Letter to Dylan, 9 months old

Dylan,

You are getting so big. You have fgrown from a 7lb 11oz peanut to a 21lb, 32" tall big boy who is just about to crawl any day now. It is the holiday season, and you are fascinated by the Christmas lights, both our own that we have strewn throughout the house and the ones that are put up around our neighbors' houses.

You are starting to sleep through the night once in a while, and this has really given mommy and daddy a break. We thought we wouldn't make it this far, but we certainly did. You have been quite the active child :)

You awake in the morning and you are still really tired. I sing you the same song every morning:

Good morning, good morning
good morning to you !
You are the sweetest baby ...

Good morning, good morning
good morning to you!
You are mama's boy...

You stretch out in your crib, the diaper on you is so wet that it looks uncomfortable. I pull you out of your crib and lay you on the floor, so I can change your butt and get you ready for daycare. You don't mind dressing so much, but you really hate your winter hat. Your winter coat is not your favorite, either, but with these Minnesota winters, you are the first to dress warm - I don't want you to get sick. I worry about you constantly (I am sure you will always remember this about me).

We go to Ernie's house... you love Ernie. Ernie is a hippy lady; she is 58 and has been doing daycare for over 16 years. I chose Ernie as your daycare lady becasue she is so affectionate and sweet. We gave her a Christmas gift this year - a Target gift card, and a note in a beautiful Christmas card that says how much we appreciate her. She has taken such good care of you while I have been at work.

You had your picture taken with Santa. You didn't even cry. It was so nice.. all the other kids were like FREAKING out, and there you were, just sitting there. I have the picture to prove it - you wore your red and black running suit.

Well, Christmas is on Sunday. You are going to open presents for the first time. You got a lot of good things, and I think that your whole family (as huge as it is) has officially spoiled you.

I love you little man ;)