The Layered Look

Dear Lila,

I had to take you and your brother out today and the three of us left the house in a combined total of 12 layers of clothing. I hate winter.

Love,

Mom

11 Months!

Dear Lila,

What? You turned 11 months old today? I can't believe you are almost one year old! You are the happiest, sweetest and cutest little girl. Here are some things about you at 11 months:

-You love it when I hoist you up into the air high above my head and when I dip you down toward the floor, probably because it tickles your stomach. I see you becoming a future roller coaster fan!

-You blow raspberries a lot. It's not very ladylike but it always makes you--and me!--laugh.

-You are wearing size 24 months/2T clothing now.

-You've stood on your own for a few seconds several times.

-I bought you a push walker and you can walk so fast with it! And whenever you use it, you look so happy and proud of yourself, as if you know exactly what a big accomplishment it is.

-You are like Daddy and love to eat! Whenever you see me getting your food ready, you get so excited. Your eyes widen, you sit straight up in your high chair and start saying, "unh unh unh" until I get that first spoonful into your mouth.Currently, you are eating peas, zucchini, green beans, avocados, carrots, butternut squash, yams, bananas, apples, pears, yogurt and lentils.

-When you are not eating food, you are chewing on books. Am I not feeding you enough? You know the book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar? It has holes in it from the caterpillar who "chewed" through the food. Well, you chewed your own holes into it. And into Spot Loves His Mommy. And into Hippos Go Berserk!. And into so many more! Yeesh.

-You have a very mischievous smile when I catch you doing something you're not supposed to be doing. Like eating your books.

-Your fourth tooth started coming in this past weekend. So now you'll be even better at eating the books you're not supposed to be eating.

-You smile the biggest smile when you see me coming into the room and that always makes me feel like the most awesome person ever.

Love,
Mom

Mind the Gap

Dear Lila,

Oh my god, I cannot handle all of the cuteness that is the Baby Gap girls' section. Too. Many. Adorable. Outfits!

Love,
Mom

Tough Girl

Dear Lila,

Your pediatrician needs to check your lead level so you had to have blood drawn today. It was the first time you'd ever had blood drawn and your veins are still so teeny tiny that the nurse had a lot of trouble finding a big enough vein and poked you with the needle several times before she finally found one. That alone must have hurt like crazy and then you had to sit still for a couple minutes while she took your blood. But you were so brave! You whimpered when the nurse first stuck the needle into your arm but then you took it like a champ and didn't even cry. My tough girl!

Love,
Mom

Third Tooth

Dear Lila,

Your third tooth is starting to come in! And I know you are just trying out your new chompers but could you please stop biting me while I am breastfeeding you? Ow.

Love,
Mom

Big Laugh

Dear Lila,

I love your big, hearty laugh and the way you giggle and flap your arms like a bird whenever you're happy :)

Love,
Mom

Lil' Cruiser

Dear Lila,

You just missed the Super September cut-off, but you started cruising today! You really are going to start walking soon, aren't you?

Love,
Mom