Elysia - 10 months

 

Sweet Ellie Jane,

You are 10 months old and more precious every day. Knowing Mama would want your stats, you had the foresight to get sick right before your 10-month mark, so we know from the doctor that you weigh just over 17 1/2 lbs, which puts you comfortably in 6-9 month clothes and size 3 diapers. You are developing right on track, and we're so thankful for your good health.

This month you broke your Mama's heart about a thousand times, seemingly racing away from babyhood. Too soon for me, sweet girl, but I'm proud of all you've learned to do. Unless you're in a hurry, you've all but abandoned the army crawl for the more traditional kind--the kind I was sure you would skip altogether. You learned to pull yourself up to stand, and three days later you were trying to ledgewalk. You got so frustrated because your body wouldn't do what you wanted it to, but through sheer determination and willpower you can pull up at will and are quite content to stand and play for long periods of time.

This month you also slept through the night for the very first time.

(Apparently, you were so impressed with yourself that you decided it should be celebrated and not repeated, because you haven't done it again. Not once. Oh, sweet girl, I know you will....some day...)

 You are developing such a personality, and it is so wonderful to see glimpses of who you will be. You definitely inherited more from your Great-Grampa Copes than just the red tint to your hair--you are already showing quite a penchant for his orneyness. One of your favorite pastimes is crawling to the cat food. You get right up to it and stop, waiting for me to say something. I'll say (in a very motherly tone, which is hard to maintain when laughter keeps bubbling up), "Elysia...." (Usually at this point Elaina supplies the "Jaaaaane", because one of her favorite pastimes is tattling on you for going towards the "cat sood" even when you're nowhere near it.) You pause for half a second and then look up at me, grin, and then go right for the food. See exhibit A:

You are easy to laugh and quick to smile. Your love for Elaina continues to grow, and you love it when we chase her while holding you. She loves it, too. She also loves to give you a kiss every night before bed, and she's very protective of you when you cry. I love that you are able to interact more, and I pray that you will grow to be the best of friends.

Sweet girl, we love you so much and are so very thankful for you. I can't believe you're going to be a year old in such a short time. But I am going to cherish every moment, because you are worth every second.

Love,

Mama