Molly at 10 Months

Moo Moo, are you even real? I love watching your little personality emerge lately. You are still pretty chill, but going through a clingy phase the past few weeks. You're not content to hang out without someone being very close to you. 

Weight:  Guessing somewhere around 17-17.5 lbs. Such a tiny thing, especially compared to how giant she first came out. 

Medical Issues: A lot of snot and coughs this month, plus a touch of viral pink eye. Also a lot of poop blowouts, but maybe that's because she's headed toward a bigger diaper size soon. 

Sleep:  Still hating naps! I think she only takes 2 naps a day at school. She fights to stay awake. On the weekends, she'll take a few catnaps on my lap while nursing. I don't have it in me to nap train her. She does have an earlier bedtime (around 7/7:30) and wakes up around 6 (opposed to the 7:30 she was giving me months ago.)

Clothes: Mostly 9 month, but we're starting to do 12 month sleepers. I'm hoping she fits into her 12-18 month summer clothes at some point. 

Social:  Starting to let other people hold her again which is a relief! She loves being out and about, especially sitting in the front part of the grocery cart. She babbles, dada, mama, and even does Lucy's old Gladys laugh and noises. Lucy makes her actually laugh, something I can't seem to get her to do a lot. 

Food: Still mostly on purees, though the gagging has slowed down a bit. I think she's just my vomit kid. :( She still loves her Puffs so much, but is really appreciating Cheerios too. 

Crying: Mostly cries from when she's tired. 

Play: She loves little plastic toys in her hand. I have to shove one in her hand while I change her diaper in the hopes she stays put. She also likes to pull the wipes out and pretend to clean things. 

Molly at 9 Months

Oh sweet baby, you continue to amaze me with everything you are. I constantly hug you close to me, wondering how you can be real. I think back to a year ago when I was starting to feel you kick inside of my belly, wondering who you'd be, what you'd look like. And now you've been earthside for 9 months, making everything brighter.

Weight:  Down half a pound to 16 lbs as of last week. Thanks to a double ear infection, tummy bug, and newfound crawling, she dropped weight. Little peanut is now 17th percentile, down from her normal 20 something percentile. The only thing in a high percentage is her big noggin.

Medical Issues: I think another cold is coming on. It's been a crappy first winter, but that's to be expected. 

Sleep:  She hates to nap -- her frequent catnaps have gotten worse. She'll fight through a nap at all costs, and when she does submit, it's not for long. Once in awhile, I can get her into her crib for a weekend nap for over an hour. At night, she sleeps almost 12 hours straight through. 

Clothes: 6-9 for the most part, though I'm sure she can fit into her 6 month clothes too. She wears one piece pajamas all the time, even to school. 

Social:  She's still a really good traveler -- she loves being out, looking at things. But she's now doing this yelling thing. Like screams (not out of anger-- more like testing her lungs/voice.) She has had a good case of stranger danger for over a month now. While she's happy to engage with people, she'd much rather do it from the comfort of her parents arms. Oh -- new this week. Babbles, including "dadada." I did hear a random Mama in there too.

Food: She loves all food, but she's not the best at swallowing table food, so I've been sticking to purees and Puffs for the most part. The gagging doesn't scare me that much anymore, but she often will throw up from the gagging. I think Molly's my vomit-y kid.

Crying: Mostly cries from when she's tired. 

Play: Her favorite toy seems to be clapping stacking cups together. She's started to get interested in Lucy's old Zany Zoo, but she seems happy enough to be rolling around on the floor with a few small toys. 

Molly at 7 Months

Dear Molly,
Time, please slow down! You are growing too quickly right before my eyes. I am trying to soak in every rub of your fuzzy head, your milky breath, the way your face looks when you smile with your eyes closed, your tiny fingers grabbing on to mine.

Milestone-wise, you just cut two more teeth (top middle), for a total of four. You are not sitting unaassited yet, but you are trying to crawl! You just started solid foods a month ago and eat like your mother -- ferociously. :) While we give you mostly purees, you're likely to snatch a fry off my plate and try to down it. Pizza crust was a hit. Since you started solids you have been spitting up less!

leepwise, you're still catnapping, but you sleep good at night - about 9/10 hours. You are wearing both 6 and 9 month clothing though you're still a peanut. 15 lbs at your 6 month appointment, and 15 lbs 8 oz. a month later. Socially, you love everyone. Big smiles wherever you go -- very easy going unless you're tired.

You are very amused by your sister, and especially love when she dances and cheers around the house. You also love your toys, jumperoo, and a good bag of wipes. I'm so excited for your first holiday season. I never had a baby this age this time of year. :)

I love you so much, sweet baby of mine. A year ago we didn't know if we were even having a boy or girl, and now here you are -- our dream baby.

