11 Month Letter to Elise

Dear Elise,

You are such a big girl these days.  Your third tooth is starting to see the light of day, you are a speedy crawling machine, pulling up, pushing your walking toys, opening all my drawers and cabinets, opening and closing all the doors... you are an unstoppable force!  Standing on your own and walking are on the horizon for sure!  You are obsessed with BUTTONS!  The TV Remote, the computer, and the phones.  Nothing is safe!

In 2 short weeks we will be celebrating your 1st birthday!  I can't believe how fast these 11 months have flown by.  You amaze me everyday.  The love I have for you is something that nothing could compete with.  I love that you are a Momma's girl (for now).  While laying in our bed, you can tenaciously fight your way from your Daddy's arms to crawl to me and lay your head on my chest.  I hope that you will always have that tenacity and will fight for what you want.  As long as it's not with me, of course.

You and I are trying to settle into a new routine, as I thought I would start weaning you from breastfeeding.  You had other ideas, though.  Ones that didn't include weaning.  I thought it would be pretty easy since you dropped down to nursing three times a day on your own.  It's not.  When I know that's what you want, I can't help but give in.  Maybe we'll wait just a little while longer and try again.

We have folded up the walker because you aren't interested in using it much, and the bouncer that you lived in as newborn is back in its box in the attic.  Next thing to pack up will be the swing.  You are moving on to bigger and better things...  I have folded and packed up your summer clothes that you have outgrown much to my dismay. 

I have to keep reminding myself that although I feel sad that you are growing up so fast and aren't my tiny newborn baby anymore, the best is yet to come.  When one door closes, another one opens and I can't wait to see what our future will bring.  Actually, I can wait.  I don't want time passing any faster than it has to.  I know I have caught myself saying "I can't wait until she crawls, I can't wait until she walks, I can't wait until she's more independent" but I don't really mean that.  I want to cherish all these moments while I can.  Even if that means cherishing diaper changes, messes, carrying you everywhere, and lugging that heavy car seat all over God's green earth. 

Elise, I have so many hopes and dreams for your future, but you have already made all mine come true.  I know you are going to do many great things, but to me you are perfect and already make me the proudest mom I could be.

Love Always,

Momma