Dear Maximilien,
This is a letter than spans over three months of your life. Busy is not the right word to explain the lax in the letters. Life is what happened. But I want to be dedicated to writing these letters for you, so here we go...
For month 9 you were so very sick. The sickest I've ever seen you. You had caught RSV somewhere and for a couple nights there I was up with you all night long as we fought through your high temperature. All this happened while we were in the US, far, far away from home. Once we got past the sickness, you got back to your normal, happy self. You explored every inch of your aunt's apt and met a cat for the first time in your life. You were enchanted. Chooni, our 14 year old family cat, was not so much impressed by you. Though, I must tell you that one day while you were at your sickest she did come and cuddle up next to you while you slept on the bed. She laid her head on your shoulder as if she felt that you needed some extra loving to get through the next few days.
You got to meet your Uncle William for the first time and you were fascinated by his animated gestures and his low voice. Christmas eve, I was up late sick with a stomach bug, throwing up everything I had eaten for dinner. You were crying wanting your mama so badly. Everyone in the house was awake now. How could anyone sleep through my dry heaving and your screaming. William broke out the guitar and sang you a tune and you actually fell asleep.
Ah, sleep... this was something that was missing from almost your entire 10th month of life, my son. You decided one day that you were no longer going to sleep at night. 2 am, where ever we were in the world you were awake. In the US or in France or on the plane flying over the ocean, if it was 2 am, you were awake. Screaming. While we were visiting friends in Pennsylvania, you didn't sleep once through the night. You could have taken some pointers from Rowan, who I might point out is three months younger than you. And she slept through the night.
And while we were visiting our friends you picked up a binky habit. Now you suck your thumb and a binky. Rowan was even nice enough to give you one of her binkies so that you'd stop stealing hers. Also, on this trip you met your first dog, Lucy. She licked your face on several occasions which made for a good laugh for your parents. I'm not sure if you really liked it but you learned that if you held your hand out, Lucy would come over and kiss it. And then you figured out if I hold my baby mum mums out to Lucy, she'd eat them too. Now, you hold your food out for everyone to taste. If I don't crunch your rice cakes you actually get mad and hold your arm out until I take a bite. You even take things out of your mouth and give them to me to eat. Sorry, buddy but that's gross and I throw those away. I already touch your poop, you can't expect me to eat your already chewed food.
Once we returned to France, we still had sleep issues. I don't know why I did not put two and two together but I figured it out about two weeks ago that you were going through a major growth spurt. And you were suffering from growing pains! It seemed over night your legs got longer and your torso became leaner. Your pants that were too long for you a couple weeks ago now fit. You were able to pop your head over the kitchen table and no longer needed to stand on your tippy toes to reach the chickens in the kitchen. I massaged your legs everyday and we did baby yoga and suddenly you started to sleep again. No more screaming. Just beautiful blissed out baby sleep.
Look at you, Max... you are such a big boy now. I hold you in my arms and I close my eyes and try to remember the little baby you once were. It's hard as everyday you change and learn something new. Here is something cute you are doing right now, I knock on your door after I hear you wake up from your nap and when I open the door, you pretend you have a telephone in your hand and you answer the phone. Also right now you are trying to walk. You put one hand on the wall in the hallway and toddle down the hallway after me. Today you are chasing after me but someday I will always be chasing after you.
Today, you are officially 11 months old. I left you with the baby sitter and you were ok. I went out and all I could think about was getting home to see you again. When you saw me walk in the door, your face lit up and such love emanated from my heart. You reached your arms out to me and I cuddled you close. I felt the weight of your body fall into me and I thought to myself, this is heaven on earth.
Happy 11 (10, 9) month, Max.
Love,
Mama
Too sweet.
Posted by: Tsoniki | February 21, 2008 at 01:12
Awww, so sweet! He is becoming a big boy now! I just hope the growth spurt doesn't lean out his cheeks for a while. I love those things!
Posted by: yaiAnn | February 21, 2008 at 01:22
wow, a binky and thumb habit? that's one multi-talented kid :) yeah, the peanut went through a growth spurt too recently. all of a sudden, her pants are more like shorts! i really need to buy more clothes. max is such a sweet and beautiful baby. you are a lucky mama!
Posted by: gleek | February 21, 2008 at 01:58
I love to hear all about your little one and your adventures together. Your journey is amazing.
Also, "uncle" William is hot.
Posted by: the fabulous adventures of sarah | February 21, 2008 at 04:42
I love to hear all about your little one and your adventures together. Your journey is amazing.
Also, "uncle" William is hot.
Posted by: the fabulous adventures of sarah | February 21, 2008 at 04:42
so the baby yoga thing really works? I'm a big fan of adult yoga but have a very vague idea of what it might mean to an 11 month old...
Posted by: maitresse | February 21, 2008 at 05:42
Ah, GROWTH SPURT. That would sure do it. What a relief you figured it out, and a remedy for it.
The baby sitter enjoyed being Max's "play date" and he was absolutely delightful company and not one bit of trouble -- just so he knows this, when he reads it for himself some day. Can't wait to do it again sometime.
Posted by: The Bold Soul | February 21, 2008 at 10:27
P.S. and how ADORABLE do Max and Rowan look together? Let's say it together now: "Awwwwwwww!"
Posted by: The Bold Soul | February 21, 2008 at 10:28
Ahhh, Aimee, I *heart* your brother. And not in a naughty Mrs. Robinson way, either. I just think he looks like such a good soul, and I want a brother William of my own. And now that you tell us that he serenaded Max on the guitar...please can I trade you a sister who can fix computers for a brother who plays guitar?
Posted by: Michelle | February 22, 2008 at 05:44
You hit it all on the head, Aimee! What incredible sentiments, all of which I share...My son is so big now...and SUCH a character. I can't imagine my life without him. Time really does, as they so often say, F-L-Y.
Posted by: jchapel | February 23, 2008 at 07:00
I just wanted to say that this is such a beautiful post -- I could learn so much from you! I'm in my 18th week of pregnancy now, and I try to listen to soothing music more often, but I've had so many negative thoughts going on lately I'm having a hard time getting away from them! You are an inspiration to me, Aimée -- and I adore reading your posts about Max and how much he has grown and changed. Thank you for sharing with us.
P.S. - I also love your new green color theme! This color green is one of my favorites, and it works so well on your blog.
Posted by: Alice | February 28, 2008 at 14:21