Gus's Grandiose Gabble: Seven Months Old!!!!

12-11-10 Gus at seven months

Yesterday Gus turned seven months old. I didn't really have time to go on and post on here, so I thought I'd do it today.

I was looking back at the pictures that I've taken on the 11th of each month since May and it's incredible to see how much he's changed! He's such a cutie and has the best little personality! Each time I look at him, I think to myself, "He seriously has the facial characteristics and personality of me and Steve!" I'm sure when his birth mom's family look at pictures they see her traits, and when/if his birth father's family see pictures they think the same with him. He's just such a (as my dad says) little turkey!

In the last month there have been some amazing changes and developments. Probably the most significant since his birth! He's actually mobile (oh the joys for us!) and sitting up on his own for longer periods of time. He's learned what no means and doesn't like to hear it. He has also been sitting up in the grocery cart when we go shopping, instead of being in the car seat. The same can be said about restaurants-- he sits in the high-chair instead of in the car-seat on top of the flipped over high chair.

Gus loves to look around and see new things and loves noises. The stranger/sillier the noise, the better. You're sure to get some high-pitched squeals and shrieks when you make crazy noises or tickle him under his arms. Gus loves his dogs and loves to be entertained by their antics. He likes the cats, but is most amused by Purry Como. Of all the pets, Elphie is Gus's favorite and for being a crazy Jack Russell she is amazingly calm when she's around him. I hope they grow up together (Elphie is only a few months older than Gus) and remain the best of friends (every boy needs a dog).

I cannot predict what the next month will bring for Gus, but I'm sure the changes will continue to be staggering. He's such a pleasant and happy baby. People ask me, "Is he really that happy all the time?" Obviously he's not happy 24/7 but he's happy a good 95% of the time. When he's not happy, it's a clear indication that he's hungry, wet, or most likely, tired. Once those things are fixed, he's instantly back to smiling and laughing.

I never would have imagined that I could love someone as much as I love Gus. I think about him constantly, even in my dreams. He's the most important thing in my life, and I can't imagine my life without him. I can't even imagine another baby in my life-- I wouldn't want to "replace" him, or take anything away from him. He honestly is the greatest gift that I've ever received. God knew what he/she was doing when Gus was placed into our lives!

My only regret is that we don't live closer to family. I wish my brothers and their families could experience the joy of Gus as their nephew and his cousins could be around him and experience the joys that he brings when he's around other children. I wish his grandparents in Indiana and Michigan got to see him as often as they desired, instead of when they're able to get off work and travel to NC. I wish his birth families were able to hold him and cuddle him and know that he's the most amazing little guy and brings a smile to your face when he smiles at you. I know that the above mentioned people will see him and they will/do get to see pictures and videos, but I just wish we lived closer so it was a more constant thing for everyone.

Gus is right on target developmentally and while I can't say what he'll be doing when I write again at eight months, I can only guess that it's going to be mind-blowing and incredible. Each day with him is awesome and I discover something new that he's able to do. Being a parent is just amazing.

I do know that this month will bring Gus's first Christmas and I cannot wait to document his special day. Christmas was always magical and while I personally cannot remember my first Christmas, I do know that it was the holiday that I loved the most and it was (and still is) my favorite.

Here are the other pictures that I took yesterday of Gus on his seven month birthday: