July 31, 2006

Almost 10 months, and why I’m in trouble

Dear Lil C:

On Friday you will be 10 months old. Double digits. It’s hard for me to believe it. The time has gone so fast, too fast. Over the last month in particular, you have been showing your true colors and really letting your personality shine through. You are a gal who can appreciate relaxation. You are always propping your little feet up: on the table, in the stroller, and even on Mommy sometimes when you’ve forced your way into my bed.

You also devour books, literally. Your Baby Faces book had to be replaced after you completely chewed the binding off and then attempted to eat gummy pieces of paper (see below as you are working on maneuvering yet another piece of gummed up paper out of your hand and into your mouth.) Mommy especially enjoyed holding you upside down as I attempted to sweep the dissolving paper out of your little cheeks.

You also love "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?" and squeal with delight whenever we read it (15 million times a day). When we get to the final page, you always throw a fit and want to start over again. Mommy always obliges. This month you have said so many new words in addition to "mama" which is said almost non-stop: "bear" "duck" "quack", your sister’s nickname which is so hysterical and adorable, Daddy’s real name which is even more hysterical, what sounds like an early "is it?" as in "Where is it?" etc. etc. After listening to your jabber-jaws sister for all these months, I knew it was only a matter of time before you’d realize your own gift for gab.

You have been trying lots of new foods this month (in addition to book bindings). Because Mommy and Daddy are not nearly as by-the-books with you as we were with your sister, you have already sampled Daddy’s ice cream cone and loved it, after you got used to the cold. Brrr.

You have also tried to feed yourself when Mommy went to get the phone. . . with what we’ll call mixed results.

You have become quite the night owl as of late. I think I’ve finally figured out why. Once Big I goes to bed, it is so much fun to get into all of the things that she "guards" during the course of the day. DVD’s and CD’s are now easily accessible without a big sister to ruin your fun and tell you you’re being a "Bad Baby."

And you’ve even figured out how to open up jewel cases. Cheetah Girls is your favorite CD as of late. You’re becoming quite the little dancer too. Kim Possible music really gets your engine running and your little head bopping. Although you love dancing with Mommy and Daddy, you’re getting quite good at dancing all on your own. You know just when to clap for yourself and others too, and do so with a beautiful toothy grin.

When Mommy needs a break (or needs to clean up 40 DVD’s off the floor), you enjoy walking around your port-a-crib. But if there is something better going on outside of the crib, you will attempt any and every way to get out. Usually this face works just fine though.

When you were born with a head full of hair, I had no idea how much fun it would be to have a baby who has hair. After a little mist from the hose on a hot day, your hair is quite pliable and your sister and I have a blast "styling" it and taking pictures.

Look out, Mr. T! You’re always such a good sport too. I think you enjoy the new do’s. You certainly do enjoy seeing yourself in the mirror.

You took your first unassisted steps weeks ago, but this past week in particular you are getting especially brave. You love to stand up in the middle of the room by yourself and clap and giggle. Somehow Mommy just isn’t ready to let you stand on your own though. (You’ve had enough accidental bumps on the head with your increased mobility). This weekend you upped your usual two steps before falling to three steps. We think it’s only a brief matter of time before you’re running to the entertainment center, steps, and any other dangerous thing in the house. Snap kicks can’t be far behind.

Lately, if you are not standing or climbing the stairs at warp speed, you are not happy. So mostly Mommy is a human shadow who follows you around with my arms stuck out constantly, just waiting in case I have to catch you. I must say though, the need for my intervention over the past two weeks has dwindled.

You’re not always into trouble. Sometimes you just stand around looking cute. Infrequently you will actually keep a hat on your head and shoes on your feet. Those are rare moments that must be photographed immediately.

You have been an absolute joy, but I fear that the ornery side of you is starting to take over. Your sister fears this as well, as do all of her toys, books, crayons, etc. The next few months will be interesting for sure.