The official countdown to one year has begun! The transition from baby to toddler is becoming more evident by the day. You have taken your first steps, are talking up a storm, and are a fully present member of our family with votes and opinions on all we do. Here are the things you love: riding on the bike with Daddy, going on runs in the Bob Stroller, people, playing in any kind of water, being carried on the Ergo, going on hikes, jumping into the pool, going fast, being tossed in the air, playing with rocks, sticking your hand in the toilet, crawling in cabinets, climbing things, going down the slide by yourself, unraveling toilet paper, putting choking hazards in your mouth, being tickled, being snuggled and most importantly discovering and enjoying the magical world around you.
Recently, when we were in the American Airlines Terminal at LAX, I took a deep breath, stopped thinking about all the germs on the floor found the perfect quiet little alcove so you could be free to explore. Unfortunately the alcove I found wasn’t really your idea of a interesting place to hang out. You instead choose to send Mommy’s germ radar through the roof by pushing, crawling, and clambering your way into the middle of the main walkway of the terminal. This is the walkway every traveler uses to get from the gates to the curb or from the curb to the gates. It goes without saying that there were hundreds of people zooming up and down past you in all directions and you just sat right in the middle of it all waving two handedly to everyone who walked past. This was a tad difficult for Mommy because you were touching, what felt like, everything walked on by half of Los Angeles. I was envisioning you coming down with some deathly illness a day after arriving on our vacation but so far you are still healthy! Most people were delighted to see you but there were a few grumpy travelers who I know were wondering, “why on earth would that lady let her baby sit right there in my way!” The good news is, parenting is a journey for us both and the more brave you get about exploring your world the more brave I get about choosing to disregard the looks and comments of others.
When you grew tired of the action on the passenger runway, you decided to head toward our gate and crawl from person to person hoping to pull yourself up right onto their laps (or hoping to have a bite of whatever they were eating). It was a little sad for me because it was the first time I had to pull you away from people who wanted to read their papers, or who didn’t seem very baby friendly. So far in your short life you have been blessed with people who love being around you so this was a tricky moment for us when I had to try and explain to you that, “that person just wants to be alone right now.”
Unfortunately, the unfriendly people didn’t stop there! When we got on the airplane the woman sitting next to us in first class said, “well… I certainly didn’t want to sit next to a baby!” Lucky for her she didn’t have to. I decided we didn’t need to spend five hours sitting next to her bad energy and as much as I wanted to prove a point, I had to let it go. So we switched seats and sat next to a very nice lady who was happy to smile and coo at you. Lucky for me and all the other members of the cabin, you were amazing. Shortly after we took off you fell asleep in my arms and I laid you down at my feet where you stayed for the next four hours. Only waking to nurse and then to fall right back asleep again.
Some of your special tricks at 11 months old include,
- picking up any rectangle shaped object, putting it by your ear and saying “hi!”
- Ambitiously crawling into the garage, putting your bike helmet on and pulling yourself up next to the bike begging Daddy to take you for a ride
- Throwing all your left over meals on the floor and laughing about it
- A big joyous belly laugh that we LOVE to hear
- Crying every time you get locked strapped into your car seat
- Saying “up”, “hi Dada”, “outside”
- Taking 4 steps all by yourself!
- Showing no interest in your toys but instead in exploring every nook and cranny of the world around you
- Being a great eater! One of the dinners I was most proud of this month was watching you devour a meal of organic ham, cucumbers, brussels sprouts, green beans, multigrain bread with coconut oil and strawberries. You were the healthy version of the Very Hungry Caterpillar!
We are ending your 11th month and beginning your 12th month in Maui. I cannot believe my little baby is starting to walk, talk, and grow up. Someday when you are a Mommy you will know what I mean, but until you are a Mommy yourself I can only describe my feelings as my heart being like a teeter-totter. Rocking back and forth between celebrating the child that you are becoming and aching for the baby you are leaving behind. My heart just aches with love for you my darling girl.
Having your first bite of ice cream at Ono Gelato. They are the ice cream company that provided the dessert at our wedding.
Here you are on the south side of Maui past Hana. This road is supposedly closed to tourist traffic but we decided to break the rules. It is Mommy’s favorite part of Maui. Rustic, wild, unspoiled beauty.
Here you are at the pools of Ohe’o. These are seven fresh water pools that lead into the Ocean. The water was cold but you were SO tough!
Daddy was doing a little rock climbing in and out of the water with you in tow. Good thing he knows what he’s doing!
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