12 Months

Dear Lucy,
You're a whole year old now! How is it possible it's been the fastest and sometimes, slowest, year of my life? In your first year of life, you've experienced an insane amount of changes and growth, going from lumpy newborn to curious, mobile big girl.

You are generally a go with the flow kind of kid. You shine when you're out and about, around people, though you get pretty loud in restaurants. You love smiling at people -- especially complete strangers. You never seemed to develop a shyness around people and will go to almost anyone. Though when we're home, you cry when Mommy leaves the room you're in. You don't have many fears -- and you don't dwell too long when you have a fall or bump into something -- though you hate the swingset.

You are learning so many new things now -- you mock cough and laugh when you hear someone do either. You can say a few words and repeat after us. The other day you showed someone a sock and said very clearly 'sock!" You sometimes understand "no." You're interested in other kids, but don't really play with them a lot. You do the cutest thing when you see certain people, mostly adult men, where you cock your head to your shoulder and give the cutest, shyest smile.

And oh my, you have an attitude on you. You want to do things your way and dislike when Mommy diverts you from doing something you shouldn't be. Changing your diaper/clothes is akin to a wrestling match most times, unless we can occupy you with a diaper or toy.

In all, you're way more than I could have ever imagined. I still can't believe you're mine, beautiful girl.

Love, Mommy

10 Months

Dear Lucy,
Within the past two months, your little personality is coming through stronger and stronger. Just like you were as a newborn in those NICU days, you're feisty and hot-tempered. You don't like when I leave the room so you either cry or crawl after me and rock at my feet wanting to be picked up. You're very curious (some people may call it nosy), but you get that trait from your mama. I'll admit, it's a change from how you were from 2-9 months, so I'm getting used to it.

Your current loves are playing with musical toys and teethers (and the odd household item like measuring cups). We know we can get you to giggle by tickling you or giving you belly smooches. You get a kick out of our stuffed Basset Hound puppy, Sam. And half the time you giggle and smile when we tell you "no."

You definitely have a greater awareness for when Mommy or Daddy leave the room. For a few weeks this month, you got very clingy, especially in the mornings, and refused to be put down. You hate diaper changes, so I am learning to change you while you stand up on your Zany Zoo. You dislike your bouncer now because you're just too mobile to be contained.

Your hair is really growing in now! I don't think it will be too far off until I can stick bows in it!

9 Months

Dear Lucy,
Each month I think you've changed so much, but in the past few weeks, you're like a whole other kid. Complete with temper, personality, and mobility. Yes, you can crawl now! This, of course, has opened up a whole new world for both you and your parents. With your newfound ability comes a lot of frustration. When I tell you not to climb up on something or not to grab something you shouldn't, you get upset and yell at me. Miss Lucy does not like the word 'no' already! You haven't yet mastered going from knees to feet, but I'm sure it won't be long before you're standing up on everything.

Your favorite toys aren't even the expensive ones -- you are pretty content with your hairbrush, empty water bottles, and the whisk. You are very tactile lately. When you're drinking a bottle, you always grab at my face, hair, nose. Now that you're mobile, you love grabbing onto anything you see, and of course, putting it in your mouth. With all  the new changes, your temperament has changed. You're quick to whine, cry, and get frustrated. But you have a lot going on, so I'm going to let it slide for now. :)

Your sleeping has improved. Sometimes you get up to eat, but more often than not, you're good until 6 am. When I'm getting ready for work, you follow me from room to room. I'd like to think it's because you like to be close to me. You have your daddy's and my heart. I look at you all the time and think "How is this beautiful baby girl MINE?"

Love you, baby girl.

8 Months

Dear Lucy,
You're becoming quite the biggie girl! Every week you bust out some new tricks to surprise me. You are an unassisted sitting pro now! You want to crawl so bad but all you have been doing the past few weeks is rocking on all fours. Also in gross motor skill news, your pincher grasp seems pretty good for an 8 month old. You love to babble and say things like dada, blah, abah, and when you're upset you say "M" sounds so I think you're trying to call me Mama. 

You wrapped up your first extracurricular activity -- swim class! It was a fun Saturday morning tradition, but I think you're on to better things, like outside swimming pools. Maybe soon you'll graduate from the laundry basket in the tub to just the tub. :) You can now sit in restaurant high chairs and grocery carts. But you're super chatty and loud in restaurants, so we've been scaling back our dining out recently. 

Your favorite things to grab are remote controls and our iPhones. You adore bouncing in your bounceroos and always laugh when we kiss your belly and make weird sounds. Your sleep is still about the same.You can sometimes lie down without crying, but often you'll rotate yourself to face the door, rock on all fours and cry. I think you're just really nosy and don't want to miss anything. 

