Ten Months

Ten Months Old.

For my birthday, I wished for you to slow down - you're growing too fast.

Obviously, that didn't work.

At this point you're learning new things so quickly, I don't even know where to begin. You went from creeping to crawling to cruising to walking in the course of a month. What am I supposed to do with that?! Mama can't keep up!


Independent. This is still your most obvious trait. Walking gives you freedom - freedom to go where you want to go and explore what you want to explore. When Mama and Dada let you, anyway. Those fascists put up a baby gate - the nerve! There was a time when you were content to hold our hands while traveling from here to there. No more! Holding hands is so last year, Mama.

Curious. About everything. Phones, animals, noises, what's in the dishwasher, what's under the sofa, what's outside the window, how does this so-called-child-proof lock work? You get into everything because you want to know everything. You've always been persistent, but it's your curiosity that drives you to try, try, try. I'll never tire of watching you discover and learn things. I just hope you never lose the interest in doing so.

Stubborn. You know what you want and you aren't afraid to go get it. Now if only everyone else would get outta your way! Last month I must've done something to piss you off, because you refused to say Mama until this week. I tried bribing you to change your mind, but you'd look at me sternly - furrowed brows, set lip - and give me an emphatic no! instead. I know where you get it. And so does Abuela, who thinks it's hilarious.

Sweet. You say hi to everyone - at school, at the grocery store, at the mall - and you want them to say hi back. You wave bye-bye. You blow kisses. You're concerned when your friends at school cry. You're concerned when Mama cries. You give me pats on the back as though to say It's OK, we're in this together, and my heart melts.

Sickfest 2010 has carried well into 2011, but you still manage to keep a relatively cheerful disposition. We're all looking forward to spring. In two short months you'll be 1 year old. And then you'll be 5 years old and then 10 years old and then 16 years old, and my brain just can't handle anything beyond that. So how's about we give this whole slowing down thing another try, huh?

Six Months

Six Months Old.

Oh, Emma.

This has been my favorite month, by far. There's so much going on inside that little big head of yours, and it sometimes pains me to think I'm sitting in a cubicle at work missing all these tiny developments and breakthroughs that turn into neat tricks like rolling over and creeping, and pulling apart your stacking rings.

Independent. Your military-style crawl cracks me up, but your determination to get where you want to go is fierce - and frankly, a little frightening coming from a six-month-old. You always want the toy that's just out of reach. You always want to go check out unfamiliar spaces and objects. And you're always frustrated by those who don't let you accomplish these things on your own. I know where this comes from. But don't fret - you'll be full-on crawling soon, and I just know you'll be walking before you turn one.

Persistent. Your favorite toys are the ones you haven't figured out how to use yet. You practice and practice, watching Mama or Dada do something, and then do your best to imitate our actions. Alas, your motor skills aren't quite there yet for some of these toys, but that doesn't keep you from trying again and again anyway. I adore this about you. Don't get discouraged.

Adventurous. Right now this mostly applies to your palette, but if it's any indication  to your developing personality, I believe we have a little explorer on our hands. We haven't found a food you don't like. The sweets - applesauce, bananas, carrots, peaches, plums, pears, prunes, sweet potatoes - are no surprise, but you're also a fan of brown rice, corn, green beans, peas, and squash. We're going to have to step up our game and try more non-typical baby foods. I'm thinking avocado and mango, two staples from Mama's Spanish roots, are definitely must-try items.

Talkative. You've been practicing your syllables with the same persistence you apply to mastering tricks & toys. The first non-baby-babble syllables came earlier this month when you started saying dada. That was only four days ago. You're now working on lala and baba, which is just awesome. You know what would be even awesomer? If you started practicing mama, too. No pressure.

Love, Mama

One Week

One Month Old.

My dear, sweet Emma -

You'll never know how much you can love until you have a child. I love my husband - the most amazing partner, father, & friend. I love my parents, who gave me life and set an example for how I should live it. I love my siblings, who have given me the type of support & encouragement that only those closest to you can provide. My heart was as full & happy as it could be. And then I became a mother.

Somehow my heart could love more & my happiest moments became more joyful than I ever thought possible. In the first days of pregnancy, you taught me the true meaning of love. And after you were born I became your student all over again. Who knew someone so small could teach you so much? I look forward to our future lessons. There are sure to be many - and not all of them pleasant or easy. But I hope you know everything I do for you comes from a place of unwavering, unconditional, & everlasting love.

Love, Mama