It’s another installment of what will hopefully be many monthly letters written to our children. It’s a part of a memory-keeping attempt to capture these glimpses into the everyday and the not so ordinary moments that pass by so quickly as children grow. This is an ongoing series.

My dear boy –

We keep getting these glimpses of bigger kid you. These photos demonstrate it so well, I think. The first is so little boy: hat on a bit crooked, trying to carefully pull snacks out of your cup, insisting on wearing your shirt backward because you like the crocodile better than the alligator, and knowing that mere seconds after this was taken that lidless cup of snacks was all over the lawn. The first is edging more toward bigger kid: newly trimmed haircut ruffling in the breeze, pursed lips, eating an apple like a grown up, that glance over your shoulder, focusing on what’s away from you, perhaps on what’s coming to you. (A note: the second photo is taken at one of our new favorite spots – right smack in the middle of the airport watching the planes taxi, land and take off. It’s the absolute best – it just kind of looks like a prison in this photo – ha!)

We’re seeing this little/big dichotomy in your personality too. You’re feeling like you need naps and extra snuggles and at the same time insisting on privacy in the bathroom and to wash your hands. I’m thrilled with the person you’re becoming and a bit sad that we’re leaving this little boy behind. As obnoxious as it may be for me to have my camera around a lot, I’m so so glad I do and that I have this record of your growing up. You may be leaving little boy, but it certainly won’t be forgotten.

So, so much,
Mama

Strong, darling girl –

You can roll, you have discovered that your feet are delicious, and you smile for darn near anyone who shows up in front of you. About 90% of the time, you are about the happiest baby I’ve ever met. Truly smiling all the time, giggling out of nowhere at your brother especially (seriously, the back and forth, completely nonsensical laughing at the lunch table is my FAVORITE), and contentedly going along with so many adventures. That last ten percent we’re still trying to figure out. It definitely happens in your “baby witching hours” and is worse when I’m not there. Parts of it seem to now be stretching into your sleeping times.

You were a great sleeper who loved being swaddled, but this rolling business has nixed the swaddle, and we’re all still trying to make the most sense of that and to figure out how to keep you sleeping the best. It’s all probably related. It’s also probably all going to figure itself out soon enough. For the time being, though, I keep knocking on wood because even with your “off” sleeping, you’re still doing pretty well. (The four month sleep regression hit your brother HARD and took about 14 months to finally resolve itself. So far, we’re doing alright, but I keep waiting for it all to hit the fan…)

I love seeing more and more glimpses of your personality start to shine through. Quick with a grin, and happy to see grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, this strong and bubbly part of who you are is such a joy.

So, so much,
Mama

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Alison Bents is a Minnesota photographer specializing in Family and Senior portraits and Wedding Photography. She lives in Rosemount with her husband, two children, and dog who have all put up with her lens pointing their way for a long, long time. Alison is now booking 2017 and 2018 weddings and portrait sessions on an ongoing basis. Serving Minneapolis, Saint Paul and the greater metro area, she is also available for travel nationwide.