Happy 8-month Birthday, Jack!

WOW, I can't believe I just typed that! 8 months ... REALLY!?!? I literally woke up this morning, realizing what day it was, and started crying. Why does time have to fly by so quickly? Well, I guess it just does when you're having so much fun!

Today, we will celebrate Jack's 8-month birthday by heading to the Outer Banks for a little family time together. Can't wait!!

I realize that you all are due a little Jack update. Jack is doing wonderful! A few weeks ago (I can't believe I forgot to tell you all this earlier), Jack said "mama" while we were outside playing in the snow. It was so unexpected, and I could hardly believe my ears! Jack and I were sitting in the snowy woods behind our house playing, and just when I turned my head to get my camera, I heard the sweetest little voice say, "mama." Not "mamamama" but straight up, "mama." Tears welled up in my eyes ... it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever heard!

At first I thought I might have just been hearing things and that it was too good to be true, but just a couple days later Jack said it again and again (with witnesses present to prove that I am not crazy). Since then, Jack has been babbling up a storm ... saying, "mamamama" and "bababababa" (and maybe one or two "dadadada's"). He's also taken to "yelling" at his toys ... it's hilarious! I caught Jack babbling on video the other night, and I will gladly share it with you all as soon as I overcome some "technical difficulties" and figure out how to upload it to my computer!

Jack gives us "high fives" now, which is too cute, he's starting to reach his arms up for us to hold him (LOVE!!!), and Robert thinks that he might have done the sign for "Mama" the other day. Incredible! Jack can also sit independently now for hours, bear weight on his legs while holding onto something in the standing position, and he can hold himself up on all fours in the crawling position. He can't quite get himself completely into this position on his own, but he certainly tries! Jack is one determined little fella!

Happy 8-month birthday to my favorite person in the world! I love you so much, and I am so proud of you.

You amaze me more and more each day!