Otis | 6 Months Old

As if the ridiculous photoshoot doesn't portray it enough - your little personality is not so little as of late. You have grown in me such graciousness that I get to have a front row seat to these sweet [albeit sometimes maddening] stages again. 

Otis - you are all boy. Our very own Anderson boy. You are still content around your people, easy going until you want something and then you want it that instant [patience was a long shot, buddy because I've got none to pass along]. And still so smiley! And I also have a sneaking suspicion you will soon be a shameless little flirt. 

You have liked every single food we have tried, but haven't let that stop you from wanting to nurse. You are snuggly, but don't want to miss anything so it seems like you're always torn between the two. Your smile still melts.freaking.hearts and sometimes when Daddy and I get you and Wren to bed we look through pictures and just melt all over again. Modern day parenthood.

And because your HALF BIRTHDAY sent me on a little sappy trip down memory lane, I wandered upon a little snippet of sentiment that I wrote back when I was 24 weeks pregnant with you; before I knew you were you and before I knew you, my sweet boy.

"In some ways I can already feel that you are going to calm us down and keep us locked in on the simple joys of the present instead of tending to hold our gaze on the "just beyond." I already appreciate that about you."

And there you have it...feeling to fruition. You make us better already, Otis. We love you so big, brother!

Snow day | 1.19.18

There's something magic about daddies and daughters. And snow days really just take it up a notch. 

Otis | 5 Months Old

Otis - brother Otis - BROtis - you sure have come on strong this past month! You're still the most smiley dude, although now such a blur because you are kicking and wiggling constantly. You can't stand to miss a thing so the days of you snuggled up in my neck feel long gone. I can just tell that you want to be on the move! Lawd help when that day gets here. 

I keep trying to pick up on little bits of your personality and so far I think you're going to be pretty laid back but high energy (just like Daddy), talkative but maybe not quite as outgoing and social as your sister and a little on the sensitive side. We can't wait to see what else!

You really are cute on cute and we love you so much it hurts. Keep growing big and strong, my sweet boy.

Otis | 4 Months Old

You are just the smiliest little dude, Otis! Daddy and I have decided that Wren wasn't quite as smiley at your age and we are soaking up all the extras. You're also still such a mess 99% of the time, but you are not bothered by it one bit. You continue to talk all the time and still want to be right with us, especially hanging outside. I can't tell if you prefer to watch Wren (we call it Wren TV and it is by far your favorite show) or have all of my attention to yourself (a rarity) but both of those go straight in your happy tank. And as you can see, she's just as into you sometimes too. Sweet sibs.

In the last month you have started rolling over from front to back, acing tummy time and grabbing toys with more focus and dexterity. And oh boy - I forgot how much fun it is to tickle a defenseless baby and all of your sweet first giggles go straight into my happy tank. 

We're still working on a little tightness in your neck when you look towards your left to avoid any more head flattening, but so far you've been cleared by all the doctors and specialists. We are just grateful that you're hitting your marks and milestones just fine. 

You are a joy. Our joy. And we love you immensely sweet boy!

Otis | 3 months old

What a little source of contentment and joy you have been for us, son. In the past month you have continued to melt our hearts with your 2 million dollar grin, found your hands, ruined more outfits than I can count and have definitely put your sweet little voice to use.  We may just end up being an entire family of chatty talkers if the trend continues. 

You seem so strong, wanting to stand up anytime I've got you in my lap and you have to be near your people. You're particularly sweet on me as far as I can tell (: You love to be outside and to watch Wren do whatever it is she is up to. In turn, she pets, loves and asks to hold you a couple times each day. Most people still say you look like your daddy and Uncle Zach, but we get some that say you look like me and my dad, Papa Perry (your namesake) too!

It has been the biggest whirlwind of a few weeks with selling and packing up our house in Greenville and buying our new "blue house" as Wren calls it. Having you (and Wren) has kept us grounded during the transition. So much comfort in our little family unit together wherever we are. And you have been such a trooper, sleeping like a champ in the camper and genuinely happy to be along for the adventure as long as your needs are met...rather promptly. 

Otis Perry, we just adore you. Our littlest buddy, we are so glad to spend our days with you and watch your little personality grow!