11 Months

You are 11 months old.

I have been incredibly reminiscent since Christmas. I keep thinking about what I was doing last year and how different things are this year. What on earth did I do before you?
I have been desperately catching up on your scrapbook in order to have it done for your FIRST birthday party and it has been a bit emotional looking back at how much you have changed and grown. Those first 6 months about did me in. I love each new stage that comes almost more than the last, but definitely embracing the "toddler" stage more...not a big fan of the newborn stage. You are so fun and entertaining now. You are beautiful and I love having you in my life, the joy (and headaches) you bring have taught me so much about life, love, and faith.

"I don't want my picture made"

"Fine just make it quick"

Ok enough mushy stuff. Here is what you are doing this month:
Warning: Several bunny trail stories ahead!

* You can sign "more" which makes mealtime very entertaining, since you never stop signing. I am pretty sure you are signing "all done" too, but it's similar to a wave...so the verdict is still out. But overall, you are picking up on the sign language thing pretty quickly!

I think she is trying to say "NO more" HA!

* You are starting to stand alone (no support) more and more, but still a little chicken about it!

* You have taken a few tiny steps and are doing it more and more everyday.

You and your "bestie"

This Wed. (jan 13) you actually walked to...TOBY (our poodle)! I just knew you would do that (since he seems to be your current bestie) and break your mother's heart. On the upside you are starting to walk and daddy and Auntie Meg were here to see it. But seriously Toby?!?!

*You are basically on table food. We are finishing up the last of the homemade pureed stuff. You also nurse still early in the morning and then get 3 more formula bottles throughout the day.

*You play peek-a-boo with us. You will cover up your face in the car with poodle and yank it off and just giggle.

*You give these BIG happy smiles.


*You are (finally) starting to clap your hands. I have been waiting for this trick forever. I just think it is so cute when babies clap.


*You know who your daddy is and verbalizes "da-da." Again with the breaking your mother's heart thing. What about me? You only say "ma-ma" when you are steaming mad.

*You "fake" laugh at stuff.

Almost every toy we own in 2nd hand. She got several new toys for Christmas. I put up this particular toy so she could enjoy her "new" toys. Nope. She keeps dragging it out of her toy box b/c it is her favorite thing to play with...maybe I can sell the rest?! ;)

*You love to watch Elmo's World. Don't judge...it is educational. You get all excited when a "kid" program comes on. You will just clap your hands in approval.

The other day you were playing with the remote and flipped the channel and it landed on PBS kids and you threw the remote down and just clapped and clapped. I think it is amusing to see how you can tell the difference between Regis and Kelly and Sesame Street!

*Most recently you are crawling in my lap with poodle and laying your head down for a "rest" time! Melts my heart like a Popsicle on the 4th of July! AND you are even letting me rock you some too.

The other night you woke up at like 430am and wouldn't go back to sleep. I went in there to soothe you. Normally we just pace around the room to "Jesus Loves Me" but you weren't having it. You kept pointing to the rocking chair. I sat down and you curled up in my arms and let me rock you! AHHH! Best moment EVER (at 430am;) ).

I know there are lots of bunny trail stories, but I want to include this last story because it melts my heart into a big puddle and I never want to forget it.

A friend's 2 year old little girl met Lo a few months ago at an overnight thing. She fell in love with her I guess. She goes around commenting on "baby Lo" all the time even though she hasn't seen her since. The other day this little girl got a new doll. Her mommy asked her "what are you going to name your new doll?" The little girl thought and thought real hard. Then her eyes lit up and said "baby Lo!" Seriously? I am about to tear up just thinking how sweet that is! Her mommy says she takes good care of her 'baby Lo.'

Well, that about sums it up. You are learning and changing so quickly these days it is hard to keep up! I can not believe that you will be ONE in one short month! I am really excited to enter this phase and plan your party.

We love you sweet girl. Happy 11 Months!
That is IT...I am done!