11 Months

My Sweet Baby-

You are 11 months old today, and I can hardly believe it. Not sure I can call you "My Sweet Baby" much longer. You are warping into a toddler before our eyes. Just when I think you are not going to say anymore words, or pull yourself up to standing, you surprise us. You of course have mastered crawling and getting into things that you shouldn't (cords, outlets, etc.) and because of these things you now understand the meaning of the word "NO". When you head for these items we say "No" very sternly, you look back and stop what you're doing, analyze the situation, and go right back to trying. I have to give you credit for testing us. We then have to go over and redirect your attention with a very exciting toy such as a water bottle!!! Forget the expensive toys, you will take a water bottle over anything. You are always easy to please....most of the time. We definitely have to be very creative in keeping you busy. You just want to be on the move all the time. You want to explore the world around you, and I LOVE watching you explore. You pull yourself up on everything, check it out for a bit and then move on. You now are letting go of things for a second and standing. This only means you are one step closer to walking!!!! I am torn on this milestone. I don't want you to walk and become a "big girl", but I do want you to walk because it is a HUGE milestone.......and, it will help me out a bit. I know, selfish!!!
You have been quite the ham lately. You make silly faces on command and you are always looking to get a laugh out of everyone. I could do without your "entertaining" while you are eating since you think it's hilarious to spew food all over me during your routine! Your vocabulary has gotten bigger this past month. You now say "Otie" for Otis, you say "oh boy", "naners", and "yum". In exchange for those words, you have stopped saying "Mama" completely!!! What's up with that? Is it in protest? Are you mad at me? Is it because I am working so hard on getting you to hold your own bottle? Maybe it's because I don't want you to grow up, but yet am trying to get you to do those independent things? Am I sending a mixed message to you? I adore bottle time with you since that's the only time I can get you to sit still and can stare into those big brown eyes and tell you how much I love you. I just want you to hold your bottle yourself when we are on the run!!! I've tried the sippy cup with you, tried a few different models of them and you pretty much want NOTHING to do with them. You turn them upside down and chew on the bottom. I know you will get it eventually, I just have to have some patience.
The news is out that you are going to be a big sister. We are so excited about the new addition to our family and I only wish that you could understand this life changing event. You have no idea what is going on in Mommy's tummy, and how much our lives are going to change in a few months. I have my fears of not having enough time for you, and wondering if I have enough love for both of you, but I am realizing that my heart grows bigger everyday and I don't think there is a limit on the love I feel for you, and the love that I have to give to both you and your baby brother or sister. You are going to be such a great big sister!
For 11 months my life has never been better, or more rewarding. You have brought so much love and happiness to your Daddy and I. We are still amazed by you everyday and we are so blessed to have you.
All my love,

Mommy