You continue to amaze me, and I love you more just a bit more than the previous day which I didn't think was possible. If it continues at this rate, my heart will collapse from all the pressure by the time you're 5. You're simply the best baby anyone could ever ask for. I know I'm incredibly blessed. 

Love, Mommy

7 Months

Dear Lucy,

Oh my sweet girl, you just keep growing and growing! You are a sunshiney-y, engaged, and observant little girl. Your biggest milestone this month is learning to sit up unassisted! For awhile, you wouldn't even allow your body to bend when I tried putting you into a sitting position; it took you all of a week to get decent at it. I only let you sit without me as a spotter when you're on something soft like the bed, couch, or grass. If you turn your head too quick, you topple. 

You still love people ... when we're out in public strangers are drawn to you because you beam at anyone who looks at you. And if you don't immediately it only takes a few seconds for the smile to wash over your face. Your smiles are epic, by the way. You can't help but smile when you're smiling. Which is a lot. You're the smiley-est baby I've ever seen. I once woke you up from a nap and you beamed at me. 

You love playing with toys now-- your favorites are the exersaucer, links, Sophie, and stacking blocks. You are interested in adult things too, like the remote, the iPhones, bags of chips... I have to get used to reacting to your quick movements now that you're so grabby and interested in everything. 

You have been sleeping all night in your crib for about a month now. While I'm super happy about it, I'm not as happy about the 5:30 am wakeup calls every morning. Guess you're an early bird like your mama. Someday I'll have to yank you out of bed to catch the bus, but for right now you'd rather wake us up. 

Your latest trick is blowing raspberries -- aka spritzing your drool all over the place. Which ... oh my gosh, kid, you're the biggest drooler ever! I've had to buy new bib sets almost every weekend the way you go through them. Health-wise, you had an excellent month. I can probably attribute that to your new daycare (fewer germs). Keep it up, Buggy! 

I love you so much, sweet muffin. 

Love, Mommy

6 Months

Dear Lucy,
You are quickly becoming a tiny human to me. With each that passes, you seem to learn a new skill and take in more around you all the time. You LOVE to smile. Especially at your dad, but you love strangers too. You are still easily adaptable, so it's not hard for us to eat or nap on the run. You don't cry much at all - only when overtired or hungry (or when Mommy has to use the nasal aspirator). I've never actually seen a baby as naturally happy as you! It doesn't hurt you're the cutest thing I've ever seen in my life. No joke. It almost hurts to look at you.

Mommy has absolutely no shame when she talks about you. I can't be humble at all when it comes to you. "You have such an adorable baby" to which I reply "I KNOW!!"

This month was a big month for us developmentally. You are now sleeping through the night in your very own crib and you're eating solids (oatmeal and veggie purees). Both things make me feel like you're growing too fast. You have taken very well to solids and eat everything we've given you so far. We're going to try some fruits soon! In terms of other milestones, we're working on rolling over from belly to back and sitting unassisted. At your 6 month doctor appointment  you weighed 16 lbs 5 oz, 27" and 17" head.

The more time goes on, the more nicknames you seem to acquire  Mommy calls you Lu, Lulu, Buggy, Buggy Lu, Big Girl Buggles, Sweet Muffin, Big Buggy Girlfriend, Big Girl, and any variation of the above. You probably don't even realize your name is Lucy. :)

I love you, Buggy!!

5 Months

Dear Lucy,

Five months already! That's too close to 6 months, which is way too close to one year. You're becoming quite the little person these days -- very aware of your surroundings, grasping those hands, mimicking our expressions, trying out your little voice and its levels of loudness. 

Everyone tells me you must be the happiest baby on the planet -- you smile a lot and at everyone you see! I'm so glad you have such a good demeanor; I hope you never get the stranger anxiety a lot of people warn me about. There are sometimes you're with someone else, and your lower lip comes out in the most hilarious way and you just let out a huge wail. I haven't quite figured out the cause of that one!

You figured out how to roll from back to belly, but not the other way around. Then you get mad while you're on your tummy because you get stuck. It's another reason you're not sleeping in your crib yet! You love putting weight on your legs -- I'm almost wondering if you'll master walking before anything else. 

You're still awesome at being out in public -- you love your car seat, the stroller, being in new places and hearing ambient noises. And it works for me since I have been in need of a Saturday shopping buddy since your dad's been working a lot of Saturdays. I can tell you're going to be my little shopper girl. You still love music and being sung to, and you really get a kick out of being tossed in the air and "flying". 

Your looks are changing a lot to me. You're looking more like a little girl and less like a baby. Your hair is getting lighter and falling out (so is Mommy's). You're all round and chubby and pretty long. It's rare, but sometimes I see some of me in your appearance, but mostly you're Daddy's little clone. 

