18 Dec 5-6 months

It is Mia’s bedtime, but I am not done enjoying her company yet. Her laughter and squeals of joy fill the house and it seems like I just can’t get enough of her.

It feels as if she is really talking to me – filling our conversations with the cutest noises and spit bubbles, and continually reaching out to touch my face. I treasure these moments of interaction and bonding … another reason why I just can’t get enough of her. Spending time with Mia gives me unspeakable joy.

Mia’s personality and especially her likes and dislikes are starting to show and I love to get to know her ways. I am in awe of how she communicates her desires – she can make me aware of her needs and she can let me know exactly what she wants and how she wants it. At this tender age, I already know that she has a mind of her own.

It is a wonderful privilege to build a relationship with my baby and to get to know her just like any other significant person in my life. I don’t have magical motherly senses that instinctively allow me to know the ins and outs of her entire being (although that would be nice). No, I need to work at getting acquainted with this willful little person. Through all the exploring and discovering this month, I can honestly say that I love every second of getting to know my baby girl.

Lord, I thank You for Janno and Mia. I thank You for the blessing and privilege of raising them and for the grace to do it well. My children are masterpieces from Your heavenly treasure chest. Lord, today I only have gratitude and awe for the gifts You have given me.

MommaMia Tip: Something interesting that many parents ask me, is why babies put everything in their mouths. It is because the best way for your baby to experience and learn about his world, is by experiencing different tastes and textures. This is called oral exploration and is an important part of your baby’s development. When it is time for teething, you will see more mouthing accompanied with drooling.