Dear Charlotte,

Well, here we are- double digits. Just as I predicted, each month is flying by faster than the last, and every time I turn around, you are growing and learning some new amazing skill.

You are busy. Unless you are asleep, you are moving, exploring, playing, talking, eating, or pulling up on something. You have no moments of chilling out or being still, which is both hilarious and exhausting. You are still very much into getting in your hands things you know are off limits. Grayson’s medical supplies (actually, anything to do with Grayson, including his face and hair), cell phones, remotes, books, and paper are among your treasures you are bound and determined to grab.

It thrills me to watch your personality and interests develop. You are starting to be a little interested in books. You usually won’t sit through and entire story, but will pay attention for a few minutes as we read and point to pictures. You really like balls and playing catch/fetch with yourself- so funny. You still adore music class and love playing the drum and the bells.

You love to talk and are becoming quite the chatterbox. You have mastered “Bye bye” with a wave when we are leaving, and have discovered the sound your mouth makes when you brush your lips with your hand while you are talking. Again, hilarious.

Just this past week, you have started being a little clingy and fussy when I leave you in the nursery or mothers day out. I wouldn’t call it separation anxiety, because as soon as you get settled in with your friends and teachers you are totally fine, but it is nice to know you recognize your momma is leaving you for awhile! I know you know I will always come back and I am so, so happy that you adapt so well to different situations without me.

You are still doing really well with solid foods, although I am starting to see you get a little pickier about foods (i.e. vegetables). Get over it kid, vegetables are here to stay! You are still nursing 2-3 times a day and taking bottles throughout the day. There have been several times over the past month where it seemed like you were losing all interest in nursing and were weaning yourself, but then you proved otherwise a day later. I’m letting you totally decide when you are ready to be done; it’s been a wonderful, healing experience for me, but now it’s all about you and your needs, not mine.

You weigh 19 pounds, 4 ounces, and are in size 9 month clothing and size 3 diapers. You still have zero teeth, but have no problem chewing your food with your gums. You go to bed usually between 6:30 and 7:00, sleep until about 5:00, wake up to nurse, and if I’m lucky go back to sleep until about 7:00. Naps are hit or miss due to our on-the-go schedule, but on average  you nap 1.5-2 hours in the afternoon and about 30-45 minutes in the car in the mornings.

This month, we will be moving into our new house! Mommy and Daddy have been busy getting everything ready for our family’s new place. You have a pink bedroom waiting for you, and when I say pink, I mean PINK! I hope you like it and it will be a smooth transition for you. You also have your first Thanksgiving coming up next week- I can’t wait to see you dig into all that yummy food! My biggest thanksgiving this year is that you burst into our lives with spunk, energy and sweetness 10 months ago. It’s only been 10 months, but I cannot imagine how I ever lived without you, my sweet girl. I love you more than words can say and am so, so thankful that I get to be your mom.

Love,
Mommy