11 Months Old!

Naomi, you are 11 months old today! What a darling you are! Here's what the last month has looked like:

Gorgeous Girl! {Oct. 10} 

 - You have begun {very recently} to take a 3 hr. nap each day. Most of the time it's just barely enough to get you through until bedtime, you could probably still sneak in another 30 min. but I don't usually try to since it would put you to bed pretty late then! You typically sleep from 8 pm - 7 am these days! You like to wake up and have some cheerios with Daddy in the kitchen while he makes coffee and starts breakfast.

- You are a fast, loud crawler! You have begun to stand, without holding on to anything, for a few seconds at a time! Will you be walking at your birthday? You love being in on the action of your siblings. You've begun to hold out your hand, most of the time it means "bye-bye" but sometimes you hold it out to someone new and it's almost like you're beckoning them to come closer, with a big smile on your face! Just precious! 

Taking a ride on the North KC Railroad -- you weren't sure what to think of it! 

- You have a "dog" noise whenever you hear Marshall or another dog bark. You like to watch Marshall and the chickens from the kitchen while you sit in your high chair. When I open the door to let Marshall stick his head in, you always reach out your hand and when he moves toward it you spring it back and crinkle up your face like you're nervous about what's going to happen next. You think it's fun when he licks your toes although you still hold on to me pretty tight while he does it! You are loving your swing (from Pop-Pop) in the backyard! You sit in there for a long time watching the dog and the kids swinging beside you and running around. You love it and so do I!

You're wearing 12 month pjs!

- You have become quite the little bulldozer! Climbing into our laps quickly and in earnest. I keep putting toys out and you tire of them quickly leaving trails of toys around the house. You like to stand in your pack-n-play and toss the toys out. You are in there quite often so I can manage to get school done and other things around the house, otherwise you pull things out of the pantry and the drawers and stick your hand in Dora's water bowl and eat cat food off the floor and find the pieces of dirt by the door to the back yard and pick up the strings from the fringe from the pillows from the couch even though Levi vacuums daily! Whew! This is why you spend so much time in the pack-n-play: sanity and safety! And you do great. Playing in there quite contentedly for 20-30 minutes, and if you can see a family member it can sometimes last longer.

- Your hair has really grown and gotten soft and full and thick. There is a hint of curl that might be more noticeable by your first birthday *gulp* next month! I can sometimes get a bow in your hair, but at the moment it has to be a clip-in. The ribbons that wrap around your hair, you snap into your eyes which sends you into a howling fit and it's just. not. worth. it.

Looking quite comfy during nap time

- I've begun to wear you on my back during hikes and walks. You {mostly} like it. You are a bit of a monkey when I try to get you up there by myself, so I often have Zeke stand behind me because you are unpredictable and I don't dare drop you! You've fallen asleep a few times, so I know you must be fairly comfortable back there. I still am able to wear you on my front to church and you'll occasionally fall asleep, but you've begun to go into the nursery. Although you usually end up being held in one of their carriers and falling asleep anyway, so I might as well have you with me :)

Out at Line Creek Trail for a W+F adventure! 

One month ago, 9/11, was your first ride! 

Naomi, my joyful, peaceful, darling girl I just cannot believe that it is time to start planning your birthday party! Just a year ago we were waiting expectantly, impatiently for you. You have added a beautiful dimension to our family dynamic and I love watching you grow and find your place. You love to be touched or hold my hand or put your leg on me or rub my face. You often reach for me with both (slightly dirty) hands while we are eating our meals. You are doing a great job at feeding yourself and seem to have a slight interest in lights and strings as Zeke did/does. This next month is going to be full of pumpkins and apples and Fall Festivals and your first Halloween and I can't wait to be with you as you experience it! Love, Mommy