[seven]


His favorite time in the entire day is bath time. It's like he has never had one, each time being a new exhilarating experience. He squeals and splashes, sometimes choking on water. Other times he simultaneously clenches his fists and shows his big gummy smile all the while looking like he could explode with happiness.

My favorite time of the day with him is when he wakes up from naps. When we open the door and say, "Hello Sweetie Boy!" he looks up at us, smiles, then bashfully burrows his face in his mattress. He makes me feel oh so special, that boy.

I never want to forget you at seven months, sweet boy.

I will never forget how you can sit up and chew on random objects for hours. How you put your hands on both sides of my face while you are eating. How you belly laugh when your dad gives you sloppy kisses on your bare tummy. How you squeal at the top of your lungs when something excites you. I'll remember dying laughing while seeing you react to new foods. I'll remember your long body starting to get those yummy chunky rolls. I'll remember you squirming so much in my arms, showing your independence. I'll remember how I feel dropping you off at the nursery: almost sad that you don't cry when I leave anymore. I'll remember your fascination with the trees, with other little children, with a simple breeze on your face. I love discovering the world in a new way with you.

You wear us out, little Pax, but oh you fill us up to overflowing. You have brought a new purpose into our lives, a new joy we never knew existed. You have challenged us individually, challenged our marriage, challenged just about every area of our lives.

In a nutshell, you have brought us a taste of heaven on earth. God is good.