Today feels bittersweet. It's 5 am. Your dad just left to go surfing, but I've been awake. Allergies woke me up, but my thoughts started racing and I'm having trouble going back to sleep. Yesterday there was a terrible terrorist attack in Paris, France. The attacks happened at regular places where people hang out - bars, restaurants, a concert hall, and more. What is keeping me awake is thinking about what if something happened to you, or your dad, or what if we were all out together? What would I do to protect you?
I know this is a really somber way to start your 11 month old post, but tragedy like the Paris attacks reminds me of how precious life is and how precious my family is. It's amazing how your world changes when you have a child of your own. I never thought I could love a little human so much, but boy do I. I would do anything to protect you and keep you safe, healthy, happy...anything. When you wake up I think I need to smother you with some more hugs and kisses - not only because of the above, but also because it's your 11 month birthday today!
How did this happen? How are you 11 months old already? You are the coolest baby ever. I mean this in the most loving way, but this month it felt like you started to get it. You're becoming more and more like a little person that has feelings, thoughts, more defined interactions with different people. Here's a few things you started doing this past month:
- -- You seem to understand when we tell you no. You used to just turn around and smile at me when I said no, but then continue to do whatever you were doing. Now you actually listen (most of the time), stop, and do something else.
- -- You started being shy or unsure with some people - mostly men you don't know. You do this cute thing where you tilt your head to the side and usually snuggle into the shoulder of whoever is holding you.
- -- You cry when uncle Shawn is too loud, which is most of the time we see him. You still love to snuggle with your auntie Carrie though.
- -- You pull yourself into a standing position like a pro and you've gotten better at getting back down. When you first started standing you'd either cry because you didn't know how to get back down to the ground, or you just do a straight legged fall. Now you've got it.
- -- You think the animals are hilarious. You have the most adorable giggle when you see Burger or Ginger.
- -- You eat almost anything we give you. You love to smack the food on your highchair tray with your hands, but you're also getting better at getting the food in your mouth as well. It's also pretty funny to watch you drink from a cup.
- -- For some reason you've decided you don't like your diaper to be changed. You cry and wiggle like a madman.
- -- Watching you play is so fun. You're starting to figure out which toys fit together and which don't. I love watching you experiment and explore how each toy works.
- -- You will now sit through a whole (short) book when I read it to you which is exciting because you used to just want to flip (or eat) the pages. The other day you even had me read I Love You Through and Through twice.
- -- You're starting to point. Not necessarily at anything specific, but you love to stick that pointer finger out.
I love you, my little nugget.
Love,
Mama
