12.22.2010

Dear Nathanael (8 months)

My dearest Nathanael,

We absolutely love the special family of three we have become! Your daddy and I frequently look at each other and say, "I love our son." This month you returned to your New England roots! We have had quite a full month, traveling to and from Boston, missing your Daddy for ten long days, and a couple weeks of sickness thrown in there as well.

Amidst all of that, you continue to grow and change with fervor! We estimate your weight at a little over 20 pounds (60th percentile) and your length a little over 28 inches (70th percentile). When you've been healthy, you have been eating massive amounts of solid food, but with our travels and your illness, we've only expanded your repertoire into yogurt and a few bites of bread. You've started showing interest in feeding yourself this month. You try (without much success) to put Puffs and Cheerios in your mouth; you have learned how to drink from a sippy cup on your own (though your preference is for us to hold it for you), and you've even attempted to help feed yourself with the spoon a few times.

When it comes to physical development, we think your first word should be, "Walk!" It seems you could be happy all day if we simply walked you around the house non-stop. You are so close to crawling, but you haven't figured out how to move forward instead of backwards when you're up on your hands and knees. We are thankful that despite our travels and your illness, you continue to sleep well through the night and during your two naps, with only a few difficulties now and then. One night when you were sick, you even slept 13 and a half hours straight! You are learning to understand many words. You generously give your slobbery kisses when we say "kiss" -- even to Mr. Bear and the dog! You know who Mama, Dada, Grandpa, Grandma, dog, and cat are. We're working on sign language, but I'm not sure if you're into that yet. You are quite the chatter now, babbling multiple sounds all day long. It's adorable. You fill our home with much laughter and smiles.

Here are notable events from your past month that we want to remember: letting Abby (the dog) lick you; seeing (but not eating) your first Thanksgiving turkey; great flights to and from our beloved Boston; doing much better with "strangers"; play time in Boston with Felix, Eden, the Stump kids, Eli, Ameliah, and Angela's Asher; two weeks of fun staying with your Uncle Andrew & Auntie Angie; bubbles with Nick & Deb; admiring Boris the turtle; loving on Mama's former colleagues at Tufts; a couple Sundays back at Hope Fellowship; unwrapping your first Christmas gifts; helping to decorate the Christmas tree (rather watching Mama decorate); rocking in Grandpa's chair; and skyping with Dad.

Nathanael Alim, your life is a gift. We praise God for you. Happy eight months, son!

Lovingly,
your daddy and mommy

Nathanael Alim - 8 month old
And a few outtakes:

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Dear Nathanael,
This day, your 8th month, is a special one to me.Not only do we celebrate your being with all of us but it is your great grandaddy King`s birthday.He would have been 87 years old. He also would have rejoiced over you!! He probably would have fired his very old shotgun to celebrate your birth just like he did when your daddy was born!It is amazing how you have changed since the first time I saw you at 3 weeks old. Thank your mommy for me for writing this blog so that we can follow your development! Your Grandmom and I look forward to seeing you and you parents in a few months!! Say hello & Merry Christmas to everyone there in Emporia for us.

Love You All,
Grandaddy King