10 month update

10 months!  You know, once you go double digits, there's no going back.  We said that when you were 10 weeks old, and I am just certain that was last week.

It is so much fun to write you these updates each month.  Granted, they are probably more for me than they are for you, at least right now, but one day I hope you can look back and see all the ways you changed and grew and challenged me and your dad to be better parents and rely on God more fully.  Here are all the details only a parent could appreciate...

Mobility
You are fast as lightening.  When you crawl I want to double check that a motor isn't propelling you because it seems so quick.  You sometimes crawl on your hands and knees but seem to prefer The Slither, aka Human Swiffer Cloth, aka The Demise of All White Clothes.  You also occasionally sit and scoot on your bottom with your legs, but that's the least efficient so it's least frequently used.

You've become quite quick and adept at pulling up to stand on anything, usually just holding on with one hand, and have also stood for a few seconds without holding on to anything.  Unfortunately you've also become quite quick and adept at falling when you get too ambitious, which causes bumps and tears some days.  You can cruise very cautiously, but after a few falls it seems you went down a notch on the confidence meter.  No rush on walking though, really!  In the meantime you're still managing to get in plenty of trouble...

Language
I don't think you have really had a first word, though you will many times say "Bye bye" when waving - I think it's probably just imitation of what we're saying, but it's still really cute.  Lots of different sounds, and lately it's way more babbly, like your own little language.  I am so looking forward to hearing all that's on your mind.  We have a feeling it might be a little wild! :)

As far as comprehending language, I am amazed daily at how much you understand.  When someone says bye, you wave; when we say "Yaay!", you clap.   You follow simple directions like "Give mommy the ball," (leading to lots of fun time playing "catch" by rolling the ball back and forth), "Give me a Cheerio" (you now offer me some of your food, rather than just me cramming food down you!), "Come here," "No," and "Don't touch!"  It is so neat to see you think through choices even now.  Oh yes, you like to test the limits (mom. are you SURE I can't touch the dog bowl today? here, what if I just go over there....), but it's also incredible to see you choose to obey when we remind you.  We always celebrate with lots of praise and clapping (your favorite).

Food
Is going so much better!  We are proud of you!  Some meals are better than others, some days are better than others, but for the most part, I'd say you've turned a corner.  *doing a happy dance like after every bite.*  Besides milk 3-4x a day, here's a typical day:

Breakfast: After our run, around 8am - Yogurt, sweet potatoes mixed with ground oatmeal.

Lunch: Fried egg, half an avocado, toast with peanut butter, 24 gallons of water (minor exaggeration)

Dinner: Shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, BROCCOLI (fav), frozen blueberries, 395 gallons of water.

Sleep
Nighttime is great - 6:45-6:45.  Bedtime is so easy, and I've almost eliminated the dreamfeed, unless you haven't eaten well the day before and I'm nervous you might get hungry.  There are occasional nights when you wake up, but it is definitely out of the ordinary.

Naps... can be hit or miss.  I can count on one nap for sure a day (usually in the morning), but the afternoon nap can be a miss.  I refuse to believe that it's time to switch to Only One Nap a Day - capitalized for effect - even though some days you have made the switch. Um, hello? Did you forget you're 10 tiny months?  I am consistently amazed at your energy so either you don't need the sleep or you're hammering Red Bulls when I'm not watching.  Thankfully, you are content to play, talk, and squeal for an hour or more in the afternoon in your crib on the days you don't fall asleep, so we do both get downtime, even if you're not sleeping.

im crazy and i know it

Personality
Oh my, you're full of it!  Grandma has dubbed you as a clown, and I think she's right.  You always seek a way to do something funny or make people laugh (silly noises, sticking out your tongue, etc).  It is never boring with you around!  I have noticed your independence growing too - you are really content to play alone, seem to enjoy your own company (see naptime above) and will run (crawl) away from me squealing with delight.  You really like the people you know (us, grandparents, neighbors), and have this month gotten much more comfortable with strangers (though still do noooottt want to be handed off to men.  Sorry to Bryce - the latest victim).  You are so easy to get along with, happy, and bubbly.

Likes
Riding on daddy's shoulders, reading and playing with books, anything with a screen, other kids, morning runs, animal crackers, Aslan, exploring anything that opens (refrigerator, cabinets), being tickled, launching all your pacifiers out of your crib while you should be napping.

Dislikes
Being told no, having things taken away, being held by strange men, having your face wiped.

We love you so much, you bring so much joy to every day, and we are so, SO happy you're OUR daughter.  Happy 10 months!