Tyler is 8 months!

Tyler turned 8 months old earlier this week. And it's certainly been a big week for him. He's intensely working on getting those first teeth in. His gums are pretty raw and red and swollen. Poor baby! He's also forgone the crawling for now to work on his fine motor skills instead. He can pick up the smallest piece of...well, anything...and promptly stick it in his mouth. But the only things he won't put in his mouth are pieces of food. Go figure.

He's also got a bad case of separation anxiety. So I've been doing everything with a 22 lb baby attached to my hip. But I know it only lasts a week or two, when he figures out that -- although he's growing and changing -- he's still safe. So I'm patiently riding it out. And I can say "patiently" because I have my trusty mother's helper Lezlie maintaining my sanity for 3 hours a day, 3 days a week. Just enough for me to converse with adults, make a little money, and, most importantly, be still. I recommend trying the latter for all mothers.

So, Tyler: Happy 8 months! You're on your way now. I'm so proud of you and can't wait to see what you'll be up to next. I don't think it's a secret that I was less than enthusiastic to find out I was pregnant again when you came along. I just didn't feel ready to add to the brood. But I told your daddy the other day that I am so very, very grateful that you surprised us. Even though it's been a mighty big challenge having two boys so close in age, I never would have had YOU if I had waited. And to think of not having you -- specifically -- in my life, well, it's simply unbearable. You're a perfect fit for our little family -- so sweet, so curious. And I have a feeling that you'll be able to hold your own with your brother for years to come. I love you, my Tylee!