Gillen Azar: EIGHT MONTHS

Dearest Gillen,

This has been a crazy month! You have two new teeth, a total of three on the bottom. You broke out of your swaddle and we had to buy a bigger one that we can still tuck one arm into. You've actually been sleeping more, only waking 1-3 times per night most nights instead of hourly.

You gave us quite the scare when you refused to eat for 72 hours straight. We brought you to the emergency room and even though you hadn't eaten or peed you were our little smiley bundle. Then you latched the moment the doctor walked in and made your Daddy and I look like liars.

You've been saying "Mama" for about two months now and you just started making a few "Dada" sounds the other day. You respond to your name and when we ask you, "Where's Owen?" you search the room for him.

You are currently growing out of clothing that your brother wore when he was one. We're moving you from 12 months clothes to 12-18 month. You are a solid boy and you very much love your milk. When we try to feed you solids from a spoon you give us the,"What is this? Poison?" face and spit most of it out. You love to chew on celery or cucumber pieces but you don't swallow anything. We'll continue to try solid food with you but aren't worried about it too much.

I ate some icing on a cupcake for my birthday and you had bloody stool a few days later. In addition, I let you have a piece of your brother's chocolate chip bagel the other day and you broke out in a horrible rash all over your face from the chocolate chips. Dairy is NOT your friend my sweet boy. Our little family is getting used to our soy ice cream dates - thankfully a few places around here serve it! It's very cute to hear your brother announce that you are allergic to dairy. He's always looking out for you.

You continue to be so happy and easy going. You traveled with us perfectly and didn't seem to care one bit.More than anything else, you want to be included. You want us to talk you through our day and sit you at the dinner table with us. Up until now you've been quite content just being along for the ride, but more and more you are showing us that you are a part of this family and want to have a say too. You continue to exude calmness and joy - such a happy guy and all of us are so smiten with you.

I have a feeling next month is going to hold big things for you. I know you will not be a baby forever but I do hope you are endlessly happy your entire life.

All my love,
Mama