My Dearest Joslyn,
You just turned 7 months of age, and there is no question that this month has been the busiest we've had with you so far. We've moved forward into a new chapter of our lives, and together we have experienced many new things along the way.
First and foremost, your daddy and I were united in marriage on August 29th. You played an important part in the particulars of the day, but it was a day of celebrating the love your father and I have towards one another. Whether you remain an only child, or one day have siblings, the journey this family set out upon began with the complete love and adoration your father and I have for one another. It is important for you to know how much we love each other, and that it is this love that keeps us bound together. We hope you always feel safe, and stable, knowing that your family has been built from a strong foundation. I personally believe that children need to see the love and commitment their parents have for each other, and so we will do everything in our power to continue reminding you of this always.
This month has been filled with many "firsts". We took you on your first plane ride. It was actually 4 plane rides to be exact. All in an effort to get us to Halifax and home again. Our travels took us to Toronto and Hamilton Ontario, and various places in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. You were an amazing little traveler. You slept on each plane ride, on long car rides, and slept 12 solid hours every night we were gone! You never even woke us once.
Since the time you were only a few weeks old, we let you sleep with us in our hotel bed one night. As it turns out, you insist on tossing and turning all night long! On a king sized bed you rightfully claimed three-quarters of the space, sending your father and I off the edge more than once. You slept completely peaceful, which is more than I can say for your dad and I. From that moment on, I'm sorry to say sweetheart, but you play-penned it for the rest of the trip! We never thought you'd be as active while you are sleeping, as you are when you're awake. Until now.
You caught your first glimpse of the ocean this month. Actually, more than a glimpse, you got right in there and splashed around like crazy. You thought it was great fun! As the waves would come up higher onto your legs, your eyes would open very wide, and you'd take in a deep breath to brace yourself for what seemed to be a big wave that was about to sail clear over your head. Rest assured, not a one ever did. While wading in the ocean, you loved the feeling of the sand between your toes. Constantly looking down at your feet, your eyes were fixated on what this new substance could be. You are always full of wonderment, just as we are of you.
You were blessed with your first two teeth this month! Your bottom two teeth. The first one of which poked through on August 19th, and the second following close behind on the 27th. We can see a small whitish spot on your upper gum too, but nothing has cut through yet. We have however experienced your agony in it wanting to come out. We've never seen more drool from you, nor have you ever had a runny nose until now. And you are obviously hurting and just haven't been yourself for the last few days, which completely breaks my heart. I hope that just like many more hurdles you will face in your lifetime, this one will be as quick and pain free as possible.
You have also been introduced to a few new solids. Avocado, apricot, pear, strawberry, banana, and spaghetti squash. All of which you've handled very well. But the fruit still beats out all others for the funniest & sourest faces.
Somehow, we have yet to figure out, you managed to pull your crib mobile down this month. The entire rotating arms and figurines were removed (in tact) from the rest of the unit. This seems impossible to me, as it was attached to a hook at the very top of the frame, that you are not currently tall enough to reach. Never the less I came into your room one morning to find you lying in your crib, peacefully minding your own business, chewing on the entire mobile head. I managed to grab the camera while you still had it in your hand (please note one very satisfied grin) . . .
And I also captured a picture of the remains . . .
You have mastered the art of sitting this month. We never thought the day would come, because whenever we tried to sit you on your bottom in the past, you'd immediately transfer to all fours. Never wanting to sit still. While you continue to be quite the handful most days, I take reverence in knowing we can sit you down with a frozen teething ring, and you will generally sit quiet and still for about 20 minutes. This is the only thing worthy of such attention so far. We hope to find others. And we've taken stock of 2 additional freezable rings.
You are so precious to us Joslyn. I can't help but get all excited about this little family we've created, and look so forward to spending the next few months with you. You are positively perfect in every way. I'm quite certain that at this very moment in time, I've never been happier in my entire life.
Love,
Your Mama Bear