Again, I can't get over just how much you have changed my entire world. I love you more every day, which I didn't think it was even possible. As much as I'm sad to see  these baby months fly by, I'm sooo excited to see you take in the world and be old enough to say "I love you, Mommy." 

I love you, Big Girl Buggles!! 

Love, Mommy

4 Months

Dear Lucy,

Time is going by too quickly!  Four months in the scheme of things is not a huge amount of time, yet it feels like aeons since your birth and your newborn days!  You are an observant and engaged young lady now. You're working very hard on finding your hands and rolling over. You are working on your core strength and are doing decently well at tummy time.

Each day you amaze me. You become more aware, more "worldly", more in tune with your feelings and opinions. I think you know who we are. You light up like a Christmas tree when you see me or Dad. You giggle when Mommy kisses your feet or cheeks and when Daddy sings to you. Overall, you're a pretty sunshiney kid, even through teething pain. Speaking of teething, you shun all your teething toys in favor of chewing on your hands. 

We have less time together during the week because you slowly moved your bedtime up from 10 pm to 8 pm. I never feel like we see each other enough, so weekends are very cherished around here. 

Four months in, and I still cannot believe I get to be your mommy. Whatever I did to deserve you must have been something incredible. You are my heart, Lu. 

Love, Mommy

3 Months

Dear Lucy,
Just when I don't think it's possible, I manage to love you more each day. While I get weepy at the thought of you someday not being my little baby, I know great things are ahead. I can see you grow before my eyes with each day that passes. You get a little taller, you learn a new expression, or you develop a new skill overnight. It's getting harder to remember that warm little newborn lump you once were just weeks ago! I'm sure all mommies think this, but I often want to freeze time. I never want to forget your little tics and sounds. I especially love the scrunchy face you make after eating or waking up where your body arches, your arms fly up by your ears and your eyebrows raise. I hope you always make this face that I can't even put into words -- when you start eating or sucking on your bink, you make this little attack face. I adore the soft little noises you make during our early morning nursing session. I love touching your soft chubby thighs and feeling the strength of those little legs. The way you smile and laugh at me just melts me into a puddle.

Your third month was a big month for us all. You started sleeping mostly through the night just in time for me to return to work. You started afternoon daycare (you're doing great - they all love you and say you're a good, happy baby). You and Daddy have your mornings together. While each week brings a new challenge, we've all settled into a nice little routine rather easily.

You absolutely love being sung to, whether it's old country music or rap or commercial jingles! You are more aware of everything including color and light (which now includes the TV). You do so well when Mommy wants to take photos with your phone or camera. You're a great little traveler, probably because you have no eating or napping schedule -- you just like to snack and catnap all day!

We've had no health issues this month! Your gas issues have pretty much gone away. You mainly cry when you're hungry or overtired. Tummy time is definitely not your favorite.

I wonder constantly when I'll fully believe that you're my daughter. It often seems like you're on loan and that someone will pick you up someday. How is it this amazing little baby belongs to ME?

You're my world, Buggy Lu!!

Love, Mommy

2 Months

Dear Lucy,
You're two months old now! While you're still so new, it feels like your birth happened years ago. It took a bit, but we've finally settled into a new normal. Admittedly the first few weeks were incredibly tough; I had a hard time understanding everything and my life was completely flipped upside down. I had so many paralyzing fears about you... how to keep you safe and happy while at the same time retaining a little bit of myself. But we made it through!

You are my everything. All the decisions I make are based around you. It's humbling to put someone else completely above yourself, but there's nothing I wouldn't do to make sure your needs come first.

You are a lot more interactive than you were a month ago -- you are great at making eye contact, tracking, holding your head up, putting weight on your legs, and the best of all -- SMILES and COOS! I absolutely live for your smiles. My heart melts each time you flash that gummy little grin. You love to eat, look at lights, listen to music, enjoy car rides and shopping, and bounce around on Mommy's lap. You even like diaper changes now! And I think you like bath time too, though you won't admit to us. You dislike all your recent indigestion, tummy time, being harnessed into your car seat, and having your nose suctioned. Recently we have discovered you are really happy when being held by men!

You're growing pretty fast now. I already miss your curled up newborn lump would feel against me, but now it almost feels like you're hugging me when I hold you, which is equally awesome.

You're a decent sleeper for being two months old, but I selfishly wish you'd progress a little more, especially as I head back to work this week. I am very nervous to not be with you every minute of the day, but I know you and Daddy will have lots of fun in the morning and then you'll get to meet new people at daycare in the afternoons. I am going to miss you with every ounce of me. We haven't been separated for 11 months. But I hope that it will make our times together even more special.

I love you so much, Buggy Lu!!

1 Month