To Etta, at 10 months

November 5, 2012

Dear Etta,

Happy 10 months, Little One!  You are growing up so quickly.  Just the other day, I was talking with Tye about Big Girls and Little Girls and babies.  I started to say that you are a baby, and as I did, I realized that you are almost into the realm of Little Girl.  I'm having trouble wrapping my head around that, but it's true.  After all, you're now taking steps.  I wouldn't say you're walking, but you are certainly taking steps.  All this time, we've been wondering if you would be walking by Christmas or by your birthday, and here you are, walking by Tye's birthday.  You'll be running by your first birthday!

You've learned the power of communication.  You use signs, including rough approximations of "more," "milk," and "all done."  You also have this way of holding out upturned hands that seems to mean "I want you," as in "Pick me up."  You've also learned how to play games with us, including chase, keep away from the laptop, and tug of war.  Playing with you is pure joy.

These days, you eat pretty much everything we eat, too.  Some of your favorites are black beans, broccoli, celery, and any type of cracker.  Watching you move the food to the front of your mouth to chew with your four front teeth is entertaining, especially when you have a good mouthful, but somehow you make it work, even with crunchy and chewy foods.  Your appetite is already rivaling that of your sister.  As she told me the other day, "Etta is always hungry."

Sometimes when I see you crawling towards me, I see how tiny you are and take a moment to appreciate you as a little baby.  These moments are flying by all too quickly, and I want to cling to them while I can.  I want to always be able to revisit you with your sideways crawl, your Chiclet teeth, and your bald head.  You bring me so much joy, Etta.  I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you.

Love,
Mama