11 month update

 

This month could do me in.  This is the last month my first baby will be a... baby.  Except that I will still call her a baby when she's 12 and when she's 30, I'm sure.  I have had several moments over the past few weeks, watching her zoom around, play real games, SAY REAL WORDS... and feeling genuinely surprised that she is no longer just a few weeks old.  This time last year, I was lumbering around, going for runs (waddles) to "help put me in labor" (total myth in my book), saying the baby "could come any time now!" (she had other plans of course, long-term plans to stay put), and wondering what she'd be like.  Wondering what labor would be like, who she'd look like, who she'd take after in personality, how she'd sleep, and if parenting really was as tiring/challenging/exciting/wonderful as everyone said. 

And now, 11 months and one day in, we know.  We know labor is insane and miraculous.  We know she looks exactly like her daddy and has the nonstop energy of her mommy.  We know she likes her early bedtime and sleeps like a rock but would be just fine if I never put her down for a nap again.  We know that yes, parenting is every bit (and more) as tiring/challenging/exciting/wonderful as everyone said it would be.  And that we would do it all over, a thousand times, for this little girl.  So this last month of my first baby being a baby, I want to be thankful every moment for her, our gift from God.

Dear Addison,

Now that I've got the nostalgic juices flowing, I hope you know just how special and loved you really are.  Your personality, joy, and energy are contagious!  Every month when I write these updates I think "oh, not that much to share this month," but when I really get to thinking, it's remarkable how much really has happened in just 30 days. 

Mobility
Actually not too much has changed this month.  You are cruising more easily and will take a few steps behind a little push toy (or pushing the dining room chairs around), but crawling is still #1.  Since you were mobile just after 4 months (albeit unconventionally) and crawling at 6 months, I wondered if you'd be early to walk.  I guess you figure 7 months of moving along the ground is nothing to mess with, so why take the next step (hehe) to walking?  I don't see it anytime in the near future, which is fine with me for now!

somebody button this girl's shirt. gracious.

Language and other developments
Oh yes!  Much to report here!  Our little babbler has formed her first words.  "HI!" was definitely your first real word, which (for me) means you said it unprompted, at the right time (not just saying Dada or Mama, which you do about 67234872634 times a day, though not to us).  It quickly became a constant, and you say it all day every day anytime something new appears.  A few times you've said "Hi, Doh!" to Aslan, though that hasn't been consistent enough to add "dog" to our list.  A week ago, after dinner, though, you did exclaim "All Done!" at the end of the meal as I was doing the sign.  Dad and I tried not to fall on the floor in shock!

This weekend, as I was feeding you breakfast, I casually said "Do you want more banana?" (only words, no signs) and you did the sign for "more" and leaned forward, mouth open!  Since then you've signed "more" at every meal or snack.  This little development really surprised me because I've been so unfaithful to actually do the "more" sign - I'm always holding food or a spoon, and since it requires 2 hands I usually just skip it.  I'll sign it maybe 1 in 50 times.  I am both amazed and terrified, and wonder what else you're picking up on.  As a mom at church said, "It usually only takes one time for them to start imitating something bad."  What a great and humbling reminder that you are watching and recording every little thing. 

You've also started to play Peek-a-boo on your own initiative (covering your eyes and then quickly uncovering with a big smile), continue to point at things that interest you, and clap anytime I say "yay" or "good job!"  You've also started to "organize" things, like putting smaller items in a bowl, dumping them out, and starting over.

Food
Still doing so well.  Some meals it seems like you're nearly eating more than I am!  Which is good, because I don't know how much milk you're actually taking anymore.  Crazy that in a month or so you'll be totally weaned.  That's insane.  The only bad thing about eating now is that you're really good at spitting out (or pulling out with your fingers) foods you don't want or when you're full.  Messy.  Aslan, on the other hand, has never been happier in his life, and I'm definitely thankful for his help cleaning up after meals.

Sleep
Mostly great, 12 hour nights.  This month we did have a week where you woke up during the night.  So glad it was just for a week.  It was so unusual and it made me soo grateful for how well you sleep at night - I am not in "wake up at 2am" shape anymore!  It also is a little rough now because you don't eat during the night anymore, and so once we're sure we've done everything we can or should, we just have to let you cry (and we all get to stay awake til you've worked it out).  Not my favorite.  You did get a new tooth that week, so we assume that was the cause, and we're all back to normal now.  (tooth count = only 3!!  taking your sweet time).

You've only taken 1 nap a day all month.  Mama wasn't ready for that leap.  Haven't you read the sleep books that say you'll take two a day til 15 months?!  It's usually the morning nap that happens, which leads to quite a long stretch til bedtime (though, not as long, since without the afternoon nap we start getting ready for bed at around 6!).  I have stayed committed to at least providing the opportunity for your afternoon nap, so I do still put you down, though it ends up just being rest time.  You seem to enjoy it though, and will play happily in your crib most days for up to 1.5 hours.

Personality
I am so glad I get to be your mom.  You are funny, silly, and energetic.  Turn on music, and you start dancing.  In the car, you love to talk and squeal at your reflection.   You love to play chase and roughhouse with dad, and will laugh so loud sometimes I think it must hurt your lungs and that your cheeks will be sore from smiling so big.  You're pretty fearless to try new things.  You are so content to play alone and entertain yourself.  You are crazy about books - being read to, reading them yourself, and carrying them around.  Just like daddy.  You will lean in for big slobbery kisses when prompted and really like to be hugged/carried - I love seeing your sweet, affectionate side along with your wild ball of energy side.

this one sums you up quite nicely.

Let's enjoy this last month of babyhood, shall we sweet girl?