Nine Months

Ever since I found out that I was going to be his mom, I have hoped to imbue Will with an adventurer’s spirit. I’ve been reading Bourdain to him since he was born, we have an Indiana Jones print in his nursery and he’s already traveled on an airplane.

I think it worked because every day brings something new and I’m starting to see just how tough, resilient and focused Will is - no matter how many times he bonks down on his butt, he gets back up.

Alexander might have seen the breadth of his domain and wept for there were no more worlds to conquer, but William the Great sees a brave new world to explore and he squeals with delight at the thought of it.

Dear Will:

This month’s letter is a little late and that is because I am exhausted. Turns out, a mobile infant is a whole different ballgame than a little squish who hangs out in his Dock-a-Tot.

You are off to the races this month and can’t believe how much has changed in such a short amount of time.

Biggest accomplishment - you are moving. Like, really moving.

Crawling all over the universe, pulling yourself up using the furniture and getting tons of dog hair in your mouth in the process.

International soccer is back and we’ve been spending lots of time watching both the Euro and the Copa.

You seem to love hanging out with me and Daddy while we’re watching but you do not love our exuberant celebrations when teams score goals. I think it frightens you a little.

Well, here’s the good news about that, super chief. By default, you are an England fan and if there’s one thing the English National Team does remarkably well - it is snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

I mean, we’re playing Germany on Tuesday and there’s no better opportunity for you to learn the wisdom of Gary Lineker:

“Football is a simple game: twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win”

So, while there will be occasional cheering, there’s a greater likelihood of you weeping into your (ginger) beer.

You’ve gotten too tall for your bassinet and are sleeping in your crib now. This was a tough adjust for me as it was an undeniable realization that you’re growing up so quickly and that pretty soon, you’ll be moving from a crib to a real bed.

I miss falling asleep while holding your hand but I know you like having your own space to dream. I hope you know that I will always be here to hold your hand when you need it.

You remain a voracious eater and are devouring everything in your path. We went out for Guyanese food yesterday with Uncle Jeff and Titi Cinthya and you ate macaroni and cheese dipped in jerk curry, eggplant, chickpeas and two types of plantains - platanos maduros and tostones. You loved both.

Other things you have loved this past month include everything bagel seasoned croissants, mole, refried beans, sweet potato fries, veggie burger, veggie patties made with carrots, broccoli, water chestnuts and edamame, veggie dumplings from Joy Noodles, Colombino’s spinach bread and Cheerios. SO MANY CHEERIOS.

Dude, I have never seen someone go HAM on Cheerios the way you do. It is impressive to say the least and I cannot wait to blow your mind in a couple of months when you discover the glory of Honey Nut Cheerios. They’re the Apex Mountain of the cereal game.

But my favorite, favorite thing that happened this past month was when I had the hiccups. You thought it was the funniest thing in the world and giggled loudly every single time I hiccuped. I don’t think I’ve ever made you laugh like that before and I promise, I’ll spend the rest of my life helping you find that joy.

That means we’re probably gonna watch a lot of Mel Brooks and Will Ferrell movies, kiddo.

I wish I had something deep and pithy to say here. Some ancient wisdom to pass onto you but I can’t seem to find the words other than to say that I love you so much, I like you so much and I am so excited about seeing what the future brings our family.

Love you always, kiddo

Mama xx