Claire at 10 Months

Dear Claire,

Say it isn't so...how are you 2 months away from your first birthday?  

 

I knew this year would go fast.  I knew I needed to treasure every moment with you.  I knew you would grow quickly.  Everyone tells you these things, and as hard as I have tried, it has still gone too fast. 

Everyday I am hanging onto the moment we are in.  Loving you just as you are and trying so very hard to remember you this way.  Yet, somehow over the days, weeks and months you just keep changing, and as hard I have tried to not let go...you keep bringing me with you and as you learn new things and grow in new ways it becomes harder and harder to remember the feeling of holding you as that little 7 pound, 7 ounce newborn baby. 

 In a way it is a good thing, and in another way it pulls on the strings of my heart because I never want to forget what it feels like to have your little hands patting me, your little arms wrapped around my neck hugging me, the way you crawl on us in bed in the mornings, the way you look sitting in your high chair or crawling on the ground.  These are the moments I cherish most and will miss so much.  I know in the blink of an eye you'll be walking around and talking and I'll look back on this and cry again just as I am now, because I love you so much and I love being your mom so very much.

We've taken as many photos and videos as we can and I know it won't be enough.  I feel like I've waited for you all my life and it's going sooooo fast.  People keep telling me to savor this moment, cherish this time and someone even said to "scoop you up with a biscuit because once you hit 12 or 13 everything will change and I'll be wishing for the cuddly days".  I pray that it won't.  I pray that you and I will always have a strong relationship.  I pray that you won't resent us or rebel against us so much that we feel we have failed as parents.  Thank gosh we have years before that time comes, but I am already praying about it now.  

You are just as loving as can be.  You enjoy playing peek-a-boo and you are starting to learn how to hide behind things and poke your head around or put a blanket over my face and then pull it down again and again!  

You are sleeping at night sooooo great!  You go down at 7pm and wake up at 7-7:30am!  It is amazing!  I really appreciate the long night's rest.  When you wake up you nurse in bed with me and cuddle with Daddy when we're done before he goes to work.  You nurse 4 times a day at about 7, 11, 3 and 7.  You eat solid foods 3 times a day.  Breakfast at 8, lunch at noon and dinner at 6.  You are like a little alarm clock and let us know exactly when it's time for you to eat or go to bed.  You will only eat baby food that is well blended, anything chunky or any sort  of puff or table food literally makes you throw up!  I've been told this is nothing to worry about it and you'll probably grow out of it once you get more teeth.  Let's hope so or you'll be having yogurt  instead of cake at your first birthday!  

It has been rainy here for several days and I think it has confused you and so you've been skipping your morning nap.  Usually you nap at about 9am and 1 pm.  You LOVE to cruise around your crib and hang out before you finally settle into a nap.  I have to go in and pick up all 6 of your pacis that you have tossed out of your crib as well as check your diaper, because this seems to be your favorite time to go, and you won't sleep until it's cleaned and you're in a fresh diaper. 

You're wearing mostly 9 month clothes, some 12 month pajamas and still a size 3 diaper.  You still have just 2 teeth.

You love to wave, clap and point at things!  I feel this way every month, but I think this might be my favorite stage!  I love you baby girl!  Happy 10 Months!