Dear Tripp -
It is so hard to believe how fast you are growing and changing. These last two months have been fast and busy for our family, and you are really learning how to hang with us on our crazy adventures. So many times I have wished that I could stop the clock so I can enjoy the things you are doing on that day. Each day seems to bring so much change that my heart has a difficult time keeping up with you!
Your daddy and I could not be more proud of you. You keep us smiling and bring so much light and joy to our lives and to so many other people as well. You are such a happy baby. When you smile your whole face exudes joy. You have begun laughing and we just love it when you do. It starts way down in your belly and makes your whole body shake! Your sweet eyes are so expressive. I think you will have a difficult time trying to hide how you feel as you get older. We are so thankful already for the passion you show for life!
We have been busy this month traveling for weddings, Thanksgiving and Christmas. We've been amazed at how you've transformed into a fabulous traveler. You have learned to sleep well in your car seat which makes all the difference in the world. Our riding arrangements when we travel are quite humorous, however. Our big girl dog, Macy, loves you so much that we still don't trust her to sit by your in the backseat of the car. So, Mom rides in the backseat with you, while Macy, the queen dog, rides shotgun with Daddy! I think we will laugh at this in years to come! All of your family just adored you when we visited for the holidays. No one could get enough of your sweet smiles!
It's incredible how much you've grown since you were born. At your four month appointment you had doubled your birth weight and grown almost 5 inches longer! You weigh even more now. You are developing so many skills as well. You can easily support yourself on your elbows during tummy time. Your muscle control in your neck is so strong and you support your head well now with no help at all. You are very active and busy. If your eyes are open then you are moving! You have mastered rolling from your tummy to your back. It's an exciting development, but has cost Mom and Dad lots of sleep because you turn yourself over in the middle of the night and cry because you can't get back. Just yesterday you flipped yourself back over for the first time. We will be doing lots of exercising so you can master that skill!
Your little hands move constantly. You explore everything with them. You grab anything that touches your hands, especially fun things like Mommy's hair and glasses! You have fallen in love with your toys. That is so fun to watch you enjoy them. You love any of them that make noise or light up. Your crinkly book and crawl ball are your favorites. You take your pacifier in and out of your mouth now, but I'm not sure that it's on purpose because sometimes it makes you upset! You love to play! Even if you don't have a toy you will wiggle and squirm, kicking your legs with as much force as you can. It's so fun to watch you. We can already tell you are going to be one active little booger.
We are so enjoying watching your personality develop. Each month we feel like we know you a little better than the month before. You are still very independent. You enjoy people, but would prefer someone lay beside you to play with you rather than hold you. You communicate so much verbally, and we can't wait until you can put words to all those noises! Your determination is incredible. Once you set your mind on something you give everything you have to doing it, whether it's rolling over or reaching a toy. I wonder often how God will use that trait as He writes the story of your life. You are so aware of things going on around you, sometimes so much that it's hard for you to even concentrate while you're eating. Not much gets by you! You love to interact with people. Anyone who speaks to you, you talk back to or give one of your gracious smiles. We think you will certainly be a people person.
Tripp, you truly make being parents so rewarding and fun. Each month we are able to see more why God chose to bring you into our family. We feel so privileged to have the opportunity to love you and raise you. I pray God teaches us more and more how to be good stewards of your precious little life. We love you so much. Your daddy and I pray over you for your salvation often. I pray each day that you will never wonder if or how much you are loved by God and by your parents. You are so precious to us. We cherish we day with you sweet boy!
Love,
Daddy & Momma
