Analiese: 13 Months

Dear Analiese,

Well, my dear, you are officially a toddler. From a day-to-day standpoint, it doesn’t seem like much has changed since last month. But when I look through pictures and read through your journal, I can’t believe how much can happen in a month’s time.

Although you haven’t ventured to take your first step yet, we think you’re very close. You’re comfortable to stand on your own, but when tempted to move towards a person or something you want, you immediately drop to your knees and crawl with amazing speed.

Your hair is finally long enough to sweep a few strands to the side with a clip. This makes Mama happy. It was especially fun to see your soft, blonde locks blow in the wind on a surprise warm, sunny day.

Your favorite way to snuggle with your bunny lovie is to hold one of the ears in the same hand as the thumb you suck (your left hand) and push it into your nostril with the other hand while you breathe. We think this is so strange because you also chew on those ears, leaving them with a pretty gross smell. For whatever reason, though, it’s comforting to you. Thankfully, we have three of them. So, they are often rotated out to get a good cleaning. We tried to get a few more just in case, but they must have redesigned the line. I got one just to try it out and you could totally tell the difference. Bummer. I guess we’ll just have to hope the three last you for a while.

Speaking of comfort, you’ve been a little extra clingy lately. Sometimes it’s not very convenient and I have to remind myself that whatever else I have to do can wait. You are my priority. And I just love that you want to be close to me–that you find comfort and protection in my arms. My love for you hits me unexpectedly sometimes. It’s a grounding and humbling love. I find myself watching you and your little hands, little fingers, little mouth, little everything and thank God that He has given you to us. You are an amazing little girl.

You are a smart cookie, too. We blame Parker for this little maneuver of yours. Object in mouth means hands free. Sweet. It comes in quite handy when you’re crawling like a speed demon across the floor.>

This month included a trip to Atlanta where you got to meet some of your relatives for the first time, your second visit to a zoo (you were awake this time), a new opportunity to make some friends at the gym, a walk with Parker thanks to some warmer weather, and one less feeding. Perhaps this is the reason for the clinginess during the day.

We love to watch you eat because you enjoy your food so. much. We like trying new and different foods to see your reaction. The latest was a frozen fruit slush–cold and sweet! You loved it!

Keep up the smiles, Baby Girl!

Love, Mama and Daddy