In Half a Year

Yesterday Briggs turned 6 months old. He is a half year old. From an outsider's perspective this does not seem like much for anyone. However, once you bear the name "mom" it changes your whole outlook on life.

In half a year, I have learned what it means for your heart to belong with someone else at all times. I have gotten to know a beautiful, joyful and spirited little boy. He has fulfilled Ryan in so many ways that I never thought possible. He has helped me become a more cautious driver, a better cook, a more efficient house cleaner, a songwriter, a better wife to Ryan, a proud doggy mom to his protector, Lola, even more appreciative of my parents and a more nurturing and forgiving soul. How can someone so little have such an impact in every aspect of my life? I'm not sure, but I know it happened. And I thank God over and over again every day for blessing my life with Briggs Beto.

Now in my family, it is tradition to sing a little song and perhaps receive half a twinkie on your half birthday. So since it was Briggs's very first one, I decided to have a little family get together for him. It turned into a very large celebration (why am I not surprised?) to celebrate this little bug with our friends and family who wanted to show him love too.


Earlier yesterday morning, I was singing a happy 6 months song to him. He was loving it! So I had to record his reactions....please excuse my singing voice :) Now he LOVES to watch this video of himself. Sometimes its the only thing that will console him when he is extra grumpy. He just smiles and cracks up at himself. It never fails.


Also, here are his 6 month growth pictures:







4th of July

Before having my own baby, I wasn't very aware of a child's development. The only children I really understood were those ranging from 14-18 years old thanks to my few years in high school eduction. So if you were to ask me when I was pregnant, what will your child be doing a year from now? I probably would have told you crying, sleeping and pooping. At 5 1/2 months old, while he certainly does do those things, he is capable of SO much more.

I love that he is beginning to take in the world around him. He is starting to recognize faces and voices and is more comfortable with certain people he is familiar with. Although, he can't crawl yet, he is still very mobile. Currently, his mode of transportation is rolling. He thinks its hilarious too. One moment he is lounging in the boppy on the floor, the next moment I look up at him and he is belly down playing with his toys a few feet away from where he started. When I laugh at him and ask him what he's doing, he just cracks up.

So on 4th of July, we took him to the Matthews' family lake house. He loved lounging in their hammock with me. He even watched and followed some of the boats going by. But the biggest surprise for me that night, was how amazed he was by the firework display on the lake. It is a memory I will cherish. He was taking in every moment while being so aware of the lights and colors. He would get so excited that he would start flapping his arms. He never ceases to amaze me. So at 5 months old, my son loves fireworks. And I am in awe of my 5 month old.





Briggs is loving the fireworks