Ten Months

10 Months Old: 06/19/13

18 pounds 6 oz. and 27.8 inches

Double Digits. 

How did that happen?

This has been my favorite month yet. 

I know. I know. 

I say it every.single.month.

But I'm serious this time.

This has really been my favorite. 

Because I've been home with you.

Sweet summertime. 

With my sweet Chunkin. 

And because you have been particularly fun.

Funny even.

Making all kinds of faces.

And noises.

Mimicking what we do. 

Exploring everything around you. 

And you've been quite the cuddly snuggler. 

Never wanting this phase to end. 

Milestones. You are actually "mobile" this month.

I say "mobile" because you still aren't crawling. 

But you're rolling everywhere.

And scooting backwards.

And getting stuck under and in between things.

I like to think that you aren't quite as strong in the gross motor skill department because you are perfecting your fine motor skills. 

You have those mastered. 

It's quite fun to watch.

You can often be seen picking up a speckle of dirt.

Just to observe it for 5-10 minutes.

Definitely detail-oriented.

You've finally mastered the sippie cup.

It took trying 4 different brands/kinds. 

You really prefer drinking from a cup, but that's too messy for Mom.

So, I finally picked up a sippie with a straw.

Love at first sip. 

Now you can't get enough water!

And you have become quite the talker.

A girl after your mother's heart. 

Our daily chats are my favorite. 

You talk to just about everything around you.

*Except to strangers of course.*

Firsts.  We've had some big firsts this month. You started swimming and got in the big kid pool, you spent your first overnight away from Mom and Dad, and you said your first word. You said "mama" last week. And you've been saying it ever since. *Swoon.*

Everyday moments. Mom has had to work more than she anticipated this summer, but you've been quite the little sidekick. You've joined me for most meetings, and you've spent a great deal of time in my classroom. You just scoot around the room and then nap in your pack-n-play. 

We've been working on two signs: "more" and "all done". I was so excited when you started signing "more"!! You actually don't do it completely correctly, but when you want more food, you sort of clap your hands together and grunt. 

You're no longer a huge fan of your own toys. You much prefer mommy toys - pots, pans, spoons, measuring cups, and my iphone. 

You're still nervous around some strangers. It's kind of hit or miss. Some days, you will go to anyone who wants to hold you, other days, you burst into tears if someone you don't know says hello to you. My goal is to get you comfortable with more people!

Eating. Who knew mealtimes could be so much fun! You get so excited to eat that you start swirling your hands and feet around and around. And then comes the grunting. You are a foodie already. And I've been trying to incorporate spices and flavors whenever possible. We've been doing lots of cinnamon and nutmeg. 

I still make all of your baby food, but you no longer only eat purees. I often feed you straight from my plate, and you mostly eat finger foods. I'm trying to get you into the habit of eating what we're eating. You like everything so far!

Some new things you've tried this month are: feta cheese, jalepeno cheese (made by your Aunt Deanna), black beans, hummus, beef, yak, chicken, mixed veggies, strawberries, blueberries, garlic potatoes, pesto pasta, and grapes. 

Sleep. We were at a friend's house with a bunch of other babies around the same age. All the babes were moving all over the place - some walking, some crawling. Meanwhile, your were sleeping in your Pack-N-Play in the next room over. Everyone was being quite loud and was so impressed with your ability to sleep through the ruckus. Your dad leaned over to me and whispered, "Other babies may be skilled in moving, ours is skilled in sleeping". I spit out my drink from laughing so hard. 

But it's so true. We can take you anywhere and stay as late as we want because you will go to sleep and then go right back down after we wake you up and get you home. And we often get the mumbling-under-the-breath, "They surely won't be that lucky with a second baby!" I desperately want to refer them to my previous sleep post. Because it isn't all luck. But you are definitely a skilled little sleeper.

Loves. You love talking and playing in your crib. You've been skipping naps lately because you're so fond of playing with your animals. You love being read to - you've finally stopped trying to yank the book out of my hands to suck on. Now you just like to sit and listen. You love your pink adirondack chair and your water babies class. Oh, and your baby pool. Pretty much anything related to summer. You love to make us laugh. Currently, you've started the new "scrunchie" face. You blow air in and out of your nose and squish up your face. And you love to roll off of Daddy onto the bed. Your most favorite game of all time. 

Dislikes. Being startled. Getting your face wiped off. Being in your carseat when it's hot out. Sweating. When you are finished with your food. Teething. Pulling up your wet swimsuit.

Personality. So shy. And you're definitely not a performer. My favorite thing to do is secretly spy on you after putting you down. You talk and move all over that crib of yours. But the moment you see me, you stop moving and talking. You get stage fright. Or you could be jabbering away in the car, but when I talk back to you or ask you a question, you stop talking immediately. Even your little voice is shy. It's like you're nervous try out your new sounds. So.sweet. 

Favorite Playthings. Still loving your wooden blocks and puzzle. I gave you some tupperware with dry macaroni in it - you shake it all day long. You love to play with the inside of my nose and anything with tags. 

The following photo series pretty much defines you at this phase.
Sweet.
Talkative.
Inquisitive.
Pretty much the biggest lovie ever.