Six Months

My sweet little Joseph, you are six months old today. How can this be? A mere breath ago you were a teeny, tiny baby with a wobbly head and that unmistakable newborn cry. Two breaths ago you were inside me, sharing my very existence in a way that cannot be replicated. Somehow, though, you are now a full half-year old. So much has changed in that time. You have enriched my life more than I thought possible. You have shown me parts of myself that I didn't know existed, and you have taught me things about God that I only understood partially before. His miraculous power of creation. His complex design of life. His blessing. His plan. For these past six months, and the nine before that, my body has sustained yours. Amazing. True joy. My feelings for you run so deep. I cry when I think of these precious days slipping away so fast. Last night I kept repeating "my five month old baby," because I knew it was the last time I would ever be able to say that about you. Mixed with my tears is the thrill of watching you grow and develop. You have just started playing little games with me, holding your leg up in the bath until I meet your eye, then splashing it in to get a reaction out of me. Kissing/mouthing my cheek at nap time to make me laugh and then tipping your head back so that I will kiss your neck and make you laugh. I am still surprised every time you do these things, and they make my heart swell. You have also figured out the art of forward locomotion. You aren't exactly crawling, but you are moving. Daddy says you look like a baby elephant seal as you lunge your body forward and then rock on your belly to recover. Your hands have become so useful to you now. You can turn objects over in your fingers and even pick up little things. When I walk through the house with you in my arms I often find myself tethered to whatever is within your reach. You are so good natured and you love to smile. You have extra special smiles for your sisters, who adore you too (although they are not as thrilled as I am about your ability to grab things - like their toys!). We are all so very blessed to have you in our family. I can't wait to see what the next six months hold, but please don't rush through them too quickly. Stay my baby a little longer, okay? I love you, my little man. More than words can say.

Six Months Ago:



Today: