Dear June,
I can’t believe that you are already 9 months old! It seemed like it took so long for you to reach the 3-month mark and suddenly you are closer to a year. I remember being devastated that our time together right after you were born was over, and now I see it right before my eyes – life moves pretty fast.
You took your time, and were pretty content with a few milestones, and then suddenly before your 9-month mark, you decided that it was time to get rolling – literally – and get them all checked off. Just a few days before you turned 9-months you rolled over and started crawling and got two new teeth! It was a wonderful 2-3 days of discoveries for you; and for us.
Right now you:
- Are full of all kinds of expressions and giggles.
- Roll over from your back to belly (not from belly to back though)
- Crawl all over the place, sometimes dragging one leg
- Love to be naked and crawl all over… and then giggled the two times you peed on the floor
- Have four teeth that have fully come in (2 on top; 2 on bottom) and one more poking through on top
- Really like going to the pool; even putting your face in the water
- Clap with enthusiasm
- Said your first words “bye bye” and waved (mama cried)
- Still love to pull yourself up to standing
- Are starting to get the hang of a sippy cup and laugh with glee when water goes all over your face and belly
- Have only slept completely through the night once…one glorious, glorious night
- Dance when we play music and really seem to enjoy the rhythm (obviously you get this from me)
- Tried baby food that mama made and did not want any part of it and…
- Now love food that you can feed yourself; cheese (surprisingly herb-marinated feta), steak, corn, and strawberries are favorites…obviously along with paper
- Get stuck in the crib on your belly because you can’t roll from belly to back so get frustrated, sit up and then give up and end up sleeping in some pretty funny positions
- And are still breastfeeding (mama can’t believe that we’ve gone this far!), and will slowly come to an end over the next month or two.
On that note, nursing has been tough, Juney. Some day you, or a close friend, co-worker, or relative, may breastfeed a baby, and please do whatever you can to support it – even if it’s helping her decide that it’s time for her to stop. Every mama has to do what is going to allow them to be the best they can be. Nursing you has been one of the hardest things I have ever loved. The bond mama has with you is so strong; Juney, and I know some of it is because of those hundreds of nights we were up together. I’m sad that it’s coming to an end over the next month, and will miss it. It’s time for mama to get some freedom back in her day, and time for her to adjust to her new (still ever-changing) body. I will miss being so close with you. I know it won’t happen, but I’m a little worried that we will lose our bond, just like I worried (and still think about you) when you go to day care…and worry about you when you aren’t in my arms. I think I am still getting used to the crushing vulnerability of being a mother.
“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” -Elizabeth Stone
Mama has a piece of her; living and smiling and loving me with a wide open heart. We’ve made it 9 months Juney, and every night before I close my eyes, mama sends extra love out just for you.
Goodnight Sweet Tuney,
Mama
June and Mabel 
What a beautiful post! To add to the 9 month milestones- June, you make me smile every time I am on the phone with your mama. You talk more than any other infant I know. You sing songs, have conversations with your toys, and are generous with your coos. I love you! xoxo
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Oh Bethy….this is such a precious tribute to being a new mom and your baby June. Thank you for your beautiful words and the love you give to little June. You are so right….it goes really fast. It is a joy to watch what a wonderful mother you are. Love you so much.
Judy
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