11 months!

How is it possible? How is it that my baby - my newborn (now 19.6 lb. baby) - is NOT a newborn BUT 11 months old!? I honestly feel as though he just got here - considering I still have the faint line on my belly and night sweats, you'd think he actually did! It makes me sad in some ways to think he is going to be a year old - it is still so incredibly hard to wrap my mind around. Everyday I feel like I am still getting to know him. Maybe it is because I knew who Jack was in utero and said his name 5 months longer than I did Stenn's. Not sure. But what I do know is that God's gift of the endless depth of capacity to love is undeniable. And I do know his sounds, and I do know his cries, and I do know his needs - I just don't know if I want him growing up this quickly. This year has gone by in lightening speed compared to the first year of Jack's life. It is truly amazing what Stenn brings to this family. He brings his dad calm when he walks into a house full of three year old chaos after work. He brings Jack a partner, a friend, and a buddy (although he is only 11 months) everyday. The other day a mom at pre-school told me that Jack walked up to her at school and said "My best friend lives with me, he is my little brother . . . Stenny-Benny!" And Stenn brings me peace and love that fills my heart so abundantly. Although at times he cries like a true pterodactyl, his temperament is so even, quiet, serene, and easy. He has a curious spirit, always wanting to know who is doing what, always wanting to know where his brother is. There are so many things I could write about our Stenn, but his laughter, his true belly laughter (which is rare to hear like his dad) is so pure and contagious - it is something everyone should witness!

Happy 11 months!