10 Months

Don't hold your breath for pictures. Who has time to unload their camera?

Dear Tree Faerie,

Yesterday you turned 10 months old. I know I say this every month, but my, how the time has flown! You continue to amaze me with your intelligence and independence. As each day goes by, you prove again and again that you understand what we are saying and can follow simple directions, at least as long as it is along the same lines with what you wanted to do in the first place. When we tell you no or don't or stop, you will look directly at us and shake your head. When I use both your first and middle name together, you've figured out that the next thing to happen if you don't stop what you're doing is that I'm going to stop you. You know to tell Daddy bye bye in the morning and when you're going to bed. You also tell people bye bye when you want them to go away or want to go away yourself.

This month I had to pack away all your 6-9 month clothing and start putting you in 12 month clothing. I caressed each little sundress as I carefully put it in the box. The weather is too cold for sundresses now, so you now wear cute corduroy pants and jeans with t-shirts or long-sleeved bodysuits. As always, you look adorable. I wish I could figure out how to put your hair up in a ponytail, though. It's long enough now, but I can't get you to sit still for the actual act of putting up your hair.

You attended your first Festival of Souls this year, and you were a hit. Everyone just loved you! Of course, you weren't crazy about everyone getting in your face, but you handled it well and made your wants fairly clear. You also seem to be drawn to people, especially kids, with red hair, though that's no surprise. After watching the other children at the festival, I look forward to festivals with you in the years to come. Seeing the festival through your eyes renews my sense of wonder and curiosity.

I've started a tradition with you that I hope to continue for many years. We currently practice Funky Sock Friday. Every Friday, you and I both wear funky socks of some sort, even if they don't match our outfits. Right now it's just fun for me, but I'm hoping you'll enjoy the tradition, too.

The odd things about you are intriguing. For instance, you seem to be afraid of balls and balloons that are bigger than you or seem to chase you. I have no idea why, but anytime you're faced with one, you draw away from it. If the ball or balloon doesn't "go away", you get as far away from it as possible. I'm waiting to see if this fear subsides on its own or if I need to do something to help you adjust.

You experienced your first Halloween this month, too. We all had a lot of fun, and I'm so proud of you for not being scared of the music, the lights, or your daddy trying to scare the little kids. It was great that you could laugh at him even when the kids at the door were screaming. I'm sure this comes from you and your daddy playing Daddy Scare Me all the time. I didn't buy you a costume, but I did buy Halloween pajamas for you, so that's what you wore. I still think Grams was a little disappointed that I didn't get you an actual costume or take you trick-or-treating, but I want your first trick-or-treating trip to be one that YOU will remember.

I haven't had time to take as many pictures over the last few months because I'm chasing you a lot more. Plus, every time I get the camera out, you want it, so I have a lot of pictures of you coming at the camera. I can already see I'm going to have to buy you a camera of your own when you're a little older.

Well, little bird, I think I'm ready for you to start walking now, so whenever you're ready, go for it! You're still practicing Look-Ma-No-Hands and getting better at standing unsupported for longer periods of time. I'm not rushing you, mind you. I'm just letting you know that I think I'm ready for the change. You take your time, though. I still want you to be my baby for as long as possible.

I love you, Tree Faerie!

XOXOXO,
Mama