Aerosmith and the Babearian

When I'm gazing down at Conan as he nurses to sleep at night, the song that runs thru my head isn't a sweet little lullaby...it's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith. 

I remember when my older four were babies and I couldn't wait for the next big milestone.  I was so busy looking ahead and waiting for them to be able to "do" something --to grow and become more self-sufficient so I could get work done--that I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I should.  With this one I am doing my best to slow down time.  I'm memorizing the feel of his precious little hand as he caresses his source of milk and comfort; memorizing the little twitch that turns the corners of his lips into a smile in his semi-dream state; memorizing the look he gives me through sleep-heavy lids that says he feels safe and loved.  These are the things I will miss as he grows...and I don't want to miss a thing...

I could stay awake just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
While you're far away and dreaming
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Where every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure

Lying close to you feeling your heart beating
And I'm wondering what you're dreaming
Wondering if it's me you're seeing
Then I kiss your eyes and thank God we're together
I just wanna stay with you in this moment forever, forever and ever

I don't wanna miss one smile, I don't wanna miss one kiss
I just wanna be with you, right here with you, just like this
I just want to hold you close, feel your heart so close to mine
And just stay here in this moment for all the rest of time

Don't wanna close my eyes, don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you baby and I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you the sweetest dream would never do
I'd still miss you baby and I don't want to miss a thing

First Word

Conan has said his first official, recognizable word associated with an object (aside from "aMaaaa!" which he uses to complain that I have left the room, and "dada," which he used profusely on Father's Day, much to Daddy's delight).

His first word is 

*drumroll*

Book--said quite clearly as he picked through random books on his floor.  He then handed me one to read.  (All this was caught on video for my more cynical readers...). 

Pretty good for a 9 month old!

Baby Talk

Samuel: "Mom, your skin hasn't stretched back to normal yet."

Mommy: "Thanks for noticing..."

Samuel: "Does that mean there's a baby in your belly?"

Mommy: "No."

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Samuel: "We have three boys and two girls in our family.  You need to have another girl to make it even."

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Mommy: "Seven years ago today I was pregnant with you and too big to fit in this booth."

Samuel: "I am so glad I'm not a girl."

Camp

My babies are going to camp tomorrow!!!  How on earth am I going to survive a week without them??? At least I'll have my two youngest boys home to make the week go quickly.

Honor is excited to spend a week with her friends. 

Connor is excited to explore nature. 

Ariana is excited to make new friends. 

Samuel is excited to have mommy dates all week.  

Daddy and I...are not excited. Terrified is more the word.

But camp is a good thing. And I'm happy they get to go.

Nursery

My baby boy loves the church nursery.  We've put him in there the last couple weeks and according to the volunteers, he's done very well--little to no crying, lots of smiles and exploring--until I show up. Then he realizes that I have abandoned him with strangers for the last two hours and cries crocodile tears.  He spends the rest of the day making sure I am within arms' reach.  

Good thing he's so cute...