Today your dad and I were so excited to take you to see Santa. We got you all dressed up, drove downtown and walked into the little building where he’s supposed to be. We got there a few minutes after 11 am – when the Santa visits start – but we were surprised there was no line. Upon entering the building we realized there was no Santa, and after inquiring about his whereabouts we were told he’s only there on Saturdays! Both your dad and I misread the advertisements. So, I decided to run to 29th Street Mall, since we were already out and about. When we got there there was a middle school band playing Christmas carols outside. We sat and watched them for about 20 minutes. It was your first live band you’ve seen and you were fascinated. We just sat – you on my lap and my arms wrapped around you – and we rocked back and forth to the beat of the music, and we clapped after each performance. You loved it!

Enjoying the band

We frequently take you to Southern Sun, the local brewery near our house. When there’s a long wait they put out baskets of free fries for those waiting. We love those fries. True to family tradition, you also love the fries. You grip one in your little hands and gnaw at it until it’s all gone and you’re ready for the next. You can polish off a little plate of fries all by yourself!

For the last couple of days you’ve been sticking your tongue in and out quickly, just like a little snake. You do it while playing, crawling, walking. All the time. Pretty random, and pretty funny.

You went to story time at the library with your nana this morning. This was the second time you’ve gone. They hold it every Tuesday at 10:15, but the timing often overlaps with your morning nap. She loved taking you the first time you went, and she’s been anxious to go again. You sit there nicely on her lap and listen to the story, all while watching and taking in all of the other little ones around you. I can’t wait to take you one of these days.

We’ve been struggling a bit to find foods that you like and that are healthy and high in calories. Since you’re so little we’re constantly trying to get you to eat. When we first started introducing solids you ate everything we offered you, but recently you’ve become much more picky. At times you won’t even open your mouth, using your hands to shove the spoon away, turning your head and pursing your lips. You never did this a couple months ago.

You do great at feeding yourself finger foods, and you particularly like cheese and black beans. The old standbys of Cheerios and Cheddar Bunnies are also big hits. But we’re not able to get much spoon-fed food, fruit or veggies in your mouth.

Today is your papa’s 71st birthday. It’s so fun being in the same town as them and getting to celebrate with them. Last year they were here also, and I remember my close friends were arriving for my baby shower. We went out to eat to celebrate papa’s 70th birthday, and then just two days later my friends held a wonderful shower in honor of your impending arrival. It was so special, and it’s amazing to think back to the excitement, support, joy and a little bit of anxiousness I felt a year ago.

Helping papa open presents

I got home late last night, but you were already asleep. You did wake in the middle of the night, and I was happy to get to pick you up and nurse you. I’m not sure if you registered that it was finally me getting you and feeding you, but you seemed comfortable and happy as I nursed you back to sleep.

Today I miss you, everything about you. I can’t wait to be home and I’m going to hold you and never let you go.

I miss watching you learn how to walk, moving your way around the house holding on to furniture or toys. I wonder how you’ve progressed this week and I’m thankful you didn’t master walking while I was away.

I miss watching your dad interact with you. He told me about how a bunch of cheese had collected in the pocket of your bib during dinner tonight, and at one point you held up the bib and tried to dump the cheese into your mouth. Your dad started laughing, which at first shocked you and caused you to stop what you were doing and look up at him, studying his face. Then he said you broke out into a huge smile. His voice was filled with such happiness and love from this story, that I instantly regretted not being able to witness this event, and his reaction to your silliness.