Keaten,
We can't begin to express what a joy you have been to our lives this year. The anticipation we had at the beginning of the year for your arrival, to the day you came into our lives, and now the months since then. It comes as no surprise to us that as much as we were happy throughout this period that you have the biggest smile imaginable.
You are such a happy boy. You love to smile, flirt, giggle, and explore. From sunrise to sundown, you are a smiling little boy. Even when you sleep, you can occasionally be caught smiling (I like to think this is due to happy dreams about Mommy and Daddy, but I bet some of them are you dreaming about scheming against your sister :P). Your happiness is contagious too. It is a joy coming home after work to such a smiling face (the hoot/holler and giggles as I walk through the door are nice too). We can only hope that others can catch one tenth of your happiness, it is definitely a trait that could change the lives of everyone you meet, so keep on being happy.
You didn't stay in the stationary mode for very long. You were determined to be mobile as soon as you saw the freedom your sister had. At first we thought for sure you would skip the crawling stage, as you did more of a bear crawl than an actual crawl, but alas, you did eventually get it down. Now you are crawling and standing in random locations throughout the living room, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, any room really. It won't be much longer till you take that first step, and then the second, the third, and before you know it, you just walked across the room. We want you to keep your determination, when shaped properly, this will greatly benefit you in your future years. Also keep in mind, nothing is impossible or unreachable unless you choose to give up on it. If you are determined enough, the impossible will become possible.
After the mobility started, the true orneriness kicked in. We can't recount the number of times you have sneaked up to your sister to pull her hair (only to laugh when she starts screaming). Many of times you did this when Mommy and I were just a few feet away. If your sister wasn't the primary objective, chances are the laptop cord, or my computer cords were a close second. It took us a while, but we finally got a gate up around my computers to stop you from playing with them (of course, you were very unhappy with this new arrangement and you made sure to voice your opinion). We want you to continue to be ornery, but please stop pulling sister's hair!
Now, let's talk about this flirting. You are the most flirtatious boy I've ever met, and so KEEP IT UP! :P Yeah, Yeah, double standard -- Get over it! Hey, Hey,... mmefaif.... Okay, this is Mommy taking over. Keaten Zachary, if your sister can't date until she is 20, then neither can you! Don't you dare bring home girl after girl. You need to treat them with respect just like Daddy and I. She should be asdifaiehfaeiajeifjoa... (okay, Daddy's back), blonde, tall, happy (just like you), a big smile, caring, and God loving (the first two are optional).
Mommy and I want you to know that you will always have us, we will always strive to shape the characteristics you show so they will continue to benefit you in your future years. We will strive to ensure these characteristics hopefully match what is in God's plans for your life. We look forward to the right-wrong stage, as right now the laughing as we slap your hands (albeit funny) definitely needs to change (and it will in time). We can't wait to see you walking and running with your sister. I can just see the two of you tackling each other across the room (I'm not sure if Mommy is ready for that yet though, so take your time). :P For only being 8 months old, you have several wonderful characteristics that if shaped properly will help pave the way for you to become a handsome little man.
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
