so big

We were at a friend's house last night celebrating a birthday. Gus and Dave got to go early, and I had to be at a work meeting. I came later, and when I arrived, Gus was swinging in the arms of a friend who we don't see very often. I was surprised at first, since little August has been going through a bit of a separation anxiety/stranger anxiety phase. It's not a terrible one, I would say - he's just been reluctant to let us out of his sight and very reluctant to be handed to strangers. I think it comes with face recognition and now he's sure who he knows and who he doesn't, he doesn't like the idea of hanging out with new people as much as he did when he was just a wee one.

Anyway, our friend who was holding him kept noting how small and cuddly he is. I think the opposite! This little guy is all legs and arms when I pick him up. No more baby bundle from last summer. He's long and lean and squirmy, rarely cuddly. He'll be 9 months this week, and it seems like he's already a toddler, no longer a baby. I know it's cliche to say it, but oh - it just goes so damn fast. My little baby is on the brink of walking and talking, and I'm nostalgic for just a few months past.

It's so fun to spend time with him, watching him try new sounds and check out new stuff. He tries so hard to mimic us, and is terribly determined. I knew we'd be overwhelmed with love for our little baby, but sometimes it still just takes my breath away, how powerful that feeling is. He's such a fun little guy, I feel lucky to be his mama.