10 Months

Dear Aidan:

Today you turn 10 months!  It's kind of hard to believe you've been out in this world a month longer then I carried you.  When I was pregnant with you, you liked to kick me like crazy at night, during the day, and everywhere in between.  I imagined that when you came out you'd be this crazy, hyper little baby.  I imagined sleepless nights and a fiery attitude.  You surprised me when from the very beginning you developed an easygoing, sweet nature.  I marveled at how easy you were.  You slept through the night early.  You didn't cry much.  You were always content to just be.  

Now the little bouncing baby that did gymnastics in my belly has finally made his appearance.  You are filled with curiosity and an endless supply of energy.  Your sweetness and go with the flow attitude is still ever-present.  But now you're vocal and funny.  Sleep seems a little more over-rated some days but we don't talk much about that anymore since it tends to jinx things.  You crack us all up with your adorable laughs and we especially enjoy your new "drunken" cackle where you throw your head back,  then fall to the ground.

You've learned to say Mama, Dada, and more.  You're working on saying kitty but I know it's a hard one.  You adore the cats and laugh every time Mr. Kitty walks by.  Just today you cracked yourself up by trying to feed him part of your graham cracker.  You love playing with your sister.  You discovered the joys of your 1st toy car and refrigerator magnets have become the key to my success in the kitchen.  If it looks like you shouldn't play with it you want it and bad.  You've genuinely surprised me in your accepting any food we've offered.  We're hoping your sister will not want to be shown up by a baby and enjoy potatoes one day as much as you do.  You've mastered drinking from one of your sippy cups and finally have figured out how to gum finger foods without gagging yourself.  

You crawl, pull up, let go, and fall down with no concern.  You discovered crawling the stairs will make Mommy say "No" and make you grin.  You turn around before trying and check with me to see if it's still the same answer.  You're into taking toilet paper off the roll, digging through boxes, bags, and drawers, and  every time I come at you with the camera as long as you're not tired or getting distracted it's like you know you're supposed to smile and ham it up.  You've taken to nibbling on everything- even if it's attached to your Mommy and Daddy.  We're going to have to work on that one.  But your sweet baby slobbers, goofy grins, and cuddles more then make up for it.

I can't believe that in 2 months from today you'll be 1 whole year old!  To instill a little competitive nature in you... just so you know, you have 2 weeks to learn to walk if you want to beat or tie with your big sister!  But we won't be too sad if you want to hold off for a while.  You're growing up too fast and Mama needs to build up some more stamina to chase after you!

Love,
Your occasionally tired but ever grateful Mama