Technically, they might not be the most amazing photos ever, but I do love grabbing pictures of the bug on my phone these days. It’s just so stinkin’ convenient…and he’s just so stinkin’ lovable. (I say this after a relatively rough afternoon/evening with the little man who, to my chagrin, is avoiding sleep (naps!) at all costs lately.) These snapshots remind me why it’s so important to roll with the punches of parenting, to walk away for a few minutes when I need a deep breath, and to step right back into loving this incredible little person the way he deserves. At almost-nine months old, I know he doesn’t really do things to spite me. He’s just gaining a little more independence and testing the waters (and ripping the bumpers off his crib while he should be sleeping, and…). You know, the stuff that makes you want to tear your hair out a little. But just a little.

So, no more bumpers for the kiddo after today, and unfortunately, a few more bumps on the head in exchange. I don’t think it will take long for him to realize that the bars can hurt a little, and it’s better than the alternative of ribbons ripped off the crib and in his hands while he’s alone. Cheeky little monkey, this one. The ribbons were tied on the outsides, and he still got ’em off. Ah, well. I’ve ever so quietly removed my mama cap for the evening and am heading to bed to start fresh in the morning. In the meantime, the munchkin. Playin’ and drumin’ and being “SO big!” (with one arm, of course. Two would be asking a lot:)

sleep, here i come!

mm