Happy 11 Months Claire

Dear Claire,

Just as with every month, it is so hard to believe you are another month older.  My goodness how it happens so, so, sooooo fast.  You are 11 months old, just one month away from your first birthday.

Your Daddy and I find ourselves constantly saying, "Oh, did you see that?"  or "Look what she is doing now!"  It seems like everyday you are learning more and more and you like to have a little show of your latest skills.  You will entertain us by clapping, making kissy faces, waving, touching your head, touching your nose, and all kinds of things.  You clap when we sing, "If you're happy and you know it clap your hands..."  I just can't believe how much joy you have brought to our lives.  You have a way about you that makes everyone smile.  You love to be around people and experience new things and new places.  One of your favorite things to do is to go shopping.  You look down all the aisles and point to toys you like, and you even cry when mommy keeps pushing the cart past the toys that have caught your eye.  You absolutely LOVE shoes!  It is crazy---you love to play with them, look at them, hold them high above your head...I think your Daddy and I are going to have to watch out when you get older! :)  By far, one of your most favorite things (even more than shoes) are books!  This makes mommy so happy- the first grade teacher in me is thrilled and I really hope it continues!  We kept you still (for a little bit at least) with all these books in your chair so I could get your 11 month photo this time.  You don't sit still for long and you love to climb and explore.  We're thinking a little outdoor playground might be the perfect birthday gift for you this year so you will have a safe place to exert all of that energy and curiosity you have!

Your little sweet hands just melt mommy and daddy's hearts.  You love to point to, pet and touch everything around you.

You still have just 2 teeth, but I think a 3rd one is coming.  You sleep from about 7pm-7am all through the night, with the occasional middle of the night wakings from time to time.  You usually take 2 1-hour naps a day at 10 and 2.  Sometimes you only nap once a day, but I always give you the chance to nap if you can.  You nurse 3 times a day now when you wake up, around 3:00 and when you go to bed at night.  You're eating 7 jars of babyfood a day.  Two for each meal and one for a snack around 3:30.  We're hoping table food is in the near future, but for now you much prefer the baby food.  You have started to snack on puffs now, so that is great to see you feeding yourself.  You try to swallow them without chewing and you cough, but we are working on that.

One of your favorite books is Little Mommy.  You will actually point to the books you want us to read and you get really excited and start kicking your legs and making happy screaming sounds when we get it and read it to you!  

 You also love Snowball Fight.  This page always make you laugh and you like to point to the little girl who looks a little bit like you!

 Bath time is lots of fun!  You really enjoy the water and you're starting to learn how to play with all of your bath toys!  

You are just a dream come true and such a good baby!  We love you so much sweet Claire and we're looking forward to celebrating your first year of life in just a few short weeks!  Mommy is having soooo much fun planning your party!  

xoxo