10 months of Sweet S!

Sweet S,

You've lived with me and Bubbie for 10 months now and sometimes it's hard to remember a time you weren't a part of our family.

You're growing, little one! You're saying more and more things that we understand. You've started telling us "no." We knew this was going to happen soon! You also shake your head (sometimes a lot!) when you say no. You don't say "yes" yet but you do nod your head when you mean "yes." You still get the most frustrated when we try to help you with something you don't want help with - like putting on your shoes or eating with a fork. You're strong and independent. I don't want to break that in you. But I want to help you learn that most of the time when we say "no" its because you're about to hurt yourself or someone else!

You've also started whispering "Whazat!!" like "What's that?" When you say this your eyes get wide! You do this at the funniest times. A couple a weeks ago while I was changing your diaper you tooted and promptly said "Whazat!?!?!" It was quite funny.

One of my favorite things you do right now is sing. You sing "happy happy happy" often and to whatever tune is in your head and heart. You also have this super dramatic singing face that you employ. You squint your eyes and bob your head emphatically and move your mouth. It's a lot like what Bubbie looks like when she sings! It's hilarious!

You've also started exploring a lot more around the house. You still enjoy playing by yourself mostly and don't mind being left alone to play. Recently you discovered the Tupperware cabinet!

You're a pro at walking and are almost a pro at running. You've had several falls this month - as a result of stairs, and once you fell out of the baby swing (you're also a sly and quick climber). These black eyes and bruises hurt me and Bubbie probably more than they hurt you. You're tough. One Sunday when we went the nursery to get you after church your had a bloody skinned knee. I asked Ms. Martha what happened and she said we brought you in there like that! We remembered you'd fallen in the parking lot, but since you got right up and kept running we didn't think it had hurt you. Now we've learned our lesson!

You are still eating well. Your favorite food still seems to be peas. You always want to feed yourself and use a fork or spoon. This is hard to do with peas!

You're still a great big sister for Baby J. You get so worried when he cries and still want to hug and kiss him first thing when you wake up. You're doing this with baby dolls, too. You feed your dolls and try and change their clothes and rock them. I love that you're so nurturing.

One of your favorite things right now is this pair of pink sparkly boots. I bought them from another mama for winter, but you want to wear them now! You put them on every chance you get and even wore one to bed one night!

We got to go to church at First Baptist this month because I was there for work. Lots of people were excited to see you in person and you really enjoyed your time in the nursery with Mrs. Ann and Martha!

We are still so excited and thankful for the decision your first mom made this month. I've talked to her several times on the phone and through Facebook, and every time she tells me to tell you that she loves you and to give you a big hug. She hopes to get back to town to see you soon.

Last night we had dinner downtown. After dinner you and Bubbie walked around (and had a frozen treat) while I stayed in the restaurant with Baby J and talked to friends. She said as you walked around you were careful to say "hey" and wave to everyone. We talked about how happy we are and how refreshing it is that you have absolutely no prejudices right now. No matter what people look like or what they're doing you smile and wave and say (or yell) "hey." The world is full of things that will get in the way of that soon. The thought of that makes me sad. So right now I'm committed to making sure you know the world is full of wonderful people and things and wonder. I want you to keep the spirit that makes you wave at everyone and don't want you to see me act like some people are worth waving at and some aren't. Everyone is worth waving at, kiddo, and I appreciate you reminding me of that.

You are so smart and strong and brave and beautiful and I am so glad I get to be your Meggie.
Love,
Meggie