It’s been a month now that we’ve been back in the States, and it has been such a busy, full time with our families, which is why I have spent very little time here on my blog. I’ve been missing it! How are you all!?
It’s been so, so good being with our family. We are grateful we’ve been able to have this time together. After three years of us living out of the country, I think it’s fair to say that our families have deserved our full attention these past weeks. John and I are flying to California at the end of the week to reunite with Cam, who is currently driving our u-haul from Colorado with his Dad. We are so excited to look for a home and settle down (ha! for a matter of months atleast)
This week our baby doll turned nine months old! A few Moms have told me, “the days are long but the years are fast,” and that couldn’t be more true. Some of the things I want to remember about this age:
He’s learned how to hug. YES. I love picking him up after he’s woken up in the morning or from a nap and he wraps his little arms around my neck so tight. I love when he won’t let me put him down so we can snuggle. He gives us open-mouthed kisses and looks thoroughly pleased with himself when we say “ohhh thank you for the kisssss!” as we wipe off his slobber.
He is crawling (creeping) everywhere, pulling himself up, scooting after us. New toy? Lint on the floor? Leaf outside? Grass? Your hand? Your hair? Everything goes straight from his chubby little fingers to his mouth, to be taste-tested.
He loves solid food. We have yet to find something he doesn’t like. If we are eating it, he wants to eat it, too. Currently at the top of his list: avocado, scrambled eggs, avocado, veggies, cheese, pizza, avocado (boy after my own heart!), bananas, chicken and ice cubes. He is fascinated by ice cubes.
He started sleeping all the way through the night about a month before we left Japan and then after 32 hours straight of traveling / crossing the international dateline, he reverted back to sleeping like a newborn. Ahh, we saw that one coming. But we’re so close to our move to Monterey and to giving him his own room, routine and consistency again.
He smiles at literally everyone. Socializes with everyone. Public places are where he lights up. His gummy smile is huge, contagious, joyous and the sweetest thing I have ever seen. He understands humor and laughs when we laugh.
He cries when I dress him. He would much rather be butt naked.
When I walk away from the vicinity of where he’s playing, like for a glass of water or my fasted sprint to the bathroom, he immediately drops his toys, calls out after me, and scoots his little body as fast as he can in my direction, crying the whole way. If I translate his baby language, I imagine he’s yelling, “mama! why you want to leaaave meee!” (name that movie)
I am so thankful for our sweet boy, and pray hard for him, especially as I’m rocking him before naps and bedtime, when it’s quiet, his hair is combed over, he’s warm and near-sleeping in my arms and smelling like baby shampoo. I pray for us, too. That God would make us strong parents and give us the wisdom that we so badly need with all of our infinite short-comings and failures. Every month and stage is a gift, both challenging and wonderful, but this age so far is my favorite.
Lauren says
He has grown so much! I'm so glad you guys are getting to enjoy some much needed quality time with your families. PCSing is stressful but you guys got this!
Amanda Marshall says
He is huge! Thanks, Lauren. And love your photo infront of the Biltmore! Such an awesome place.
Susie says
Precious guy. This is fun for me to read because my Milla is just about a month behind him. Time flies, doesn't it? Good luck with your move!
Amanda Marshall says
It really does. There were days in there that I thought would never end but now I hardly remember them… goes so fast.
Thank you!!
Jane {In The Pink & Green} says
He is seriously so adorable Amanda! Such a fun age and how nice you guys are getting some time with family! ๐
Amanda Marshall says
Thank you, Jane!!
From Foothills to Fog says
Gosh he couldn't be any cuter!! What a little love bug! Good luck with your move!
Amanda Marshall says
Thanks, beautiful!!
Megan says
ugh he is such a little heartthrob amanda!!!! I love having you guys back here in the states. We need to meet up in cali so i can finally give you a hug!!
Amanda Marshall says
yes!!!!! I cannot wait to squeeze you!!
mary-katherine says
your baby boy is just such a doll!!! i want to live closer so i can babysit!! ๐
xo mk
gold-hatted lover
Amanda Marshall says
Hahaha, oh my gosh, if only you could!!
Caroline says
he sounds like such sweetness ๐ and that smile is simply infectious!
Amanda Marshall says
Thanks, Caroline!!
McKenzie says
JOHN SHEA! I miss that little squish. Your girlfriend Jane wants an open mouthed kiss. Missing our Marshalls!
Amanda Marshall says
ahhhhh we miss you SOOO much!!!!! come to America, PLEASE!!
Robyn says
John Shea is sooooooooo adorable… Love those baby blue eyes, absolutely gorgeous!!!
Amanda Marshall says
Thank you, Robyn!!
Michelle {lovely little things} says
Our babes are both 9 months! I love this age, so much interaction, laughing, exploring, it is truly the best. Also – to name that movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding?"
Jenn @ A Country Girl's World says
I can't get over his eyes! They are so blue!
Traci says
My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Love it. ๐
Carol {Everyday Delights} says
What a beautiful little guy you have! His eyes are just amazing!