Anna is 10 Months

Dear Anna - 

You are now ten months old and your first birthday is just around the corner.

This has been a very busy month.  We have been busy at home and you have been busy learning new things.  

You can crawl!  Finally!  You started out slowly moving around but now you take off in any direction at something that catches your eye.  Usually what catches your eye is the dog's bowl, the dog's toy, or a shoe.  I guess you are already bored with your toys and like anything that is new to you.

You are eating real food now, just in small bites.  We feed you a bit of what we eat every night, but you are still getting the hang of chewing and swallowing, so we are still giving you the pureed food as well.  You like to pile little pieces of cheese or carrots in your mouth, and then just hold onto it.  You are like a squirrel.  If only you would swallow your food every once in a while, your gag reflex might not kick in so much.  You also like to feed me, your Dad, or the dog more than yourself.  Your favorites so far are green vegetables and chocolate chip cookies.

I have started weaning you off breast milk.  It is hard for me, but for a lot of reasons now is good time.  You are back to getting a bit of formula and seem to be drinking it fine. 

Your sleeping habits this month have not been great, which is probably why I feel like this month has been such a blur.  I take total blame for it and we are working on it.

This month you spent a weekend in West Virginia, had a diaper change in a presidential library, moved into a bigger car seat, stood up on your own, and enjoyed sitting in the shopping cart.  (This has opened up a whole new, wonderful world!)  You are also catching a lot of football (LSU!  NIU!  Friday Night Lights marathons!).  You love your new high chair and peekaboo books.

I wish life would slow down sometimes, but I have a feeling it is only going to go faster and faster.  I hope these quick letters will remind us both what flew by.

Love,
Mom