nine months old

Nine months old. 39 weeks. I cannot believe it- I just can't. The first year is almost behind us. It's completely surreal.

I couldn't have asked for a sweeter or easier baby. Austin's dimpled smile just lights up the room and melts my heart. His laughs are few and far between, a little stingy if you ask me- but when he does let out a little giggle or full belly laugh, I just can't help but laugh, too.

A baby's smile and laugh is the most genuine thing. Austin doesn't smile just for pictures, or to make me happy- when he smiles, it's complete bliss and happiness. When he does laugh, it's because he is sincerely humored. There is no sucking up, no laughing along just so that I can justify my endless hours of silly faces and noises. He laughs because he can't help it, and that's when I know I'm doing it right. When that baby lets out a carefree and joyous little laugh, I could just gobble him up right there. Yum.

39 weeks into my pregnancy, almost 41 weeks ago, I was ready to pop. I was entirely too uncomfortable and when my belly hit capacity stretch, everything else decided it needed to compensate. I'm talking nose, ankles, hands, arms, legs- everything. I basically looked like blueberry girl from Willy Wonka. 

In the past 9 months, Austin has learned to roll over, sit up, scoot, crawl, and stand. He is very curious and opinionated- he talks, a lot. Chatterbox. He is our most precious treasure.

We love you more than life, sweet angel!