Ok, ok, ok, it's been a few weeks! That doesn't mean I can't give a thorough update :) Start with current events? 30 minutes ago, Leah stood up by herself for 20 seconds. She was holding onto Julia- and...just let go. Then she stood there smiling so proud of her accomplishment. Self-realization at age 10 months. Love it.
Watching her scoot around the house crawling is a joy. She has a 1st and 2nd gear. 1st is cruising mode. It's the gear used to enjoy the scenery. 2nd gear is movement towards an intended target with a purpose. Vroooooom. Then, of course, there's the joy of seeing little tiny handprints on the bottom edge of my television. It's a foreshadowing of things to come.
Honestly, I can't believe it's almost 10 months. Mid-September. Summer coming to an end. And Leah is rapidly approaching 1 year. I now realize how some people look back and wonder where life went- with each new milestone comes a new degree of time acceleration. SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!!!
I feel it's necessary to discuss a huge aspect of being a father. One you can't comprehend and fully understand until you're living it everyday. The concept of being the silver medal: 2nd place. :) To clarify: Momma is favorite...always has been...so deal with it. Because it makes perfect sense. The baby pops out of the womb, she goes right in momma's arms. Momma is the number 1 source of food for the first few months...and the bond just blossoms from there.
Leah loves her mommy. Adores her really. She can be completely happy in my lap and when Lori walks in the house- the level of smiles triples. It's actually amazing to watch- the amazing mother/daughter bond, that is. If mommy is out of the house, Leah knows it. If Leah is in a grumpy mood, she cries when mom leaves the room and in a good mood she releases a saddened whimper. She does play with the rest of us for something to do, but it's more of a content presence until Mommy's return. Eh, I'll accept these people for a short period of time. Then, of course, there are the moments where she's in a raging, crying spell, and daddy tries every funny voice, impression, and method to get her to stop- only to fail. Then the microsecond mommy picks her up- happy baby. It's the same microsecond of father realization.
And that's when a father understands. The silver medal is all yours. Congrats, buddy.
I remember James telling me that I was going to feel like chopped liver the first couple months- just kind of like the servant who gets stuff done. I get it now...and to be honest- the moments are so precious, I can live with 2nd place.
She has two little tiny teeth now, in the front and bottom. One slowly grew in, and then the 2nd just kind of sprang up. But the best part is that she uses those 2 little guys to gnaw on anything she can with conviction. Baby cheetos (which I had no idea existed) are her absolute favorite, but I'm not sure there's anything she wouldnt at least try. I guess if you eat sour apples at 8 months, food doesnt have many boundaries.
Despite being 2nd place, I have found a happy place with Leah. Really the only place that she will contently lay around, chill, and play with me (Without the desire to go find mommy)....on the hammock. It's great...I usually take her out there between 8 and 9pm, and we're joined by Ralphie. It's a joy to watch her head on swivel, soaking up the world...the dogs next door, the trees, Ralphie running, sirens, and the wind. She tries to figure everything out. And when she's done with that, she'll just sit there and babble in front of me. Baby talk is the best. Even if it's just ba, ba, ba, ba, ba. To me its a conversation that I could have all day.
-JRS
