdue attempt to crib-train you. So far the longest you've ever stayed asleep in it is an hour. Most days it's a mere half hour, but I will take what I can get.

This past month you went back and forth between staying up super late, way after your bath and bubs, to having a bath and crashing before 8 p.m. There's really no pattern right now, but I just read your cues. When you're cranky and mushy, you're ready to sleep. You like to be laid on the couch to sprawl out and fall asleep all on your own, which has taken some getting used to for this Momma!

Morning is a whole different story. You wake up and you want Momma Momma Momma. If you wake up before me, you have no problem crawling on top of me, or grabbing at my face. Some days I'm able to cuddle and coax you back into sleeping longer, but other times you make it abundantly clear that you're ready to get up and go.

Playtime & Development

You truly are a busy little baby who never stops moving (and I mean never ). From morning to bed time, you are crawling around, playing with your toys, playing with things that aren't toys (...), seeing what new cupboards you can open, or what surfaces you can use as leverage to stand. You love to play patty-cake (probably because you get to clap), laugh your head off when someone pretends to chase you, can easily boot it from one room to the next, are insanely amused by the tags on anything (from toys, to clothing), and still try to fit everything in your mouth.

Since I think it's important to socialize a baby, I am super grateful for your little group of friends and how often we're able to all get together. This past month, you have had three playdates with the crew! You went to Landon's house, to Bryce's house, and Lenix's house. Since you're the most mobile (because you're the oldest), you normally crawl around, trying to grab the babies and play with their toys.

Developmentally, I have zero concerns. You hit every milestone right on cue (if not before), and are one happy chatterbox. At this rate, you will be walking and talking more well before your first birthday. I could not be happier that you're such a strong, smart, joyful little baby!

Dates & Holidays

July wasn't overly eventful in regards to holidays, but you more than made up for it in all of your personal advancements.

On July 1st you celebrated your first Canada Day at a BBQ and pool party at Uncle Franks house. Since their new pool was finally ready, the whole family got together for a hot day in the sun. This is when you swam for the first time, ate some homemade popsicles, and played with Matteo. Auntie Roxanne made everyone dress in festive attire, so I found you this ridiculous $5 dress at Giant Tiger that had little beavers, Parliament buildings, Canadian flags, and CN Towers on it. Talk about festive... Good thing you look cute in literally anything!

On July 7th, Uncle Joe Joe turned 26. He spent the morning of his birthday at our house, having coffee and playing with you. I found a card with robots all over it, which instantly made it perfect coming from his favourite Robot!

Momma and Daddy went on a date night for the first time since you came along. We went to an early movie and Gramma babysat you. I realized just how much of our minds and hearts you occupy when even on a date we kept referencing you, wondering how you were or what you were doing, and would text Gramma asking exactly that. Your Daddy even wore a shirt that said "dad bod" on it... We're a little obsessed with our roles as parents. Kiddo, neither of us would change it for the whole damn world. Thank you for the best gift ever!

Since we have taken the summer off from Bootcamp, your Bootcamp Aunties have been missing you like crazy! That's why this past week, we met up with Ermi, Lorrie and Liana for breakfast at The Black Sheep Lounge, and then went for a nice long walk along the canal path. We all took turns carrying you like a relay baton since you wouldn't stay in your stroller. How loved you are by all kinds of people is astounding. You are so very lucky to have such wonderful people in your life.

Lastly, from your Momma's perspective

I must admit, when you were a couple of months old and the friends you play with now were either newborns or reaching their due dates, I got a little sad and nostalgic for something that I was right there in the middle of. I thought ahead to when you would be the age you are now, and how those babies would still be considered really little. I was envious of the newness of it all, and yours wasn't even over. In retrospect, I guess it's a normal way to feel when you don't want your baby to grow up as fast as they naturally do.

I wish I knew then what I know now: that every step of the way is incomparable to that of others because there is only one you, and that I would become so wonderfully engulfed in all of the things that you are, at all ages, in all stages of your life.

While other parents hold their newborn for the first time, I am overjoyed to be watching my baby girl crawl for the first time. While other Momma's speak of breastfeeding experiences, I sit spoon-feeding you, smirking as I think back to the beginning of our journey, back when I thought I was less of a mother because I was unable to breastfeed. Oh, the anxiety that I carried with me when we first started out. It's the same anxiety that you silently cured by building my confidence up as your mother. I needed you to grow, both on your own and with me, in order to feel like I could do this most important job.

My, how far we've come, and how remarkable it's been, both then and now.

I used to somehow think that I'd envy those basking in the newborn phase, the 0-3 stage, or the 3-6 stage, because you would no longer be that small... But how foolish was I not to think that I would be over the moon getting to cheer along and raise an incredible little girl as she excitingly approached the one year mark? There is so much to love about this stage; the one that I didn't want to think about, and I am so lucky to be me getting to experience all of this with you.

I take great pride in the fact that the sweet mothers I know, who have younger babies, ask me anything at all, from formula recommendations, to the order in which I went about feeding you whole foods. I do not speak as someone with all of the answers. I do not know what's best for anyone else's child. However, I know you, Rowan. So, I share with them our trials and errors, our obstacles and our solutions for them. Then I can't help but think about what a dream team we make in this life of ours.

The older you get, the more I think about the future because I know how fast it travels. I try not to fear it. Instead, I allow it to inspire me. I know what I want it to look like. It's breathtaking; complete with siblings for you, which means so much more love to fill mine and Daddy's already-overflowing hearts! No matter what house we live in, how many babies I have, or how crazy life gets, you're still right beside me in every thought of the future I have. My darling Rowan Penelope. My first born. My little girl. The cuter half of our Dream Team.

In order to keep blooming, you have to grow. How lucky am I to get to watch it happen first hand each and every day? Also, how lucky am I to have these beautiful photographs that Chelsea took of us? I just received them today and am obsessed! They’re the most perfect keepsake to remember your seventh month.

"I know a girl, she puts the colour inside of my world..."

Happy 8 months, earth-side, Bug Bug! I love love love you!

Love, Momma