My Favorite Kisses Are The Sloppy Ones

My Dearest Tadpole,

Seven months old now, and you just experienced your first Christmas. You are such an easy going, relaxed baby. Through all the holiday chaos, all the holiday parties, you were so happy and carefree.

You didn't even cry when you met Santa. You only stared at his beard.
A few weeks ago I was having a kale salad for lunch and you sneaked a little bit off my plate when I wasn't looking and ate it. I was hoping to hold off on solids a little longer, but you had different plans. If I don't offer you whatever I have on my plate, you dive forward and try to grab it yourself. So I've been offering pieces here and there: some banana, salad, mashed potatoes, sweet potato, and broccoli. So far potatoes and broccoli are your favorites. I don't give you much, just a taste here and there, and that seems to be all you want.

You are SO CLOSE to crawling! You get up on all fours, and that's where you get stuck, struggling and then finally crying for me to sit you back up on your butt again.

You look to me often. You put your arms up so that I will pick you up, you love to sit on my lap. You twist yourself around and put your hands on either side of my face, hold my head still, and study my eyes. And you give kisses!!! Big, sloppy kisses that leave drool on my face, but it is so cute that I don't mind.

You seem to have a special relationship with The Mermaid. She carries you around, entertains you, talks to you. Sometimes I see a look pass between the two of you, a wordless understanding that I am left out of. I admit, I feel a small pang of jealousy when this happens, and also when she makes you laugh so hard that you shake. I never can make you laugh that hard, no matter how much I try. But in the end, I am so glad that you have such a great relationship with your sisters.

I hate being away from you. Going to the gym for an hour recharges my batteries, but I always miss you and rush home, where you greet me with a smile and a big sloppy kiss.

I am so blessed to have you in my life, and I love you so much.

You bring me such joy, little one.

My Favorite Kisses Are The Sloppy Ones