11 Months

(oops, I wrote this on October 10, 2012 and forgot to post it)

 

Dear Grayson,

 

Sigh, sob, sigh, sob.  I can't deny it anymore. You're a toddler. 

 

The other night I was holding you in my arms and you fell asleep. I remember it, because you do it so rarely nowadays.  I started crying because it reminded me of our first 6 weeks together. My tiny little nugget napping in my arms.  I thought back to those first weeks and I remember how joyful and terrifying they were.  When daddy went back to work the days stretched out so long and I had no idea what I was doing.  It could be scary.  I wish I could go back to that time.  As you lay on me now, sprawling out of my arms and over my legs, I barely remember those days.  They seem surreal.  I miss my little baby. 

 

That being said, the boy you are now is absolutely incredible and I wouldn't change one thing about you.  Although we don't cuddle to sleep nearly as often anymore, when you come over, on your own accord, and lay that darling little head on my shoulder, it just melts me.  You are the sweetest little cuddle bug and I love you so so so much. 

 

I'm not sure how much you weigh, but I would guess that you are about 20 lbs and 29ish inches long (you were 19 1/2 pounds on September 17th).  You are still in size three diapers and wear a mix of 6-12 and 12 month clothing.  You have 8!!! teeth.  You sleep through the night (finally) still, and you love eating. I'm slowly weaning you, but you still nurse about 4 times per day and you eat three meals a day of real food. 

 

You have changed SO much this last month.  You used to be so quiet, but now you can say Polly and you repeat words like Hi, Bye, Up and uh-oh.  You like to mimic us with both sounds and gestures.  If I give you two items, you will copy me and try it for yourself.  The coolest thing that you started doing this month is standing unassisted and taking your first steps.  On October 4th, out of the blue, you walked right from daddy to me.  Your confidence is greater than your ability to walk and you are a total daredevil. You just let go and see what happens often throughout the day. Crawling is still your preferred form of transportation but you practice walking a little bit every single day.  You also learned how to crawl up the stairs and are so cute when you do it.

 

The funniest thing you learned how to do this month was to clap. It cracks me up. Whenever music comes on or I start singing you start clapping away.  It's hysterical.  You've also learned how to "call" people on your purple phone.  When I pretend the phone is ringing you put it right up to your darling little ear.  You love to read and now you are our official page turner.  You love doing it and you know exactly when to turn the page when we read your favorite books.  A surefire way to get you to settle down is to snuggle you in my lap for a book. 

 

We had a lot of fun this month and it included trips to the fair, the farm, to the park, and to the circus.  You love intensely watching everything and are so aware of your surroundings.  There is nothing better than watching you grow and learn.  I'm so lucky to have you in my life.  You are the best and I love you so much.

 

Love,

Mommy