Gosh, where to begin without crying. I will try to save the tears for your 1 year post. Even the thought of that makes me want to cry! You have a nostalgic, emotional mother, I hope you know. I am not sad that you are getting older because I ADORE you and know we have so many exciting times ahead, but I am sad that your baby time is flying by so fast. I really would relive the past 11 months if I could. Ok, get it together Mommy. You. Are. So. Fun. I know I've said that before, but I can't say it enough! You have the cutest smile in the world and it melts my heart every time I see it. You have been so sweet this month - laying your head on my shoulder a lot, giving me big wet kisses, and squeezing me like you know exactly how to give an awesome hug. I feel like you have done lots of growing up this month b/c you got mobile! You finally figured out downward facing dog wasn't doing you very many favors, put your knees down, and off you went. You love computer cords, dog bones, and any tiny spec of anything you can find on the floor. You use your little index finger to pick up lent, leaves, etc. Lucky for me! Ha! You love to crawl over to the back door and look out the window too. You are also pulling up on everything - your crib, toys, and just in the past few days the coffee table which was just a bit too tall for you at first. You can walk while we hold your hands, but you are still pretty wobbly so I think we have a bit before you'll walk on your own. You love your Johnny Jump-up whether you are jumping like a normal child, or winding yourself up and letting go and spinning like a crazy girl. Both are so fun for us to watch. The jump-up is right by the back door so you also enjoy pulling Copper's hair when he waits at the door to go outside. Ha! Thankfully he is sweet and doesn't get mad at you. You love being outside whether it is in your swing or on a walk in your stroller. You actually get upset if I approach the door with you and then don't take you outside. I have to be strategic about that nowadays. Gammie calls you a clown b/c you have what seems to be an unlimited number of different faces and sounds you can make. You still bob your head to music and if I know rhythm, you've got some already! :) Future dancer, anyone? I hope so! You are also saying ma-ma and da-da. Da-da is usually said more often and in a sweet, half-whisper at times. You have seen his picture a couple times and said it and then you get upset when the picture doesn't come to life. You love him so much and I love watching him play with you! Ma-ma is mostly LOUDLY said when you want some attention. You can be playing in the exersaucer, jump-up, etc and start loudly babbling ma-ma-ma-ma-ma, sometimes followed by a shrieky yell. It's quite comical actually! You also do this in your highchair when I am not fast enough with the food! Speaking of which, you are still nursing which I am so happy about! I am hoping to continue that at least another month. You are still doing great with baby food, and even eating more fruit now! You LOVE yogurt melts (which to me taste like nasty chalk), cheese sticks, and puffs. As for more natural, healthy, finger foods... you're not quite there yet. Although you did actually eat some grapes today and loved them! Hoping this coming month you will start eating more substantial food. Still just the 2 bottom teeth, and 1 top tooth barely poking through. I'm kinda dreading the day the next one decides to make an entrance b/c you are not a happy girl at nighttime when that happens! You haven't quite figured out the sippy cup either. You love to chew on the spout, but it is rare that you actually tip it up to drink it. You'll get it eventually! You are wearing 12 months clothes, but can still squeeze in some 9 months stuff. You are still very petite! To me, you are so big, but we get around other babies your age and you are tiny! That's ok with me though. I just reassure people that I do feed you. Ha! You have been spending more time with Grandma & Poppy lately as my work schedule got a bit more hectic. You go to them so easily now and don't cry when I leave anymore. :) But you better believe you are one excited baby when I return! And I love that! You are so cute with Skype too. Gammie or Bozzy's voice comes over the speakers before their face shows up and you just shake with excitement. Then when you first see them you have the biggest grin on your face and kinda contract your body with glee. It's so cute! Gosh what else... I could obviously go on and on about you forever. Oh! You have 2 different toy phones and I can say "Hello!" when you have them and you immediately hold them up to your ear with a big grin. It's adorable! And if you don't have a blanket nearby for peek-a-boo, you will hold your hands on each side of your head to "hide." We say "Where's Haven?" and you put your hands there, then we say "peek-a-boo!" and you take them off and smile. It's precious. Ok, I will wrap it up now! Your birthday month is going to be sooo busy. The last few weeks of dance class, 2 Aunts' and 2 Uncles' graduations to go to, and your first Tippi Toes dance recital (where I will show you off b/c you were the reason I wasn't there last year!) are all on the agenda! Then as soon as all of that is over, we leave for Orlando with Poppy & Grandma and all of your cousins! We will celebrate your birthday there and at your party when we get back from vacation! I'm sure this month will fly even faster than the rest with so much going on. I have already cried twice about you turning 1 year, so I'm sure I'll just keep a running tally as it is bound to happen again in the coming weeks. I cherish every moment with you, Haven Jane! Daddy and I love you so much!
