River Flynn,

Still no rest for the weary. I swear it’s like you knew that we had it too good so you’re keeping up the no sleep ritual at night to keep us on our toes. We’ve started researching sleep training books so don’t get too comfortable in your routine just yet.

As far as the rest goes? You’re amazing. You spend all of your time working on your mad rolling skills and while you can flop from tummy to back you get caught up in your arm for the other way around. I’m pretty sure it’s just around the corner. You’re definitely a fan of your big brother and you spend most of your time trying to get hold of his long locks to which he promptly responds “no baby!” in his stern bossy Sheppard ways. It doesn’t phase you just yet, but I’m fairly certain that the sensitive tears will flow here soon when he gets real with you. Your aunt Jamie got married this month to your new Uncle Zach and you looked quite the handsome little devil in your sissy southern baby dress and acted like a complete southern gentleman during the ceremony (let’s just say Papa Shep had to carry Sheppard out moments in…..but let’s not keep score just yet in life). Our bedtime routine has been a rocked a bit since you’ve become quite the picky eater. You want things the way you want them at night and they are far from Sheppard’s baby style which has thrown me for a loop. We give you some spa time for bath (you love a good warm bath) and then do lotion, pjs, book, and eat. Shep used to eat himself to sleep but you? Well, you eat quick as a fox then want us to walk you around your room while you watch your crib soother out of the corner of your eye all with a lovie by your face and a paci in your mouth. I guess both my babies will be the type who prefer walking over rocking but man alive what I wouldn’t do to sit after a long day with you two while you fall asleep in my arms.

Mornings are wonderful (if they begin after 6 that is). You are so happy to be awake with your family and love spending the early hours with us in the living room before you plop down for a nap. And that nap? Well, that’s when I forgive you for the night before bc you nap 2-3 hours reminding me that it would be splendid if I could “nap when the baby naps”. Sweet Sheppard wouldn’t have me disappearing for sleep just because you’re sleeping. You love to snuggle your little bald head into my arms and your lovies are pretty much your most favorite things that exist. Each night I have to walk into your room about 2-3 times to pull it off your face bc any time you start to wake you pull it over your face to comfort yourself back to sleep. I know you’re fine but my goodness it scares my little OCD/Anxiety prone heart to death.

I sure do love you and am so incredibly happy to have you in our lives. You fit in in such a way that I can’t remember our lives before there was a River in them. Thank you for being the missing piece.

Until next month,

Mommy Xx