Julia || 11 Months

Julia,

Here we are. Month 11. One month away from your birthday. The cliché ever remains, I cannot believe how fast the time has gone. For the next month I will continue my denial that the baby days are not fleeting.

This month you've really begun to pull yourself up with the assistance of furniture, and will cruise along the couch, tables, and anything else that will support your weight. You've also discovered you can actually go *up* the steps, and are drawn to them like a moth to a flame. The usage of baby gates are in full force these days.

I wish I could say we've improved in the sleep department. We haven't. And, it's something I've kind of come to terms with. Your two naps during the day are pretty solid, but during the night we are up every three to four hours.

You are a fantastic eater, and often at mealtime you will out eat Marcus. There isn't a food you won't try. Your love of food has really helped to fill you out a bit. When you're finished eating you have quickly learned that Drake is an excellent source of ridding the food you no longer want. You'll ball your food up in your plump little fist and promptly drop it over the side of the high chair.

Still no real words, but you continue to love saying, "dadadada" on repeat. Every now and again you'll humor me and slip in a, "mamama." Clicking your tongue is also a fan favorite. You get a kick out of sticking your tongue out and making a "lalala" sound by moving your tongue back and forth. I've also noticed when you're concentrating deeply your tongue sticks out of your mouth.

Also this month we've really started to deal with severe separation anxiety. It's gotten to the point where if you can't see me - even in our own living room - you will begin to cry and start searching for me. While sometimes it's nice to be the sole person you want it also leaves me quite exhausted at the end of the day. While we were visiting family in the Midwest you hadn't totally warmed up to grandparents after weeks of spending time with them. I hope this is something you will soon outgrow, as I know there are a couple of grandmas and grandpas who would love to hold you.

As with almost every month before this one, Marcus is the highlight of your day. You simply beam when you see him, and want to spend every minute possible right next to him.

Finally, your hair is starting to grow out a bit more. Each new day seems to bring a new curl. The tendrils that pop up over your ears and at the base of your neck leave me with high hopes of a mop of curls in the future.

The opened-mouth-slobbery kisses continue to be doled out, and they are becoming more deliberate, and remain heart-melting.

Cheers to Month 11, little lady! It's been an exhilarating, exhausting ride, and I'm forever grateful we get to share this little thing called life with you!

Love you to the moon and back. Twice.
~Mommy

Stats
Height :: 29ish inches
Weight :: 17 pounds
Teeth :: 6 (four on top, two on bottom), and I spy at least one more trying to pop through on the bottom
Diaper size :: We are using the last few Pampers Size 2. Once those are gone we'll move you up to size 3
Clothes :: Tops/dress - size 6-12 month, bottoms - 6 month