Out with the old

I know 2011 was a pretty crappy year for a lot of people but for me, it was one of the best. Obviously, I had a better year than others because I was blessed with my son this year. And because I was told I'd never have children (suck it, fertility "specialists") I feel doubly blessed.

Sure, there were lots of sleepless nights and plenty of tears, but all in all, 2011 has been the best year. I have experienced so much joy, so many surprises, so many proud moments.

On top of the wonder of becoming (and being) a mama, I got to spend Thanksgiving with my brothers and their amazing families. (I love that we all got together and it wasn't because someone died!)

So, as 2011 draws to a close, I feel for everyone who had a crappy year and pray that 2012 brings you health and happiness. And for those of us who had a lovely 2011, here's to more smiles and laughter in the coming 12 months.

Ho ho ho!

Santa made an early visit to Milo last night. He brought along the Mrs. and one of his elves.

Milo wasn't quite sure what to make of the big man (or his friends) but he took it in stride. I think he might even have whispered his Christmas list to Santa while I wasn't looking.

8 Months

Dear Milo,

As usual, I start this letter by being amazed at how fast time flies and how much you change on a daily basis. In the past week, you have started crawling on your hands and knees and pulling yourself up on your crib, the couch, the stairs, me.

You are quite mobile and try to get into everything. We're going to be baby gate central soon.

You still refuse to sleep through the night, waking every two to three hours. So Daddy and I are having to be strong and let you fuss and cry more because we fear we've already spoiled you. Although, just yesterday, I felt a sharp little nubbin on your gums! So, I'm pretty sure you've been teething, and maybe that's what has been messing with your sleep schedule.

You're becoming quite sociable, smiling at most people and playing with the other babies at The Little Gym. You are especially taken by the little girls, but you follow one little boy around and try to do the things he does -- even though he's two months older than you.

Helping Mommy fold clothes

Your personality is really showing. You try to be so independent ... until you're not. You want to feed yourself and pick things up and do lots of things on your own. Until you get hungry or sleepy or don't want to go to bed. Then you're Mr. Clingy. And while I want you to be independent, I can't help but love your hugs.

We spent Thanksgiving in Illinois with your aunts, uncles, cousins and Grandpa. You even got to see Gramma D for a while. The drive was long and boring, but you did really well -- sometimes crying, sometimes playing quietly, napping quite a bit. It's not easy being stuck in the car, so I'm proud of how you did.

You enjoyed spending time with your cousins, and I know they enjoyed spending time with you. Even though they are a lot older than you and you won't get to grow up with them, I know they will always be there for you. They love you lots. How could they not?

Soon you will experience your first Christmas. It won't mean much to you this year, but Daddy and I are really excited to have you open presents. As for us, we already got the best gift back in April -- you. If we got nothing else, we would feel fulfilled. You are better than toys and games and sugar plums. And when you smile at us, it warms our cold, dark December nights.

I love you little man.

Love,

Mommy

Milo and Grandma Louise

Milo never met his Grandma Louise (my mom) but that doesn't stop him from loving her.

Shortly after we got to Grandpa's house for Thanksgiving, Milo saw a picture of Grandma. He immediately started smiling. And every time someone holding him would walk near it, he smiled. He even reached for it.

I'm usually quite skeptical and only sort of sappy, but I think Milo knows his grandma looks out for him somehow.

True mommy confessions

I did something today I said I wouldn't do.

Remember a while back when we were told kids younger than 2 shouldn't be watching TV? Yeah, well, I'm pretty sure the experts who determined this weren't sleep-deprived mothers who haven't showered in two days, home alone with a 7-month-old.

I sat Milo in his play yard with Sesame Street on the television while I took a shower. I know. I just lost my Mother of the Year nomination. The thing is, whether Milo is in his crib or a playpen and whether or not the TV is on, he's going to cry for me. I have a hard time believing my baby's development is going to be severely hampered by my attempt to distract him for five minutes.

And here's why. Sesame Street did not distract him from the fact that I left him in a play yard.

Nor did it keep him from figuring out to pull himself up into a standing position. I'm pretty sure he wasn't paying any attention to Elmo.

Countdown to Christmas

Yesterday, Milo, the S.O. and I went to the Merry Christmas Tree Farm to harvest our Christmas tree. It was a very brisk day, so we bundled Milo into the new snowsuit Gramma D gave him.

We picked a blue spruce that is much (much, much) smaller than last year's Griswold tree.

Get up, stand up

Guess who figured out how to pull himself up to a standing position. All by himself. In his crib. At 2 o'clock in the morning.

This guy.