11 Months

Here we are, Rowe! One month from your first birthday! You seem to be in a big hurry to grow up! When you came to us you had very dark hair and eyes, now your eyes are a beautiful blue and your hair keeps getting lighter. It has a reddish tint. I think you are just over 20 lbs. and 30 inches. You wear size 3 diapers and 12-18 month clothes.  In the last couple of weeks, you have begun to cruise everywhere. You can stand up from sitting, and climb most anything. You also walk behind several rolling toys. I think you are probably days away from your first steps. You can climb our little slide downstairs. You talk constantly, and so often sound like you are saying many of the sounds to the correct words. You have figured out how to get your pacifier holder off, and are the queen of loosing pacis. That's not good because you have become more attached to it recently. I have started to attempt to ween you, but you are rebelling mightily so far.  You are eating more foods straight from the table, and have not turned down anything. After 11 months, you have finally settled into a good nap routine. Now our day doesn't go so well if you aren't home to take a morning and afternoon nap. You really like to be home in your bed for them. You have transitioned into a convertible car seat, and we are in the process of getting rid of most of our baby stuff. It was really hard at first. For some reason, I have a fetish for car seats and strollers. I just really like them! So, getting rid of our infant seat has been a big deal. It's going to a good home :). I am having such a fun time planning your first birthday party! It's nothing big or fancy, but I feel like it's a combination of your personality and mine. This month you celebrated your first Independence Day with a little gathering and fireworks. We've spent a lot of time with friends, at the splash pad, and in the pool. You seem to like it all. Most days you are very laid back and just enjoy watching the big kids. I'm sure those days are numbered. You are such a wiggle worm. It's almost impossible to change your diaper, and we have to warn people when they hold you to hold tight. You love to throw yourself back, and will stay upside down. You often lay back in your exersaucer and look at everything upside down. This combined with how often you point your toe in the air and climb everything makes me wonder what your future holds. Gymnastics.....ok, circus acrobat.....not so much. Whatever it is, you will have three big fans. Your brother thinks you are the best friend ever. We love you Rowe Catherine!

Holding hands

Brother has the best shows

You don't get to sleep this way often, but you sure love it. 

Your first frozen yogurt

Always your protector

First time to drink from a straw

Fireworks fun

You love to feed yourself

You do this daily, and are told no and removed daily

This is always your reaction

So big

The infamous pointed finger

A sneak peak of your birthday party, minus the flags

One morning you sat at Daddy's spot at breakfast, and thought you were so big

You love to throw balls

Brother teaching you about the world

Up

Up

Down

It's hard to tell which you enjoy most!

10 months

10 months.....closer to 10 1/2 really! We have been so busy having fun and watching you change, Rowe! You have finally doubled your birth weight, and are about 30 inches. That means it is time to trade your infant seat for a convertible car seat. We've also lowered your bed and are starting to get rid of our little baby items. I can't believe you have already outgrown so much! You have one shiny tooth on bottom, and more are ready to appear I think. Your communication has changed the most in the last month. You have a sweet little girly wave. It started with what looked like a surfer move, and then turned into a very enthusiastic wave. You still will often point first and then wave. You are quite the talker, and are hardly ever not talking. You are saying mama, and have clearly said: cat, bow, and nana (banana). You also still have your words for daddy, dog, Nonna, all done, and Brennan. You blew me a kiss a few days ago. Most of these actions happen once and then we don't see them again for a week or two, then you are suddenly all about them. You are loving any food that you can feed yourself, but I think your favorite is bananas. You also like all the fresh summer fruits. You have perfected your personal crawl. You move your hands, then pull both legs in behind you, all while bobbing your head with a huge smile on your face. I imagine your moving to your own little song in your head. You are also starting to cruise a little. You pull up on everything and have taken a few steps hanging on. You'll also stand on your own when we put you down. You haven't gotten up by yourself yet, but you've come close. You love to grab two toys, throw them, and then go after them....and do it all over. You love phones, cars, dolls, water, books, and anything that belongs to brother. You really like to entertain yourself or play with brother. If you know I'm coming for you, you often start to crawl away. You are a pretty happy girl, with the deepest belly laugh. When you get excited, you move your whole body with your arms waving and your legs kicking. When I pick you up, you almost always pat my back and/or cuddle into my neck with a big hug. When you do get mad and we come to console you, you will often turn your back to us. I have a feeling it isn't the last time I'll see that move. You have also perfected the loudest scream when you are mad. You don't really cry as much as just scream at the top of your lungs. This month you have: celebrated Memorial Day, celebrated Father's Day, gone to the Rowe family reunion, spent the night in Florence with us, met Aunt Sissie and Uncle Larry, and enjoyed lots of pool time. You love the water, and act like you've always been there. You kick, splash, and squeal! We are loving to watch you grow and change happy girl! We are starting to get excited for your first birthday....in 6 short weeks! I'm a little sad that your baby days are coming to an end, but the older you get the more fun our days are becoming. I'm excited for the fun times to come Rowe Catherine!