Today marks the day my son has been in the outside world longer than he was in my belly. Yes, mommies can have separation anxiety too.

Chase turned 39 weeks/9 months old at 7:19 this morning.

During the 1st 9 months, a baby is 100% dependent on mom for everything and mom is able to protect every fiber of their being to the best of her ability. A nurturing bond forms. It’s a bond that cannot be broken…hence the separation anxiety.

The 2nd 9 months is SO much more fun. Each day is better than the last.

So why is this 9 month milestone such a big deal for me?

My baby is growing up and I must adapt. It’s just that simple.

Today marks the day Chase and I have been separated longer than we were intertwined. He no longer depends on me for everything. He is gaining independence through enjoying new foods, crawling, communicating…He still needs me, and always will, but each day he depends on me a little less.

I adore the little boy he is becoming. I am thankful for each new act of independence he exhibits…no matter how much it frightens me or causes me to gasp for air. It’s a big scary world out there and, as a mom, I am driven to protect him.

Our next major milestone will be weaning. I will again have to adapt to a new level of his independence. I will lose the ability to comfort and protect him through nursing. Thankfully, I have months and hopefully even years before he self weans, but I know a time will come when he joins his sister in the land of “I’m not a baby, I’m a big kid!”.

Until then, I will soak up every moment, adapt, and collect as many marbles as I can.

Happy 3/4 birthday Baby Boy!

What are the milestones that hit you the hardest? What are your favorite milestones?