ten months

dearest Cecilia,

where to begin?! you are developing into such a little person and it's so much fun to watch. if i had to describe you in one word, that would be "determination". you decide what you want to do and you do it, or at least try your best! this month, you have been pulling up to stand like a pro. you cruise along the furniture, and a few times you've stood for a few seconds by yourself. you love playing with the Mickey Mouse ride-on airplane and the gumball machine toy. you started climbing the stairs a few weeks ago, and you can make it all the way to the top within thirty seconds.

you're starting to get into mischief this month too: playing in Kaiser's water dish, unrolling the toilet paper, tasting everything you can get your hands on. you like to open and close cupboard doors, and you especially like to run your fingers over the ridges of the heating vents. whenever you're getting into something you think you shouldn't, you turn and look at me with a slightly guilty expression (as below!). 

this month, you've started to make some signs yourself, although it's pretty sporadic. i was so thrilled the day that you signed "more" about ten times during lunch, but you haven't done it since then! little stinker. yesterday, you did appropriately make the sign for "all done", so i think you do understand.

you also like to play peek-a-boo, and when I ask you how big you are, you streeeetch your arms above your head and giggle when I say, "so big!". you are getting bigger too -- wearing all 12 month clothes and size 3 shoes. now that you're on your feet so much more, you wear Greta's old Abby Cadabby soft-soled shoes when we're out and about. 

you have very strong opinions about things, including getting your diaper changed and having your nose wiped. as soon as i lay you down to change you, you roll over and scramble to the far edge of the changing table. and if i try to wipe your nose, you scream and spit at me. i try not to laugh at your distress, but sometimes your reactions are pretty amusing! most of the time you're completely relaxed and easy-going -- but you definitely let us know when your boundaries are being crossed.

you're eating lots of finger foods now: small pieces of spaghetti, watermelon, bananas, scrambled eggs, and even chicken and ground beef. you love applesauce and yogurt pouches. you do seem to be sensitive to tomatoes -- the few times you've had marinara sauce, you break out in a bad diaper rash the next day -- so we're steering clear of those. 

you love to do whatever Greta does, especially playing with the Fisher Price doll house and castle. you bang blocks together and play the xylophone. you usually don't like to sit still on my lap for long while we read books, but you're absolutely entranced by Giraffes Can't Dance! 

Greta's dance classes started again last week, so you get to come along. while the weather is nice, we'll probably walk around the corner to the library most weeks (since we can't watch her class). it's fun to have some one-on-one time just with you! and in a few years, i'm sure you'll be ready to join her! 

we love you, sweetest one!