Dear Delaney...

9 MONTHS!

Where are the minutes...the days...the months going?  It's almost surreal how quickly time can pass before my eyes. 

It's been a difficult past few weeks, and I find myself clinging to quiet, unspoken, precious moments in everyday life.  The moments that can often pass by without a second thought.  They are my comfort. 

And you + Daddy are most definitely my comfort, Delaney.  Watching you grow each and every day is like nothing I have ever experienced.  Difficult days make me grow and learn, and they're always met with quiet moments together in your nursery before you fall asleep.  These days I rock you just a little bit longer, listen to your peaceful breathing a little bit closer, and continue to savor the gift that I have been given in you. 

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Once again, I am late in posting your monthly recap.  It's a quiet Monday morning and the first between just you and I for quite a while.  Your Aunt Ren has been here helping us out before she took off for her big move to New Orleans with your Uncle Korey ( GEAUX Saints)!   She arrived when I was back in Washington with your Auntie Brookie, and has been a rock for me over the past two weeks.  An extra set of hands, a constant shoulder to lean on...how lucky we are to have her by our side Delaney. 

Before she arrived you got to spend a few days with just Daddy.  He took SUCH good care of you, and you did so many fun things together.  Lots of walks with your puppy Lambeau, reading all your favorite books, and even a daddy / daughter lunch date at Michael Symon's BSpot Restaurant ;).  Being away from you was hard, but knowing you had your Daddy made all my worries disappear...

You continue to amaze us with all the changes in your day-to-day.  I've said it before, but now I really mean it.  YOU - ARE - SO - BUSY.  Crawling has turned into speed racing, you've even crafted a special cruising toy that helps get you going even faster.

You continue to pull yourself up on each and every surface, which has us scrambling for a new entertainment center and baby proofing every corner of the house.  You love to "walk" with the assistance of someone or something, and the ottoman is a favorite for endless circling.

Lambeau still seems to be your favorite source of entertainment these days.  We laugh that you seem to have a special language with him.  No one else can get the same high pitched squeal and jibber jabber quite like he does.  Thankfully his patience is endearing while we continue working on "gentle pats" with you.

A few new obsessions in your world:

BOOKS...BALLOONS...AND BATHS (sink baths that is)

 
Obsessed with books. And I LOVE IT. Your two favorites are the "TAILS" touch and feel book given to you by Mimi during your time in Seattle, and "My Little Animal Book."  Sadly, you snuck off to a corner and decided to terrorize the poor TAILS book recently.  Most of those sweet little innocent animals are now missing their tails.  Thankfully, the "My Little Animal Book"  is a great read for winding you down - you'll sit in my lap for as long as I can muster up silly animal noises to go along with each page.  You seem to have a few favorites - the puppy (of course), monkey, owl and billy goat.  I am still working on noises for a turtle, shark and zebra.  Wish me luck.

Now for the balloons. I am suddenly the crazy lady that has helium balloons in her house for no special reason.  You discovered balloons at Uncle Joshie, Aunt M, Eli and Quincy's house in Boise, and I thought you might "like" one at home.  Like was an understatement.  Every morning when we wake up, we come down the stairs and go straight to the balloon where you point to the sky and say "boooooooooon".  It melts my heart to see your face light up like that, so I will officially accept the crazy helium balloon lady title.   

Now you've been a bath girl from the start, but just recently started resisting laying down in the big bath.  So we just started testing out the sink bath, and it's a HIT.  We're talking major excitement in the Reiss household each night.  You love to splash and make a huge mess, but I'll consider it a win as the sink and floor beneath have never been cleaner.



As you can see from all the chewing above, those dang teeth continue to be quite a struggle.  The bottom two are getting SO close, but still nothing has cut through.  It's easy to tell you have moments of complete discomfort, which brings out your crabby side (hey, we all have one). Thankfully, your pediatrician seems to think they'll pop up in a month or so, and my fingers are crossed. 

And since once upon a time I talked a lot about food on this blog, I better mention what an awesome little eater you have become.  All it took was giving up pureed food and letting you get some of the good stuff. You absolutely LOVE feeding yourself.  And you really love when that involves eating what we're eating.  So I spend a lot of time dicing up itty bitty bites of my dinner, but it is worth it.  A few favorites: roasted chicken, noodles, pork tenderloin, watermelon, little bites of whole wheat bagel and flaked salmon.  Yes salmon.  Totally weird, but I am seriously proud of that little palate. 

(someone else looooooves your good taste in food)

There is lots to come as we wrap up summer little one.  In just a few days we leave for Grammy K and Grandpa Reiss' house on Lake Gerald!  You will just love all that there is to see and do there.  Your Daddy spent summers there when he was growing up, and we're both so excited for you to experience it all. 

SO my little 9-month old, thank you for doing what you do.  You're our light, and we love you to the moon.

Until next month..xoxo