Good Times with The Gray's

I cannot believe that you are 9 months old, just about the same number of months it took me to "cook" you! I am sad to think that this time last year I was getting so excited about being a mother! I had NO idea what your first days of life would be like, nor how you would arrive (c-section it was). I had no idea that a wiff of your baby breath or the softest touch of your skin would bring sweet tears to my eyes. I also did not really know how time consuming you would be. You have been VERY demanding since the day you were born. You have never been the baby that will nap for hours on end and I still await the day I get a REAL NAP! I was told "sleep when the baby sleeps"...well when exactly was that? You slept better at night than you did during the day...not bad at all just not normal for infants. You have also been a screamer from the get go. You did not have colic, just an attitude. I would have never guessed that your father and I who are so laid back would produce such a high maintenence baby. I had no idea that you would be SO incredibly happy! I sound like I am confused because in one breath I say that you are a screamer and high maintenence and the next I say you are happy. Which is it you say?! Well here's the deal...when you are happy you are SO happy! Your smile can light up the room and you know how to flirt and work your beautiful blue eyes. When you are mad I swear the earth shakes. You are both physically strong and strong willed! You are able to scream, cry, throw your head back and all that because we tell you "no" or because you didn't get your way. I am completely telling the truth. I have taped one of your fits as proof. I love how you are saying "dadadada" all the time now and occasionally you will slip in a "mmmmmomma".

I had no idea that such average parents could have such an above average child. At 9 months you are still way above average for your height, 29 1/2 in. (80%) and you weigh 21 lbs 4 oz (60%). You love snack food and most of the time could care less about baby food. You are eating/drinking around 4 bottles a day and you love water and apple juice. You are wearing size 3 diapers and are in 9-12 month clothes. Some pj's are 12-18 months because you are so long! You still only have 2 pearly whites. I am shocked that you do not have a mouth full. You are able to pick up snacks and successfully put them in your mouth. You are finally getting some hair! There is enough to 'mess up' and you even have bed head when you wake up! It is very light brown and looks blonde at some angles. You are crawling ALL over the place, standing up/pulling up on furniture and sometimes you are brave enough to let go before you fall to your diaper padded hiney. I am sure that your brave self will be walking soon (yikes)! You are quite a talented 'lil drummer! You are able to drum both of your hands on things such as the high chair, table, coffee table, your crib etc. with such rythm.

I had no idea that time would fly right on by without a moment's pause. Just the other day in the car I was asking your daddy what he remembered about your birth and we were talking about how he/we felt at the exact moment you were born. Of course your daddy remembered every little detail. We both just stopped and thought about how much has changed and how much we have learned in these last nine months. Most importantly I had NO idea that I could really feel SO deeply for you and be SO in love with you. Everyone says "you don't know love until you are a mother" and my oh my is that such a true statement! I couldn't have even guessed until I became your mother. What a precious gift from God you are Cooper! Your mommy and daddy are SO SO blessed and in good times or bad (fits) we wouldn't trade you for anything!

All my love,

Mom