Friday the 13th

Happy 9 month birthday Squidward!

You were born on a Friday the 13th, so today is extra special. Despite many people's superstitions, Friday the 13th will forever be a lucky day for me. You are 3/4 of the way to your first birthday and we are very excited about that. It is bittersweet though. Your personality has really bloomed over the past three months. You are silly, and sweet, and extremely focused. You now know who Mommy and Daddy are by name. You are working on calling Beaker "Cat". You have no desire to crawl, but get around by rolling. You practice talking in your crib. You love playing Peek-A-Boo. You have learned to point, and prefer using this skill when it comes to wanting my breasts. There isn't a day that goes by that you don't make me laugh.

Yesterday, I decided it was time to cut nursing out of your sleep routines. We still nursed, but it was done ahead of time. You did fantastic with the adjustment, as you always do to change. You instead get to snuggle up with your dolly for comfort. There is no crying for mommy and no protests to sleeping. I have done my very best since day one to be attentive to your needs, shower you with love and affection, and always keep you safe. While I consider all the books and your pediatrician, I have made all my parenting decisions by looking for what's best for you as an individual, and what's best for you in the long run-even if it means letting go of your newbornness. Yes that's a word. It may not be in the dictionary, but it's MY word. I wish I could cradle you in my arms forever. I wish you would always look to me for comfort. I wish you would always be tiny and cuddly and innocent. I realistically know this is not the case. You get bigger by the hour. You push away from me when you want to be by yourself. You don't need me like you used to. I know you must explore your independence and learn from your own mistakes to grow. I will give you the opportunities-just don't be in a hurry, ok?

I love you, sweet baby. Always.