good day...

[LOVE]

(Unpictured... Gwen and my Gram, so sweet.)

10 months

Dear Gwenie,
Ten months old! Your ninth month was a big month for you, with lots of developments!

You got your first tooth! And are working on another. This was not necessarily the most fun milestone... you were definitely uncomfortable, but dang that little fang is cute!!

You've also been talking more... saying: Mama, Dada, Daisy, and Hi. Man do you still love that dog. We get a Mama and Dada in the morning... but the rest of the day its, "Hi Daisy, hey Daisy, Daisy, Daisy, Hey Daisy!" It really is pretty sweet.

You're also learning to sign "More" and "All Done," both which we use during mealtimes. Meals are another area of growth for you... you're now up to three meals a day! You're eating tons of veggies, two kinds of meats, whole milk cheese and yogurt, tons of fruits, and some carbs. You enjoy them all, but seem to prefer them in that order. We also started you on a sippy at meals (just a little bit of water), since some food can be a little dry.

You're cruising around all the furniture now too, and are so close to walking. You love to grab onto a hand, or sleeve, and take off across the room. The desire is definitely there, I think you just need a little more balance! You also love to take off up the stairs to come get one of us now, so much so that we have to gate the stairs most of the time. You also love to head up them just to have us chase you, the same reason you beeline down the hallway or into the kitchen, etc. You definitely have a fun, playful personality (troublemaker!).

All of these developments have been a bit hard in the sleep department. We've had a few good nights in there, but we've also had some bad one where you're waking every hour or two. Mama is pretty tired sometimes, but the other night, when you were having a particularly hard time, I lay down with you on the futon and you snuggled into me. It was pretty wonderful to lay there, the weight of you in the crook of my arm, and know that my simple embrace was enough to make you feel calm and protected. I know there are years ahead of us where I will miss these quiet moments and sleepy snuggles, so as hard and tiring as it can be, I try to enjoy these times as I can.

Speaking of enjoyable times, Christmas is right around the corner, and while I know you won't really "get it" this year, I am still so excited to see your reaction to your new things. Your Dada and I tried not to go overboard this year, but we got you a few thing that we think you'll really love.

As this year draws to a close, what else do I want to remember? The way your face lights up when you see me for the first time at the end of the day, the way you give me a squeezy snuggly hug, the way you wiggle your butt when music comes on, and how you stop what you're doing to clap your hands when someone sings to you. I want to always remember the face grabbing kisses, and the hilarious belly laughs, and the palatable way we adore each other. I know that your complete love, reverence, and the way you cherish me won't last forever. It will fade with time as we head into those teenage years... but it won't fade for me, so I want to hold these moments close to my heart. 

Gwenivere, I love you so much my baby. This first year of your life is flying by. I can't believe how soon it will be over, and I'll have a toddler instead of a baby. I'm not ready for that! But ready or not, its coming... so lets enjoy this fabulous time together, and have patience with each other while we navigate each new milestone. There are so many more to come.

Hugs and kisses and snuggles,
Mama

11/18 days

Hi. Sorry. Its still crazy. Really, its at the point where I'm just begging for 1) Christmas break to arrive and 2) the new year to get here. I'm ready for the break, the holiday cheer, the fresh start.

This time year always makes me nostalgic and definitely makes me look back. And pictures like this:

Make me think of where we were this time last year:

What a difference a year makes!!

Despite everything going on, the craziness at work with Jan being out (its still so so busy and hectic and overwhelming), and the craziness at home with Trav's broken hand (we're adapting, he's able to do more, though some stuff has just been shelved... like outdoor Christmas lights), we're enjoying the holiday season and are so excited for Gwen's first Christmas. I can't wait to watch her discover her new things, have Trav and my family open their gifts, eat lots of great food, and just spend the time together. I can't wait to watch A Christmas Story and just let the joy of season wash over me. I really do love this time of year.

Some positives:
-- As of this weekend: Cards are mailed. 9 month pictures are put in frames. Presents are wrapped. All done, except for a few that are arriving this week. Trav's stocking is stuffed as well. Still need to decorate the tree, but we're getting there.
-- Jan is in today! Not "for real"... but to get her hair done, and clean her office up, and make sure things aren't "lost" in her email or in her drawers. But she's here. And I got to hug her. I love that.
-- Work Christmas party tomorrow. VERY low-key, just pizza and desserts here at the office with only about a dozen people. But our office needs something to celebrate, and we get to eat yummy things and be joyful together.
-- Seeing my best girl, Babs, this weekend at my parent's. And seeing my parents and brother there too. PLUS seeing my Gram in the same trip, because she finally moved just down the road from my parent's.


11 days until Christmas, 18 days until 2011. Even as I type it, I can't believe it.


Back to work for me now, but I'll be back sooner. Promise.
(In the meantime, share your holiday traditions with me below!)

off to bed...

About to head to bed after a fun, full day.

Trav let me sleep in. Then we headed to Ro & Pat's for some much belated bff time. Ro is looking great at 17 weeks:

We ate lunch, then just hung out and talked while baking Christmas cookies:

It was a lot of fun. I threw Gwen up in the Mai Tei for a lot of the baking, and she loved being part of the fun.

Once we got home (a little later then we meant to) it was a mad dash to get Gwen fed and into bed, then I had some online Christmas shopping to take care of, then dishes, and now I'm finally ready to hit the hay. But its so quiet right now that I had to take advantage and pop in here real quick.

Hope you're weekend has started off nicely too!! Visit to Willy's tomorrow, so I'm sure I'll have more to share come next week.

But for now... goodnight!!