The Taylor Family

Yesterday you turned 11 months old. You have changed so much since your days as a “burrito,” as your papa would say – all wrapped up in your swaddling blanket and barely opening your eyes. You are a little person now, crawling everywhere and getting into everything. You are so good at pulling yourself up on things, and you’ve started to let go and balance for a second or two all on your own! It amazes me to think that soon you’ll be walking. You’re so very small still – it will be adorable to see a such tiny little girl walking around. Last night your Aunt Kristi took us out to eat, and I looked at you from across the room, sitting in your highchair and eating Puffs, and your chin barely cleared the table. You’re even still wearing your nine month clothes, although we’ve added some of the twelve month items into the rotation.

What else? You’re finally getting teeth – none can be seen yet, but they’re right there waiting to come in. You wave hello and goodbye, and you try to say “bye bye.” Lately you’ve been saying “da da da” all the time. Sometimes it seems like you’re trying to say dog.

Speaking of dogs, you love yours. Max is starting to find you a bit interesting, and you find him interesting as well. You and Henry remain great buddies. Earlier today he tried to play tug with you. You love his Nylabone and are always picking it up and examining it – a rather disgusting habit that we try to discourage! And if he’s chewing on it? Doesn’t matter – you crawl right over and take it away. And Henry doesn’t mind even a bit. He also lets you poke at his eyes, and even try to pluck them out. I had no idea he would be so good with you, but he truly is wonderful. Although he does on occasion accidentally step on you.

You love your books, and being read to almost always calms you down. You like to stand at the bucket of books and take them out one by one, and then “read” to yourself. I hope you grow up loving to read as much as your papa and I do. Even if we don’t get much of a chance anymore. I was laying on your floor today, reading a book, when you ran over my head with your little push car. Incidents like that are plentiful, but they make life with you so much fun and so wonderful.

It’s so much fun to watch you grow and learn – you look much more like me now, but you still have your papa’s curls. You have the best smile, and the happiest laugh. I’m having a bit of a tough time right now – venturing into some unknown territory and leaving behind something that had grown to feel quite comfortable – but you are a wonderful constant in my life, and you always make me happy. I love you so very much.

Love,

Mom