My darling Lucy,
You are 13 months old, starting your second year of life!
This month has seen huge leaps in communication and mobility. You still don't hands and knees crawl, you are a buttscooter to the bitter end, no matter now we try and get you to crawl. You've realized it's incredibly efficient to grab a toy and scoot across the room. You're fast and sneaky. Your favorite thing to go for when were not looking is the cat food/water. So much that we have to put it up on the counter when you're free range in the house. Mik isn't a fan of this. You're also a bit fan of mik's, "eee-eee" or kitty is what you call him. When he's on the ground you scoot over to him and oh-so-not-super-lovingly pull clumps of fur out. However he doesn't run away and is often purring so I think he kinda likes you too.
You're also playing ball with us regularly. You toss it over then scoot after it when it gets by you. It's pretty much my favorite. The other toys you love this month are your playmobil bus, often driven by Gonzo or Kermit. You'll scoot along kicking it forward with your foot. Like I said, you're pretty efficient.
You've started pulling up on people, the couch, the coffee table, the stairs...and occasionally letting go and trying to stand alone. I think you've got a long way to go toward walking but it's clear you're getting ready. You love to pull up over and over and then PLOP back down on your butt, only rarely toppling over onto your head. You don't like that.
You still love your big sister, for the most part... However she has found ways to piss you off (tapping on your nose, shouting near your face, or taking your toys). As a younger sister myself, I realize this is par for the course so as much as I try to keep the peace I know someday you'll get your just revenge. (I could give you some pointers when you're teenagers)
You've also seen another big communication leap this month. Your receptive language is astounding. You're able to follow simple one step directions like "put the blocks in the bin" and it's so fun to watch you learn new things! You're also saying "thank you!" Though it sounds more like "tee-ooooo" but you say it often after we give you something or after you give me something. It's very sweet.
Today I asked you if you wanted milk and you glanced up at me and said "yeah!" Be still my milky heart. I've taken to calling you baby Fonz because you say "Aaaaaaye!" often and it makes me laugh.
You aren't much of a babbler, you either have something to say or you're pretty quiet. Your big sister Ruby was a chatterbox, didn't have as many words but sure had her own language at this age. You still only sign milk, more and all done, and occasionally water and up, but were working on more signs too.
This month you started "preschool." You're only one so its really not school like most people think of preschool but it's really not day care either. You spend 3 days a week for 6 hours with Isaiah and Brittney and 2-3 other kids (aged 2-3, you're the only baby) and you're having a blast. You're taking nice long naps, eating super nutritious snacks and playing with friends. You haven't cried once. Not even when I leave! You're so loved and comfortable that you just (open mouth) kiss me good bye and scoot off to play with blocks. It's pretty awesome. I haven't cried once either, but Isaiah has taken care of Ruby since she was 3, so he's like family, and has created an amazingly calm and child centered and happy school. I have a feeling that you are going to have a lot of fun there over the next few years and I feel pretty lucky that we've got this place for you.
We took a trip to the beach and you LOVED playing in the sand and ocean water, even though it was COLD.
We also rode in a surrey (which is a fancy bike) and even though you had a fever from teething you still had some fun.
Speaking of teething, you're getting molars something fierce, and you also had a little virus, you spent several days with a fever and pretty miserable, but Ruby tried to help.
You were sad and clingy and pretty much just nursed and napped for a couple of days. It broke my heart but I did enjoy the snuggles.
We've also been biking a lot, sometimes you ride with me, but this last weekend your dad took you and Ruby both on his bike, it was a sight to behold.
My dear sweet Lucy Mae, I can't believe you're already 13 months old and moving toward walking. You're more of a toddler and less of a baby every day and it's bittersweet to watch. You are SUCH a happy baby, such a lover, such a sweet potato. We are SO lucky that you chose our family to join, and so joyous to have you with us every day. I could not love you more, and yet somehow I do.
All my love, Mama