Riggs: month seven

Riggs,

Today you are seven months old.  Where has the time gone?  I couldn't tell you.  I feel like time has become such a sneaky thing since you were born.  It seems that it has been so long that you've been with us and yet wasn't it just yesterday that you were born, all pink and wrinkly and new?  It's been 214 days, and what a beautiful 214 days it has been!  You have changed so much, and learned so much, and we are just in awe of you, of who you are. 

This last month has been full of more growth than I thought possible, and with it some hard times too...maybe some of the hardest.  You now have four beautiful little teeth that you didn't have 4 short weeks ago, with two more about to break through the skin.  What a struggle it is for those sharp little teeth to come in!  I know that you have made it through like a trooper, barely struggling at all compared to some of the other stories I hear.  Yet there have definitely been some rough times here and there along the way (crying fits, nursing strikes, and projectile vomiting, to name a few).  

You are more mobile than ever, able to move all around on your own.  From sitting to tummy, to scooting to hands and knees, to sitting again.  It really amazes us just how determined you can be, your eyes narrow and you start to grunt, reaching and reaching for anything that catches your eye.  

One thing that hasn't changed is your sunny and peaceful personality, shining through so brightly, and never failing to bring a smile to our faces.  You are just a joy to be around, and the best company I could ask for to spend my days with.

This month you've really started to notice the dogs, and I don't think much could excite you more than the sight of one of your furry friends within grabbing distance.  Beau isn't very happy with the new attention, especially when you grab a handful of his curly hair (with quite a bit of skin too), but Tutka couldn't be happier to get the attention.  You both seem to have infinite patience with each other, he steps on you, or knocks you over with his tail, and you grab his hair, pull his ears, and steal his bone right from his mouth.  It is so fun to watch you grow together, although his growth has far surpassed your own.  

Your physical growth has slowed down just a bit, to give your more energy for all the new things you have been learning.  You are 19 lbs 14oz now, which puts you 73% for weight.  And you are nearly two and a half feet from head to two (28.75") which puts you in the 93% for length.  Your head keeps growing too, and is now 45.72 cm (86%).  I noticed earlier today when rocking you that your soft spot has nearly closed up completely, and it brought tears to my eyes.  Just another milestone that means you're not the little newborn I used to know.

We love you so, so, so much and thank God for you every day!

xoxo,
Mama and Daddy